Having a child brings joy into your life. However, the process of conceiving can be a challenge for some couples. Learning that you and your partner are struggling to conceive can be an emotional roller coaster, but there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
In cases where spontaneous pregnancy does not happen, couples are blessed with the option of fertility treatments. With that said, how does one know what treatments are the best option to increase one’s chances of conceiving?
We reached out to Medical Director of TMC Fertility & Women’s Specialist Centre Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Fertility Specialist, Dr. Navdeep Singh Pannu to share fertility treatment options that couples can consider.
1Twenty80: What are some of the factors a couple needs to consider before getting fertility treatments?
Dr. Navdeep Singh Pannu: There are a few things that they need to consider before undergoing fertility treatment. The first would be the cost. In vitro fertilization (IVF) will cost them much more than Intrauterine insemination (IUI), but comes with a better success rate. We would always advise our patient to start with a basic fertility assessment before deciding which option to go for as that will help us to customise a treatment plan that is suitable for them.
The second is of course to be well prepared, not just physically, but mentally as well. Your fertility journey can be an arduous journey, filled with lots of challenges, which is why they need to have the correct support system to help them get through the whole process, regardless of the outcome. TMC Fertility has a robust support group consisting of previous patients. This support group provides emotional and psychological support to other women or couples who may be facing trouble before, during, or after their treatment process.
1Twenty80: What are some of the common challenges faced by a Malaysian couple trying to have a child?
Dr. Navdeep: The fertility rate in Malaysia has consistently declined over the last two decades – its Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which stood at 2.8 in 2000, has since dropped to 1.97 this year. Looking at this data, the most common challenge would be the quality of the egg or sperm as most Malaysians are delaying marriage for various reasons such as climbing the corporate ladder, financial constraints, or other personal reasons.
Some of the common fertility myths I often hear are that fertility is a woman’s issue, you won’t have any fertility issues if you manage to conceive before this or that your overall health does not impact your fertility.
1Twenty80: Could you share with us some common fertility myths that you often hear from your patients?
Dr. Navdeep: Some of the common fertility myths I often hear are that fertility is a woman’s issue, you won’t have any fertility issues if you manage to conceive before this or that your overall health does not impact your fertility.
1Twenty80: How about egg and sperm freezing, are both options available in Malaysia?
Dr. Navdeep: Yes, both egg and sperm freezing are available in Malaysia.
1Twenty80: What is the procedure for sperm freezing?
Dr. Navdeep: Firstly, we collect the semen sample from the male and do a Semen Analysis to check on the semen parameters. After that, we will put the sperm freezing medium and then into liquid nitrogen to freeze the sperm.
1Twenty80: What is the procedure for egg freezing?
Dr. Navdeep: We will first stimulate the ovaries with hormones to produce multiple eggs (approximately 9 to 10 days of hormone injections). After that, the eggs will be retrieved and taken to the lab, where they’re cooled to subzero temperatures to be thawed at a later date. A substance called cryoprotectant is used to prevent damage to the cells when it is immersed in liquid nitrogen and stored at -196°C.
1Twenty80: Will the freezing procedure affect the quality and quantity of the egg/sperm?
Dr. Navdeep: No, the freezing procedure will not affect the quality of the egg/ sperm, but as the quality starts to drop as you age, it’s always good to freeze them early when they’re at optimal quality.
1Twenty80: What is the percentage of success through egg or sperm freezing?
Dr. Navdeep: Depending on the quality which is according to the patient’s age, the percentage can be as high as 90 percent.
1Twenty80: What are the technological advancements for fertility treatments available in Malaysia?
Dr. Navdeep: Malaysia has grown as an increasingly preferred destination for travellers seeking fertility treatment owing to the experienced medical experts, availability of state-of-the-art technology, and high-quality treatment options with good clinical outcomes and seamless end-to-end patient experience. As the pioneer and leader in the fertility industry in Malaysia, TMC Fertility Centre has, over the years, consistently sought to enhance its services and offerings, in order to improve patient outcomes. Besides offering fertility treatment options such as IVF, IUI, fertility preservation, Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), and many others, we are the region’s first fertility centre to offer precision IVF medicine and treatments through our Fertility GeneCode and My GeneCode screening. This breakthrough screening procedure will scan your DNA for over 10,000 genetic disorders and hereditary cancer syndromes and will tell you how effective your fertility treatment will be, eliminating the need for trial and error.
Malaysia has grown as an increasingly preferred destination for travellers seeking fertility treatment owing to the experienced medical experts, availability of state-of-the-art technology, and high-quality treatment options with good clinical outcomes and seamless end-to-end patient experience.
