Malaysia, Where Dreams (for Baby) Come True

One in four couples, one in six couples – the ratios may vary by country, but I know for a fact that infertility is a real and present predicament for affected couples across the globe. A New York Times headline expressed it aptly: “Even when it ends with a healthy baby, a long struggle to conceive may exact a brutal toll”. The emotional baggage of infertility draws a parallel only to the paramount but less-discussed effects the condition has on human rights. Every person has the right to attain the highest standard of physical and mental health – a right ascribed for by the World Health Organization (WHO) – and with this, the right to decide on the number, timing and spacing of their offspring. As a practitioner, I attest to the roller coaster and heartbreak moments that couples endure; the mental breakdowns and relationship breakups the malady unleashes, situations for which the WHO recognises the importance of high-quality services for reproductive health. Such impetus has paved the way for great strides to be made in the field of fertility treatment. Travelling for Hope With the passage of time, fertility treatment broke new arena. New methods have been developed, bringing smiles to couples; but with this came long waiting lines and trumped-up costs of treatment. The unavailability of treatment facilities in some countries or legal requirements that did not support artificially aided conception, necessitated the migration for fertility treatment to more hopeful pastures. With time being a precious if not crucial consideration for trying couples, where chances significantly diminish with a woman’s age, many are willing to cross continents; a reason for the rise in ‘Fertility Tourism’. Over the decade, the travel boon to countries that offered fertility treatment as well as a holiday came to be known as ‘Fertility Vacations’. While the sun, sea and sand are a bonus, the focus is still to leave pregnant, and this is where Malaysia is making our mark. The Malaysian Mark Malaysia’s healthcare system has undergone considerable transformation since our Independence from the British in 1957. Malaysians enjoy the synergistic and robust relationship that exist between our public and private medical sectors, a result of the government’s relentless commitment to public health. The 2019 International Living Annual Global Retirement Index ranked Malaysia first in the ‘Best Healthcare in the World’ category for our world-class healthcare services and sophisticated infrastructure, making special mention of the well-trained doctors and flawless communication in English. In 2020 and for the fourth consecutive year, the Medical Travel Awards awarded Malaysia the ‘Health and Medical Tourism: Destination of the Year’ title. In the same year, Malaysian healthcare received 26 ‘Global Health Asia Pacific Awards’, including in the ‘Stellar Covid-19 Achievement of the Year’ category. These are just the latest from a string of awards Malaysia has achieved in the last 10 years. In 2009, 35 medical tourists arrived in Malaysia. In 2018, this number grew to 1.8 million arrivals. Among these were a fast-growing number of arrivals for fertility treatment. The fertility treatment segment of the medical tourism market is projected to grow the fastest over the forecast period of 2021-2026 and expected to record a CAGR of 9.7% as it attracts couples from neighbouring countries, especially those within a six-hour plane ride. Chart 1: Number of people who travelled to Malaysia for healthcare from 2011 to 2019 (in 1,000s) Source: Statista. (2021). Number of medical tourists to Malaysia 2011-2019. Chart 2: Medical Tourists Arrivals in Malaysia in comparison to selected countries Source: Medical Tourism Facts and Figures 2018, International Medical Travel Journal (“IMTJ”) Malaysia is a multi-racial country known for our hospitality, sumptuous food and rich culture. With excellent doctors, state-of-the-art facilities and a quality healthcare system, couples are making Malaysia a destination to make their dreams of building a family come true. For more help and information, contact the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), which will guide you through the necessary processes and procedures. Alternatively, you could also contact the healthcare providers directly. About the author Dr. Navdeep Singh Pannu is a Fertility Specialist whose effervescent personality and positive attitude continue to be a source of comfort to couples on their quest to build a family. He is the Medical Director of TMC Fertility and Women’s Specialist Centre. Source : https://medicaltravelasia.com/malaysia-where-dreams-for-baby-come-true/   [siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Block”][/siteorigin_widget]

Where are my Sperms

[siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Image”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Image”][/siteorigin_widget] “Where is my sperm?” As the title denotes, infertility issues could be due to medical conditions in men, but fear not, many of these problems can be managed. Read on to know more about Dr. Navdeep’s insights on this somewhat unspoken topic published in Star Health on Sunday, 8 August 2021.   Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/health/2021/08/11/when-something-is-wrong-with-his-sperm

Food for fertility

Conceiving a child starts with both parents’ health, so couples should embark on a healthy diet and take the appropriate supplements before trying to get pregnant. THERE is significant data to suggest that the relationship between nutrition and fertility is consequential in promoting conception. Results from studies examining the role nutrition plays in improving fertility in men and women underpin that healthy food choices can positively affect the state of reproductive functions. Even more pertinent is mounting evidence that couples with good nutritional profiles had a healthy pregnancy and positive foetal development. Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School in the United States recently published research done on the impact of diet on fertility. Their findings reaffirmed that nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as diets built on vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, beans and whole grains, had a positive impact on women attempting to get pregnant naturally. The same dietary prescription was also found to improve the quality of semen among men. Conversely, unhealthy diets such as those rich in red and processed meats, potatoes, sweets and sweetened drinks were found to be negative for fertility health in both genders. With couples undergoing assisted reproductive techniques, it was found that women may be more likely to conceive if they are on an antioxidant-rich diet. A study conducted in Netherlands on pre-conception diets and their association with the chances of getting pregnant in women undergoing fertility treatment, suggested that obese women and men (defined as having a body mass index of more than 30) and those suffering from poor nutrition (those with a body mass index of less than 20) could suffer heightened risks of infertility. Closer to home, studies have revealed that in addition to avoiding certain types of vegetables and fruits due to food taboos or the lack of nutrition knowledge, pregnant women in Malaysia do not consume enough of this important food group. In some of my own patients, observance of a healthy diet leading to the reduction of 10% of their body weight if they are obese, has led to their success in conceiving naturally. In other instances, a prescription of supplements taken over a few months, coupled with better dietary choices, seems to have made all the difference. I have also had cases where husbands have been successful in improving their sperm count simply by observing a healthier diet and exercise. — Positive Parenting Undergoing fertility treatments can be tough physically and psychologically, so it is crucial for couples to support one another all the way.   In fact, the MCO has also brought forth favourable outcomes that illustrate the importance of balancing mind, body and soul.Quite a number of couples under my care have found themselves in the family way without the need of any assistance during this period.The increased time spent together at home may have given them the opportunity to reconnect, while the time saved from commuting due to working from home might have given them more time for exercising and preparing healthier home-cooked meals. What to eat Aside from factors such as age and genetics, which we cannot control, nutrition is a factor that is well within our purviews to manage. Simply put, the diet one observes during pregnancy is the same diet that should be practiced before pregnancy. And fathers-to-be are not exempt either! Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and are great for general wellbeing. The healthier a couple is, the better their chances are to conceive. Hence, ensure that at least half your plate at every meal is composed of fresh fruits and vegetables of any type, and avoid over-frying your vegetables. Plant-based fats, taken in moderation, can help promote regular ovulation and general fertility. Trans fats, on the other hand, should be avoided. These can be found primarily in foods such as commercial baked and snack foods, animal products, fried foods and certain margarines. This type of fat can cause insulin resistance that could inhibit ovulation. Instead, indulge in more complex, but good carbohydrates rich in fibre, like whole grains. For protein, zinc and iron, eat more eggs, fish and meats that have been trimmed of fat. Fish and egg yolks are an excellent source of DHA (docosahexanoic acid) and omega-3 fatty acids that help develop a baby’s nervous system. Plant protein from beans, nuts, seeds and tofu are also packed with healthy fats. Also, consume one or two servings a day of whole milk or other full-fat dairy foods, such as yoghurt, and less of non-and low-fat dairy. With sugar, less is more and it would be prudent to cut down on sugar intake. Drink coffee and alcohol in moderation and opt for whole foods over processed options. I encourage couples – yes, both husband and wife, not just the wife – to take a daily multivitamin that contains at least 400mcg of folic acid and 40 to 80mg of iron, as well as pre-natal vitamins like vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc. In addition to what can be ingested, it is encouraged that we get a daily dose of vitamin D3, either by simply stepping out into the sun, especially in the morning, or from supplements if daily sun exposure is not possible. Adequate intake of this vitamin improves the immune system and enhances fertility potential. Mind and body In addition to nutrition, stress management is also an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Most of us are prone to work stress and I often advise couples to compartmentalise. Don’t take your work home with you, and vice versa, don’t allow home concerns to affect you at work. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling overwhelmed – don’t feel embarrassed or apprehensive about getting help. Proper and adequate sleep is another important aspect of our general wellbeing. Alongside repairing damage in our bodies, sleep is our best detox for a balanced hormonal profile. So be sure to get

How technology is changing pregnancy for women over 40

The New Straits Times Letter to the Editor, 28 July 2020, features Dr Navdeep’s thoughts on advancements in fertility treatment, defining infertility as a disease, and his commitment towards helping couples build a family. LETTERS: Advancements in fertility treatments and technology are helping more and more women who are facing age-related infertility achieve their dreams of having a baby. Developments in procedures and technologies in fertility science complemented by laboratories that adhere to the highest standards ensure the best chances of creating and growing embryos to facilitate pregnancies. Procedures such as Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) ensure that the best embryo can be selected for transfer, and Endometrial Receptivity Analysis helps doctors determine the best time to transfer the embryo. Improvements in medication has reduced injections needed to be administered to women in preparation for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) from six weeks to 10 days. These have contributed to increased success in pregnancy and decrease in miscarriages. In fact, the success rate of pregnancy through IVF is almost 60 per cent now compared with 20 per cent previously. Still, how is it possible that women in their 40s and above can conceive? Most age-related infertility problems in women are due to germ cell deterioration. By the time women turn 40, their ovarian reserve or eggs are reduced markedly. However, the uterus remains functional. Therefore, for women above 50 to conceive, an egg from a donor is artificially inseminated by the husband’s sperm to create an embryo. The embryo is implanted in the woman’s womb, which carries the baby to term. While it is a possibility, advanced age pregnancy may not be for everyone. Ethically, fertility specialists first need to determine if the woman is healthy enough to carry a child. For this reason, early pregnancy (preferably between 20s and 30s) is the ideal convention. If a woman is not ready to have children in her 20s or even 30s, she can ensure her chances of having a healthy embryo years later by preserving her eggs while she is young with oocyte cryopreservation or egg freezing. However, when it comes to fertility, the fundamental message is: don’t wait until it becomes a challenge. To be exact, couples should see a fertility specialist after six to 12 months of trying but failing to conceive. Fertility is a potentially treatable problem. The problem lies in the fact that infertility is generally not considered a medical problem. Instead, it is seen more as a social issue. Infertility may not be a life or death case but it is a long-term (chronic) condition. People can be childless for life and this can contribute to mental and emotional health problems, marriage breakdowns and career failures. For a long time, infertility wasn’t even considered a disease. It was only in 2009 that the World Health Organisation and the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology defined infertility as “a disease of the reproductive system”. The right to procreation must be seen from a broader perspective. Besides its importance to the survival of mankind, children are imperative for a nation. Dr Navdeep Singh Pannu Fertility Specialist Puchong, Selangor Source : New Straits Times https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters/2020/07/612116/how-technology-changing-pregnancy-women-over-40 This blog is intended for educational purposes only. All contents here is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consult with your health care professional to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment. (Everybody has a chance to build a family) by Dr Navdeep