For some Filipino couples, dreams of having and raising a baby together are dashed by fertility issues, which, unknown to many, is actually a disease recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization describes infertility asa disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
Merck Philippines, the local arm of the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company, joined forces with IVF Davao (In Vitro Fertilization Davao) located at Brokenshire Women's Center, Brokenshire Hospital, Madapo Hills, Davao City, the Mindanao’s first IVF facility, for a public information project that promotes awareness on infertility, as well as the different medical solutions that can give life to the dreams of Filipino couples. This project coincides with the 1st anniversary of IVF Davao.
Dr. Ma. Lourdes Zosas-Cabling, chair of IVF Davao, cites that one of out ten Filipinos suffer from infertility. She also notes that it is a sizable number of the population, and that this number should be properly served. The process is easy, it’s simple, the technology is available, and most of all, we’ve made it much more affordable for our fellow Filipinos, Dr. Cabling shares.
The science of ART
One of the medical solutions that childless Filipino couples can explore is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), which is an umbrella term that refers to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and its variants. This special fertility treatment procedure stimulates multiple ovarian follicles and facilitates egg cell retrieval. During the course of treatment, embryos will be formed outside of the female patient’s body—and once the cultures have formed successfully, they will be transferred to the patient’s uterus. ART is recommended for patients suffering from blocked fallopian tubes, severe sperm deficits, unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, and ovulation disorders, among others. It comes as no surprise that IVF Davao also serves as a living gallery and learning channel for ART/ IVF. The biggest contribution that our facility has provided is the continuing education about infertility, how couples can go through it healthily, and what we can do about it. It is our dream to help build families, and we are doing our best to cater to couples in the most efficient and affordable way possible, shares Dra. Cabling.
Crunching the Numbers
A lot of people think it’s a worthwhile investment; for packages that start at P285,000.00,it’s a good price for the technology IVF Davao offers. Most people know that regular IVF procedures cost at least half a million pesos. The facility also assists in bank financing and is penciling in an in-house financing program in the future. As for the success rate, the national success rate for IVF babies are 50%. This number is set to increase with the abundance of IVF Davao’s specialty group, government, and corporate partners. With the help of Filipino doctors and specialty groups, Merck has been able to propagate more information on infertility, said Dess Cartaño, Senior Product Manager for Fertility, Merck Philippines. At this point, we want to provide fertility-challenged couples with actual, effective, and efficient solutions that will give life to their dreams of a family once more.
To know more about infertility and IVF in the Philippines, Merck Philippines will be holding a Patient's Forum to learn more about fertility and discover treatments that are available to us here in the Philippines on October 29, 2016, 8am at Ballroom B, Marco Polo Hotel Davao. Free admission and doctor's consultation.
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