Do you know that in Malaysia, 1 in 6 couples are
estimated to have fertility issues? In fact, I have many relatives and friends are
facing fertility issues, and they have not managed to get a child even after
married for 10 years or more. I recently got to attend a fertility talk where I
have learnt more about fertility issues and I wish to share with all of you
here.
Fertility Associates Malaysia is located at Jalan Gasing
L to R: Dr. John Peek (General Manager Quality, Information and Science, Fertility Associates New Zealand) and Dr. Mary Birdsall (Chair and Fertility Specialist, Fertility Associates New Zealand), Dr. Arasu Muthusamy (MD, Fertility Associates Malaysia), Atilia
According
to the panel, in fact, it’s never too young to do fertility
scanning. International fertility specialists panel advises women to take steps
to safeguard fertility while pursuing their careers, to avoid challenges in
conceiving when they are ready to start families. Women nowadays are getting married later
in life, and often pursuing careers to provide financial security before having
children. This is leading to an
increasing number of couples struggling to conceive when they do want to start
a family.
Chase Career, or Change Diapers?
The expert also found out that lack of
awareness is a major factor influencing Malaysian couples seeking help, with
many only consulting a fertility doctor after they have been trying to conceive
for a number of years. At the panel discussion Fertility Screening was raised
as a great first step for young women and men to get proactive and understand
their fertility health before it is too late.
Dr.
Mary Birdsall has brought her daughter to fertility scan when she
was only 25. Not because Dr.
Mary Birdsall wanted to become a grandmother but it’s for
the knowledge and understand
their fertility health.
Atilia Haron also joined the panel sharing
her own experience of trying to have a baby and encouraged fertility
screening. This has helped both her and
her husband understand their fertility health status and therefore chance of
success either with or without treatment. Atilia wants to raise awareness on
the importance of fertility screening and encourage more open discussion on the
topic.
Throughout my adult life, fertility was not something I worried
about. The status of one’s fertility was also not something that was openly
discussed. Now that my husband and I have been trying for some time, I realised
it was time I reached out for help. I am here today to tell Malaysian men and
women that it is possible to focus on your career growth and have a baby - if
you take the necessary steps, starting with a fertility screening,” said
Atilia.
Fertility Screening
Currently Fertility Screening is not a
consideration for many Malaysian adults until they are in their prime or even
past their fertile years. Fertility screening is similar to having a health
screen. For both men and women there are a range of tests that can help check
your fertility to help you plan your future. These tests help predict if a woman
may have a faster biological clock and therefore will lose their fertility
sooner than expected. The tests available estimate what is called an ‘ovarian
reserve’ by measuring the number of egg follicles developing at a particular
time. Testing of the ovarian reserve involves doing a blood test for Follicular
Stimulating Hormones FSH and estradiol between day 2 and day 4 of the cycle, a
pelvic ultrasound and/or performing a blood test for Anti Mullerian Hormone
(AMH) that can be done anytime of the month.
For men a semen analysis looks at the
number of sperm, their shape and their ability to move. A single test does not
provide all the information required, which is why Fertility Associates
Malaysia offers these tests as part of a fertility screening package including
a consultation with a fertility specialist.
Dr John Peek (General Manager, Quality, Information and Science, Fertility Associates) explaining Biological Clock
Age is the most
important factor when trying to have a baby. Young women without fertility
problems have about a 25% chance per month of having a baby naturally. This
falls to about a 12% chance at age 37 and a 4% at 42. Every year counts when
you are getting into your late 30’s. Fertility Associates also has an online
tool called the Biological Clock to help people work out their chances of
conception naturally and also with treatment, this can tell you how long to try
for naturally before going to a fertility doctor.
Fertility Associates’ patients Fatemeh
Jalilvand and Laavanya Gopal Krishna also shared their own personal stories of
their journey towards having a baby and were at the panel with their babies.
L-R: Dr John Peek
(General Manager, Quality, Information and Science, Fertility Associates), Dr
mary Birdsall (Fertility Specialist & Chair, Fertility Associates), Atilia
Haron, Dr Arasu Muthusamy (Medical Director, Fertility Associates Malaysia),
Patient Fatemeh Jalilvand with baby boy Amir Arsalan and husband Saiful Zamri
(behind), Patient Laavanya Gopal Krishna with baby girl Keshannaa and husband
M. Kumara Guru (behind).
“I would encourage women to seek advice and take up the Fertility
Screening as soon as they are thinking about having a baby. It is easy and
helps increase your chances in the long term. Don’t leave it too late.” – Fatemeh
Jalilvand.
“Taking the first step is not that
hard – the team at Fertility Associates really helped us along our journey.” - Laavanya Gopal Krishna.
Dr Arasu presents a token of appreciation to the patients
who shared their personal journeys to motherhood at the panel discussion. LR: Dr Arasu Muthusamy (Medical Director, Fertility Associates Malaysia), Patient Fatemeh Jalilvand with baby boy Amir Arsalan and husband Saiful Zamri
(behind), Patient Laavanya Gopal Krishna with baby girl Keshannaa and husband
M. Kumara Guru (behind).
The fertility
specialists from New Zealand highlighted that there have been many advances in
the field of fertility. “I encourage women to take control of their fertility
as soon as they are of adult fertile age. Start early and get yourself screened
so that you can understand your fertility and therefore the options whether
involving fertility treatment or not to a baby,” said Dr. Mary
Birdsall (Chair and Fertility Specialist, Fertility Associates New
Zealand.
Fertility
Associates Malaysia wants to empower women with the right tools, knowledge,
treatment and support to ensure her fertility, while she is working on her career
growth. Through this panel discussion, Fertility Associates Malaysia hopes to
raise awareness on the subject of fertility amongst Malaysian women and men and
inspire them to find out the status of their fertility health in preparation
for the near future.
Fertility
Associates Malaysia can be reached at:
Fertility Associates
106 Jalan Gasing, Section 5,
Petaling Jaya, 46000, Selangor,
Malaysia.
Tel No: 1 300 800 400 / +6-03 7931 9510
I know some friends who need this information. Will let them know. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI can do both !. Having babies are the best thing in this world. 😆
ReplyDeleteGreat information to young couples. At least they know where to seek helps when they need such advice.
ReplyDeleteNice sharing babe!
ReplyDeleteit's true that an increasing number of couples struggling to conceive when they do want to start a family. family planning should start young :)
ReplyDeleteI am sharing this with my friend who has been tring for a baby but failing for 9 years or so already...
ReplyDeleteI appreciate their initiative. I wonder what if they spread such campaigns to every city, so many will get the knowledge they needed badly!
ReplyDeleteThumbs up for the post.
much love... GreenStory
good sharing.. but no career no money, got baby no money, how la. erm.. nvm me.
ReplyDelete