The study, commissioned by biopharmaceutical firm Merck Serono, reveals that while majority of couples with fertility problems seek initial consultation, “treatment is hindered by patients’ perception of the high cost of treatment and lack of understanding on the procedures involved”.
“One of the barriers for treatment also stems from the misconception that treatment is not available locally, or that it is more effective in other countries,” according to the same study.
This is why Merck is rolling out Hope for Starting Families, a campaign that will “provide couples with relevant information on infertility treatment through public information efforts such as a series of lay fora across major cities nationwide, and a dedicated website on infertility at
www.fertilityphilippines.com”.
The website will serve as a repository of information on the causes of
infertility, available treatment options as well as a directory of medical experts and treatment centers in the Philippines, the company said in a separate statement.
Merck will also be conducting workshops on Basic Infertility Management for obstetricians and gynecologists.
Under this campaign, Merck informs Filipino couples that fertility treatments are available from five assisted reproductive technology (ART) centers in the Philippines and that their success rates are comparable to international standards.
According to the Philippine Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (PSREI), “Filipino couples are encouraged to seek help from fertility experts – and to do so urgently — if they truly want to realize their dream of starting a family. “Fertility treatments are being successfully done in the country for many years now, and I am happy to report that we have helped many couples conceive with an average success rate of 30-50%.
Merck Serono Philippines is “committed to giving hope to couples who dream of having a child by encouraging them to consult with the leading medical experts in the country. Merck will engage in public information dissemination efforts, so that couples can understand their condition and the kind of treatment needed. With this campaign, Merck aims to empower couples to take the first step in their journey to having a family”.
The Hope for Starting Families campaign is aligned with Merck’s efforts across Asia, following a recent study commissioned by Merck Serono that has been endorsed by the Asia Pacific Initiative on
Reproduction (ASPIRE).
Called Starting Families Asia, the study was conducted on 1,000 women across 10 Asian countries. The study revealed “critical knowledge gaps about fertility, the key causes of infertility and fertility treatment options”.
According to Starting Families Asia, less than half of the women surveyed across the region understand that a couple is classified as infertile if they fail to conceive after one year of trying (43%); that a woman in her forties has a lower chance of falling pregnant than a woman in her thirties (36%); and that a healthy lifestyle does not necessarily guarantee fertility (32%). This could mean that many women are not seeking the help or treatment that could improve their chances of conceiving – particularly for women above age 35.
“Asian countries have among the lowest fertility rates in the world and the declining birth rates are a cause for concern,” it said
Merck Serono commissioned the Starting Families Asia study to better understand Asian women’s decision-making considerations around having a baby.
“It is our hope that insights from this study, which highlights critical fertility knowledge gaps that need to be addressed, will assist
healthcare professionals and policy makers in addressing this acute challenge,” said Tim Kneen, Regional Vice President Asia Pacific, Merck Serono.
Merck will continue to work closely with doctors, ART centers and patients who have successfully given birth to babies through assisted reproductive techniques to produce and share updated content on significant fertility issues. By registering on www.fertilityphilippines.com, site users can also get access to useful tools, videos, directories and announcements on promos or events.