Friday, October 27, 2017

Merck: Bridging Baby Steps (Fertility Awareness 2017)

Fertility Awareness 2017

Despite the huge population of the Philippines. Infertility still happens and is often a burden on many parents who want to conceive. The data from a Synovate survey in 2011 shows that one out of 10 Filipinos are suffering from infertility. There are different factors that affect a couple’s ability to procreate such as socio-cultural practices, including the marrying age, educational status, professional goals.

Merck is now on its 5th year of pursuing awareness on fertility and infertility in the Philippines. Often battling many myths and misconceptions.


Who is Merck?

Merck Inc. started operation in the Philippines in 1973 as a division of Pharma Industries Inc., now known as Zuellig Pharma Corporation (ZPC), to promote the pharmaceutical products of Merck KGaA.       
                             
Today, the company and its employees continue to work together in providing quality pharmaceutical and specialty chemical products and services to its customers.

Merck Inc. looks forward to continued success and to contribute further to the development of the Philippines as a responsible multinational company.









The venue is filled with interesting materials about fertility and is a good introduction about the conditions that some would be parents experience as they try to fulfill the wishes and pressures of Philippine culture and tradition. I think that is medieval and so Catholic but who am I to judge the need of women their urge to express their motherly instincts?


They have some video presentations about fertility and infertility. The video is for about five minutes. They also asked participants to answer some survey about fertility.


Here we have Dr. Raymond Tapang sharing his opening remarks. He welcomes everyone to the event. The 5th year of this program on the country. Also highlighting the exeistence of Merck for 250 years.


First speaker, Dr. Mark Anthony V. Ancheta, MD, FPOGS, FPSAM, talked about Treatment Options for Fertility.

The first option provided for couples is timed intercourse. And it that fails then you go up to IntraUterine Insemination (IUI) with the last option being In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

The speaker Dr. Ancheta emphasized that the options provided gives couples a better head start on their way to their parenthood.


There was also a touching presentation on the dilemma and pressure of some couples on having their babies. You know that relative who will always nag you to death about when is the baby due.



Dr. Gia Pastorfide, talked about the value of egg freezing. I have heard of sperm banks for a long time and it was my first time to hear anyone talk about egg freezing.

Again there are many factors that can affect the quality of a female's egg for any fertility service. I think the most important factor discussed was age and health.

Both of the first two presenters were able to wow people with videos and pictures of how their services are done. It is amazing that some people are still shocked that this is possible in Catholic Philippines.

Then there was the favorite part of any lecture event. The snack time.





Then we have Dr. Leonardo Almeda who discussed some of the interesting myths people have about fertility. I love this presenter because he was precise and with authority.

The discussion was fun, enlightening and also scientific.



Then all these stories are just ideas. Most people will have a hard time understanding them. What better way to prove the service Marck provides is an interesting testimony. There is the Basilio couple.

We have a couple from Tarlac. They are not rich. Not special people. They just a simple dream. To have their own kids. Despite being married for 16 years. They had a hard time having a baby. I see the pressure and stress they must have endured. Mr. Basilio told me that they feel cared for all throughout the process with Merck.

That is good for me. Merck is company that cares about its couple.


People were also given a chance to ask questions to the speakers. And one question always stands. How much? And I would sum it up as, worth the money you will spend. I mean if you really want something you need to go to a good company and then get quality results.


The doctors also allotted time for some free consultation for the people who are present for the event. That is amazing. They really gave all their best to provide awareness.


After the questions were asked from the well informed and highly qualified speakers. The people were asked to write some commitment statements and post them on this board.

I am sure you might be confused with some of the medical terms used. Don't worry. Merck is here to help you understand fertility and infertility in layman's term. All you need to have is a determination to face infertility and some help from Merck.

To learn more, click here: Fertility Awareness Philippines.

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