(Fertility Malaysia): Seeking Help

Fertility Clinics in Malaysia (Fertility Malaysia) – When to Seek Help for Infertility? Couples who have infertility problems struggle to get pregnant.  You may try to get pregnant for almost a year and fail to conceive. When this happens, you may be confused and worried. Many couples do not know the right time to seek help. It is advisable to consult a fertility doctor after 6 months to 1 year of trying to get a baby. There are many fertility clinics all over Malaysia. (Fertility Malaysia) You may book a consultation with a fertility specialist in a fertility clinic. Early consultation helps to identify infertility problems. When problems are known, it’s easier to find the right solution. Infertility: An Invisible Disease   Often, couples do not realise they have infertility problems until they start trying to conceive. Infertility is considered a male and female reproductive system disease. It means failing to achieve pregnancy. If you cannot get pregnant after 6-12 months of trying, there are high chances that you are infertile. On top of that, age affects fertility too. As they grow older, they may have lesser eggs or lower quality sperm. This may cause infertility problems. Thus, seek help at fertility clinics as the problems are considered time-sensitive matters. Why is it Important to Seek Infertility Treatments? Infertility is a disease. Thus, it needs specific treatment and care. Meeting a fertility specialist, helps you to understand your problems better. You can find out the cause of your infertility problems and design an individualized treatment plan. This may help you to get pregnant and build your dream family. What Happens When You Meet a Fertility Doctor (Fertility Malaysia) to Seek Infertility Treatments? Family Health History The fertility specialist will usually ask about your family health history and your personal medical record. These crucial details are important for them to find the causes of your problem and suggest effective treatment plan. Blood tests and Physical Examination The fertility specialist will then conduct few tests such as blood test and pelvic examination that are needed to diagnose your problem. Period Cycle You may also be asked to keep track of your period cycle and plan intercourse during ovulation or fertile period. Ovulation is when the ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tube to achieve pregnancy. It usually happens midway of your menstrual cycle. Why Couples Don’t Seek Infertility Treatments? Some couples do not seek help even after knowing their infertility state. One of the reasons are because many thinks that the only fertility treatment available is IVF. This is a very popular misconception in fertility care. Here are some of the few common reasons why some couples choose to not seek infertility treatments. A Taboo Subject Some couples do not seek help because of cultural and religious reasons. In their surroundings and communities, infertility is considered a taboo subject. It is one of the reasons why couples do not consider the IVF (in vitro fertilisation) method. They think of it as an unnatural way of conception. For me, IVF is like a God-sent method. It helps many childless couples to get pregnant and have baby. I respect the couples religious and cultural belief. So, usually I will suggest them other options besides IVF. Many of them are open to try the alternative methods. They may opt to boost their fertility through medications and supplements. Some are willing to do IUI treatment.  IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination) is a quick and painless method.  The sperm is processed and placed in a woman’s uterus for fertilisation. This method may not work for everyone due to various factors. Hence, it is better to consult with your fertility specialist first before going through this procedure. A Burden on The Pocket Infertility treatment can be costly. For example, IVF procedures can range from about RM15,000 to RM25,000. It can be a burden on the pocket. Unlike other medical procedures, IVF is not covered by insurance. Thus, it can hurt financially for struggling couples. However, there is another option. The government recently allowed EPF withdrawal for fertility treatments. You can access Account II to withdraw money for the treatments. Legally married couples below 55 years old are allowed to withdraw the money for IVF, IUI and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injections) procedures. Apart from that, the government also allows tax relief up to RM6000 for medical expenses. The expenses are for serious illness, which also includes fertility treatments.  Therefore, consider these options if you are financially struggling to get infertility treatments. At The Crossroads: Career or Pregnancy?   Many career women struggle to pick a priority. Should they get pregnant now or later? It is a tough choice for them. Egg freezing can help to preserve healthy eggs so that you can get pregnant later. The fertility specialist will extract, freeze and store the egg for future use. When you are ready to have child, the fertility specialist will then insert the fertilized egg to your womb. This helps you to get pregnant. It is best if you freeze eggs at a younger age (around 25-30 years old). The quality of eggs is better when you are younger. Infertility Support Infertility creates psychological stress. You might wonder why you have difficulties making your own family, which can slowly affect your mental health. Seeking treatments from professionals can help you gain strength throughout the fertility process. During fertility treatments, your body undergoes physical changes as well as hormonal imbalances. It can affect your emotional state, and you may even go through anxiety or depression. A healthy support system will give you strength and help you manage yourself while undergoing fertility treatment Where To Seek Support? You may consult Fertility Specialists at Fertility Centres (Fertility Malaysia) for support. They will recommend you to fertility counsellors who are trained to provide support for infertility.  When To Seek The Right Support? Couples who have been trying to conceive for a long time can grow impatient. It can lead to having struggles in

Why Mental Health During Fertility Treatment is important?

Mental Health During Fertility Ways to Boost Your Mental Health During Fertility Treatment To hear that you can’t get pregnant is heartbreaking and upsetting. It can disturb your mental health and cause distress. The worst part is, it may even lead to depression and anxiety. Thus, taking care of your mental health during fertility treatment is very important. It helps to ease your path to parenthood. There are many ways to boost your mental health. But first, let us understand about infertility. Then, let us look into how that can lead to stressful situations. “I’ve seen patients who have had suicidal thoughts after a failed IVF. Some couples even ended up separating after a failed fertility procedure. The mental toll a couple endures from infertility is tremendous. Mental health issues due to infertility are real; it is not a non-issue to be taken lightly.” Dr Navdeep Singh Pannu Understanding Infertility People consider children as the core that completes a family. The societal pressure and stigma may affect your mental health during infertility treatment. Generally, infertility is defined as the inability to conceive. If the couple could not get pregnant after 12 months of frequent unprotected sexual intercourse, the couple may have problems related to infertility. The World Health Organization (WHO) also pointed out that 8-12% of couples worldwide experience infertility. This means about 48 million couples and 186 million individuals may experience infertility problems. Common Misconception There is a common misconception surrounding infertility. Infertility is often called the women’s issue. This is because typically infertility is assumed to be mostly caused by women. In contrary, men cause up to 30% of infertility and women cause up 30% of infertility cases. Another 30 % of infertility issue are caused by both sexes and the rest is due to unknown reasons. How to Deal with issues of mental health during infertility treatment and the challenges? There are various reasons why many couples are more open to go for infertility treatments nowadays. Some of the reasons include planning for a late pregnancy, development of more successful infertility treatment techniques, or the increase in awareness of the available treatments. Although the success rate of infertility treatments has increased significantly, you should understand that they aren’t always 100% successful. There are times things don’t work out as how we planned. This may affect your mental health in various ways. You might feel lonely and struggle in silence. You might not share your problems with others because you do not want them to pity you. You may also view infertility as a wish you cannot fulfill. This can lead to depression, anxiety, isolation, and loss of control over your lives. This condition is somehow similar to those who are diagnosed with cancer. The US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (2018, March) has shown that mental health problems range between 25% and 60% worldwide. Furthermore, a study in Malaysia showed that women are 1.5 to 3 times more likely to suffer from mental health problems than their male counterparts (Sham, et al., 2020). This is because people often associate infertility with women. They blame women as the main reason for infertility. This has been challenging for many women and it takes a huge toll on their mental health. Thus, it is important to look into the issue concerning mental health and fertility. Common factors that cause mental health issues Parenthood is one of the major transitions in adult life for both men and women. When you cannot get pregnant, it puts you under tremendous stress. Some of the problems in mental health during fertility treatment happen because of: –          Treatment-linked factors –          Social factors –          Personal factors Treatment-linked factors Infertility treatments is a long process. This may affect your mood and well-being. If you are mentally not healthy, it can affect your infertility rate and success chances. The mood swing during infertility treatment usually happen due to medications. During the treatment, you might have to take medications that causes hormonal imbalance. This can affect your mental health and may lead to anxiety and depression. On the other hand, some couple may resort to the habit of taking alcohol or drugs to handle their pain and frustrations. These unhealthy habits can have negative impact on not only your overall physical health, but also mental health. Social factors We live in a society where we see many family-oriented contents in medias. It may not seem like a big impact, but it’ll indirectly cause distress. For those who are yearning for a child, it may be difficult to control your emotions when you see parents with their children in public places. Sometimes, you may remember about your infertility problems when watching family-oriented movies. This may make you sad, lower your self-esteem and can also lead to depression.  Personal factors Infertility can have a great impact on your identity especially if you have always dreamt to be a mother. Many women often begin to imagine themselves as mothers long before they actually try to have children. This is influenced by cultural and societal messages that idealise motherhood. When this imagined self of a parent does not happen, it may result in the feeling of loss of control in their life.   Infertility can also lead to changes in physiological state. When you’re depressed or stressed, a system in your body controls responses to stress. It will then affect your reproductive functions. This shows how a disturbance in your mental state can have physical effects on your body and cause trouble to get pregnant. How can you manage your Mental Health During Fertility Treatment? I have been a fertility doctor for many years. Throughout the years, I have seen the negative impacts of stress, depression, and anxiety on a couple going through infertility. I truly feel that this issue needs to be addressed at the earliest for both men and women. There are many available options

Understanding Endometriosis and Its Effect on Fertility

Endometriosis Understanding Endometriosis and Its Effects on Fertility “Endometriosis is one of the more common causes of infertility. Period pain is a significant symptom of this disease. But because many women experience painful menstruation, there is a widespread belief that menstrual pain is ‘normal’. This poses a barrier for the prompt diagnosis of this disease.” Dr Navdeep Singh Pannu In recent years, the infertility rate has been rising globally due to the prevalence of various health issues in women. According to WHO, Endometriosis affects roughly 10 percent (190 million) of women in the reproductive age category.  What is Endometriosis?   Image credit: bloominuterus.com Endometriosis occurs when the uterine tissue (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus, usually around the pelvic area. During menstruation, this tissue reacts to hormones; it grows and bleeds the same way the uterine tissue does. However, since the tissue is outside the uterus, it can’t shed and exit through the vagina. Instead, the tissue settles in other places and starts new growths and inflammation, which leads to the accumulation of scar tissue causing severe pain.  Endometriosis and Fertility About 30 – 50 percent of women with Endometriosis may face difficulties in conceiving. Some patients find out about their condition when they have trouble getting pregnant. Endometriosis affects fertility due to: Tissue overgrowth around ovaries that prevents eggs from entering the fallopian tubes; Endometriosis forming outside the fallopian tubes causing adhesions; Endometriotic cysts (or chocolate cysts) producing chemicals and other substances that are strongly linked to a lower density of ovarian follicles from which mature eggs are released.  Treating Endometriosis Image credit: buro247.my Painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and ovarian cysts – these are just some of the symptoms that women with Endometriosis live with. Endometriosis is a progressive disease and not 100 percent treatable. There is no magic pill that can be given to a patient to make Endometriosis disappear. However, Endometriosis can be managed. Although it is a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s life, there are treatments that can help.  In general, treatment for endometriosis includes: 1. Pain medication NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen or other over-the-counter analgesics to provide symptomatic relief. 2. Hormone therapy Oral contraceptives, with combined estrogen and progestin hormones, prevent ovulation and reduce menstrual flow. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, which stops ovarian hormone production, creating a sort of temporary ‘medical menopause’. Progestin – Visanne (dienogest), a hormonal contraceptive that is used to reduce pain and the size of endometrial lesions, which helps reduce pelvic pain and painful monthly bleedings. Androgen Receptor Agonist, Danazol, a synthetic derivative of testosterone (a male hormone) that helps stop the body from releasing hormones that bring about period. 3. Surgical techniques Laparoscopy – Also used to diagnose Endometriosis, laparoscopy is a minor surgical procedure in which a laparoscope is inserted into an incision in the abdominal wall. Using the laparoscope to view the pelvic area, the doctor is able to remove the endometriotic tissue. Laparotomy – A more extensive surgery to remove as much of the displaced endometriotic tissue as possible without damaging healthy tissue. Hysterectomy – In more severe cases, some or all of the reproductive organs are removed if they are damaged or have endometriosis tissue on them. Whether or not one should have surgery depends on the age and severity of the case. However, taking into consideration that a surgery to treat endometriosis could damage ovarian tissue which may then reduce a person’s ovarian reserve, doctors put forth this option only if necessary. For patients hoping to eventually conceive, doctors may suggest that they freeze their eggs before an Endometriosis surgery is carried out. This allows for the eggs to be preserved for future use.  Knowledge is Key, Be Empowered Image credit: theguardian.com Living with Endometriosis is tough, especially for a woman in her reproductive age. If you have been diagnosed with Endometriosis, my advice is to get as much information as you can before deciding on your next course of action. Knowledge is key and having the right information about the disease will empower you to take a step in the right direction.  You are sure to have many questions. In addressing infertility, the sooner you have them answered, the better. Do list them down and call +6-03-80699333 (TMC Fertility & Women’s Specialist Centre, Puchong) or email ask@drnavdeepfertility.com to make an appointment to consult with Dr Navdeep. Let’s take the self-assessment quiz for the risk of endometriosis.  

Congratulations TMC Fertility

We are honoured that TMC Fertility has been awarded as the 2021 Malaysia Fertility Center Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan!

Seeking Help with Infertility

A marriage followed by a beautiful home with two kids – ultimately, this would be every couple’s dream of an ideal life. However, things don’t always go as planned. For some couples, conceiving a child is not as straightforward as expected. “Infertility treatments have come a long way from what they used to be. There are many ways a couple can get that much-needed help. All they have to do is take that step to seek it,” said Dr Navdeep when asked on his views about couples having trouble conceiving. Infertility: An invisible disease Often times, couples do not realise that they have a problem with infertility at all until they really start trying to conceive. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Fertility declines with age, more for women than men. Acknowledging the fact that getting the right help for infertility can be a somewhat time-sensitive matter, Dr Navdeep suggests that a couple seeks professional help from a Fertility Specialist within 6-12 months after trying to conceive without a positive outcome. However, one should seek immediate help if one feels there could be some underlying medical condition. For a woman, if she has irregular menstrual cycles or heavy, long and painful periods, it is reason enough to send alarm bells ringing to have it checked by a specialist immediately. There could be a possibility that she may have Endometriosis or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) that needs to be addressed as early as possible to enable conception.   A common misconception is that infertility is mostly a woman’s issue. It is truly a myth. Almost half of the time, it proves to be a male-related issue. If a man has problems with ejaculation or erectile dysfunction (ED), he should not wait to have it checked as it could be a major contributing factor to infertility. Sense of awareness  Why does a couple not seek professional help with infertility? According to Dr Navdeep, since infertility is not a matter of life and death, some don’t feel the urgency for it. They put it off as something that would happen eventually, but many a time, it doesn’t happen due to underlying medical conditions that need to be addressed. This is why Dr Navdeep feels that it is important for couples to educate themselves on infertility so that no time is wasted on achieving pregnancy. The time and age factor cannot be overstressed here. A taboo subject Sometimes, religious sentiments and cultural taboos are also reasons why a couple does not take that step forward to get an IVF (in vitro fertilisation) done. “Some of them see IVF as an unnatural way of conception. While I see IVF as a God-sent method to help many childless couples conceive and hold that little precious one in their arms, I respect their point of view and religious beliefs,” said Dr Navdeep. These couples, however, come in to seek help to boost their fertility through medications and supplements. They are also in acceptance of achieving a pregnancy through Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) which is a procedure that involves the placing of sperms inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilisation. A burden on the pocket  Ranging from about RM15,000 to RM20,000, IVF can be quite a heavy burden on the pocket. Unlike other medical procedures, IVF is not covered by insurance and the monetary burden can hurt couples who are just starting their married lives. Empathising on this situation, Dr Navdeep was pleased to advise couples that the government has recently allowed for the withdrawal of the EPF Account II for the purpose of fertility treatments.  In this new development, legally married couples below the age of 55 can make withdrawals for the IVF, IUI and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injections) procedures. Apart from that, the government also allows for tax relief of up to RM6,000 on expenses incurred for medical treatments of serious illnesses, which include expenses incurred on fertility treatments. At the crossroads: Career or pregnancy?  Many career women have stood at this crossroads in their lives: get pregnant now or focus on their career and delay pregnancy. It is a tough choice and totally unfair to women to have to choose between the two. To this, Dr Navdeep suggests egg freezing for women when they are at a younger age (around 25-30 years old) so they can plan to get pregnant later without compromising the quality of the eggs and reducing the chances of pregnancy. While preserving eggs does not necessarily guarantee conception, one thing certain will be access to better quality embryo when the woman is ready to get pregnant.  The right support  Trying to conceive can be an absolutely trying time in a relationship. Couples who have been trying to conceive for a long time can start to grow impatient. Helplessness may play out in the form of arguments, dissatisfaction or resentment. To these couples, Dr Navdeep advises that they keep calm and seek the right support. With the support offered by Fertility Counsellors at his center, a couple’s fertility journey need not be such a lonely one. Couples can seek the assistance of a counsellor when they feel ‘stuck’ or overwhelmed by the options and decisions they need to make, or if they feel like they just want to have someone to whom they can express their feelings. A decade of change Infertility treatment has advanced so much from what it used to be a decade ago. Many childless couples have had the opportunity to hold that little precious one of their own, something they probably thought they’d never be able to do. The journey to achieving that little blessing could not have been an easy one. Each couple going through infertility has their own different story to tell. One thing for sure, most of them have gone through many ups and

Preserving Fertility

For the 7 over billion people on planet Earth, the year 2020 will be anything but normal. However, in spite of quarantines, the pandemic has done more in this year than the last one hundred to bring us together as one global nation. As the year closes, Dr Navdeep shares his conviction on preserving fertility for the nation as he reinstates his firm and steadfast belief that nobody is infertile. Pressing Predicament In 2018, it was revealed that the fertility rate in Malaysia was at its lowest in the last 55 years. At 1.8 babies per woman, it was a 1.3% drop from 2017, which recorded 1.9 babies per woman. Plainly put, this implies that the number of children produced by a woman during her reproductive years is insufficient to replace herself and her partner. Whilst it is true that the age factor constitutes to female infertility, it is only one facet of infertility. There are other causes that afflict men and women, some of which are beyond our control but many of which are well within our responsibility. Thus, it is very possible for us to preserve the state of fertility of our nation, of course spurred by the coming together of policy and people to make it happen. Powerful Possibilities Recently, we have seen a dramatic rise in countries actively taking up the banner to protect and restore national birth rates. These include initiatives by governments, private organisations and people from all walks of life. A report in the Financial Times in November of this year highlighted the Japanese Prime Minister’s call for in vitro fertilisation to be covered on the national health insurance to raise Japan’s fertility rate, which stood at 1.36 children per woman in 2019. In January this year, Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that Hungary will provide free in vitro fertilisation treatment to couples at state-run clinics to address the country’s population that has been falling steadily for four decades. Down south, Singapore’s dropping birth rates have prompted its government to encourage privately run companies, organisations and community groups to come together to promote the value of family, alongside government programmes that help couples marry, start and bring up their families. Similarly in the United Kingdom,  private organisations are mooting ideas and initiatives to make the UK the safest place in the world to give birth vis-a-vis pre-conception campaigns. On the home front, the availing of Employee Provident Funds for fertility treatment is a sign that something has to be done to arrest the birth rate downward spiral. Probable Premises For no lack of trying, addressing infertility is and continues to be a daunting task. The truth of the matter is infertility is multifaceted and we must be aware of all probable premises. There really is a lot more, besides women having babies later, that adds up to falling birth rates. Endometriosis, a painful disease encountered by women, can lead to infertility. Often times, sufferers, find it difficult to get a medical professional to pay attention to their complaints. Endometriosis is a very real threat to infertility and we should pay more attention to patients with complains of bad stomach cramps. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), also a common occurrence, affects how the ovaries work and impedes ovulation, thus leading to infertility. Unfortunately, unless a patient sees a doctor, PCOS can go largely undetected. For those who know me, you would know my position on male infertility. Although there is rising awareness among couples that both husband and wife may be party to infertility, there are still gentlemen who are blindsided by the fact that they could be the cause of the condition. I believe that with adequate awareness, more couples will step forward together to get themselves checked. Other troubling factors include diseases such as cancer. As many as 10 percent of cancer diagnoses are made to those under the age of 45 and aggressive treatments may result in infertility or sterility for some. In such scenarios, it is important that we are aware of our fertility options such as Oocyte Preservation. Not the least is the ubiquitous question of lifestyle. There is an alarming concern about maladies such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Observing a healthy and balanced lifestyle from the time one is a child is the only way to transcend these problems – but can we opt to choose health over unhealthy nutritional habits? Persevering Preservation Taking care of one’s health, educating the young and couples on preconception health and paying more attention to women and men’s health issues that could potentially lead to infertility could make all the difference in building a thriving population for our country. The advancements and strides made in Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) over the decade offer much hope to couples but the pressing issue is how this help would be made accessible to those in need. Surely, concerted and complementary efforts from both government and private practices could pave the way for us to see exponential benefits. A curative approach could mean that fertility services are made the mainstay in all government hospitals as with subsidised options for costlier procedures.  A preventive approach could come in the form of fertility preservation awareness in schools, whilst an intent to encourage couples to have larger families could come in the form of better and bigger tax rebate incentives. It would also do well if insurance organisations consider making infertility coverage pertinent as should medical practitioners be in the timely referral of patients for fertility-related specialist help. Personally, I believe that nobody is infertile.  We all just need a little help along the road of building a family. 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, which has been recently awarded the 2020 Malaysia Fertility Company of the Year by Frost and Sullivan 2020

Improving the Odds

“There are no guarantees in fertility treatment but Dr Navdeep Singh Pannu believes the right treatment at the right time will greatly improve a patient’s chance of conceiving. He outlines the treatment options available to would-be mothers, especially those who have had the disappointment of multiple miscarriages or failed embryo transfers.” For some couples, having a child can be a difficult process beset by physiological hurdles. According to statistics, up to 25% of clinical pregnancies end in failure but Dr Navdeep Singh Pannu, a fertility expert with over a decade’s experience, firmly believes that the combination of the right treatment at the right time can greatly improve a couple’s chances of having a child. “For an IVF process to be successful, there must be two main things. Firstly, there must be a ‘chromosomally normal’ embryo where the number of chromosomes is perfectly normal. If it is not, it will lead to failure of the procedure or worse, a miscarriage,” explained Dr Navdeep. “Chances of miscarriage increase as women grow older. As you know, as women age, they begin to lose their best eggs. Thus, when they conceive, there is a high chance that the embryos may be abnormal. A good example would involve Downs Syndrome which increases dramatically with women over the age of 40. It can affect 1 in every 100 babies born by mothers in this age group.” Reasons for Failure “Chromosome abnormality is the main reason why women have miscarriages,” said Dr Navdeep. Another possible reason is when a woman suffers from blood disorders which affect the immune system. A condition that can occur is anti-phospholipid syndrome where abnormal clots form behind a growing placenta which can lead to miscarriages. “Women with underlying health issues, such as uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid problems, face an increased likelihood of miscarriages,” he stated. Structural abnormality of the womb can also be a contributing factor in miscarriages. The womb should be of normal shape and dimension with a smooth inner lining. If the womb is of abnormal shape or if the woman has a polyp or uterine fibroid making the womb lining irregular, these factors can also cause miscarriages.” A Question of Timing “The first part is to assess why exactly a woman is having difficulty conceiving. Once this has been ascertained, the mode of treatment can be personalised accordingly with the ultimate aim of increasing the patient’s chances of conceiving,” explained Dr Navdeep. “Four main areas that we look at are the sperm test, the ultrasound scan of the womb and ovaries, an X-Ray called hysterosalpingogram to look for blocked fallopian tubes and hormonal blood test. We will first correct any problems or abnormalities here before commencing with any form of further treatment.” Here are various treatment options available. “Firstly, we can advise couples of the optimum time to have intercourse, which is when the woman is at her most fertile. We can also prescribe hormonal medications, which have been around for a long time, to increase the production of eggs in a woman. The patient is then scanned to determine the best time for intercourse to increase the chances of conception,” he stated. Another form of treatment is intrauterine insemination where the husband’s sperm is processed and injected directly into the womb. This procedure can increase the success rate of conceiving by 15% to 20%. The Test Tube Option Subsequently, there is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or popularly known as ‘test tube baby’. This is where a woman is given injections for 10 days, after which her eggs are then extracted under anaesthesia. Sperm is injected directly into the eggs to ensure fertilisation and five days later, the embryo is transferred into the womb. If this normal IVF process is not successful, there are two other options available to patients. “First is Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) where we determine which are the best embryos to be transferred. A small amount of cells are extracted from each embryo for chromosome analysis which will help determine if the embryos are healthy,” outlined Dr Navdeep. The other option is Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA). This method will help determine the best time frame for implantation of the embryos in women. “Basically, PGT will help determine the best embryos while ERA will signal the best time to transfer these embryos. Studies have shown the combination of these two procedures can increase conception rates by up to 80%,” added Dr Navdeep. Balancing Act According to Dr Navdeep, these treatment options are recommended for women who have had recurrent transfer failures and failed to conceive despite healthy embryos being transferred. They are also recommended for women who have had multiple miscarriages due to an abnormal foetus. Another group are those with a family history of genetic problems such as cystic fibrosis, thalassemia and many more who want to avoid passing on these hereditary problems onto their offspring. Family balancing is where a patient can select the gender of the offspring based on the chromosome test. This is done when couples are seeking to avoid passing on gender-based hereditary problems or when they wish their offspring to be male or female. Other tests and procedures include Endometrial Microbiome Metagenomics Analysis (EMMA) where a woman’s womb lining is tested for ‘good’ bacteria that will help facilitate conception. Patients with an imbalanced bacterial flora will be prescribed probiotics to correct the situation. Another procedure is known by the acronym ALICE which stands for Analysis of Infectious Chronic Endometritis. As many as 30% of women have chronic infection of their womb linings. This imbalance of bad bacteria can cause implantation failure which could be corrected with a course of antibiotics. Dr Navdeep has had a number of success stories utilising the above-mentioned treatment methods. Citing a patient in her 40s who approached him after experiencing repeated miscarriages despite having healthy embryos, Dr Navdeep shared that he administered more detailed tests which helped identify the correct window for transfer. “She recently gave birth to healthy twins,” he reported. “There can be no better

Making Babies a Reality

Dr Navdeep Singh Pannu is a fertility care specialist with extensive experience in reproductive medicine including assisted reproductive treatments and technologies. Ingrained with the belief that infertility is treatable, he has helped hundreds of couples conceive including many women in the advanced age group as well as men with severe infertility issues who had given up almost all hope of having a child of their own. “There are so many options today that addresses the various causes of infertility and it is only getting better with time. No matter what the issues are and whether it is male or female infertility, there is a way to have your own baby,” he emphasised. If there are no immediate indications of severe infertility issues, Dr Navdeep prefers to take a conservative approach by helping couples try to conceive naturally before attempting assisted reproductive procedures like in vitro fertilisation. “If we can help a couple conceive naturally, then why not? Sometimes what they need is a little help like Ovulation Induction, which encourages eggs to mature and ovulate or they could just need fertility-sparing surgery to fix a problem that is impeding pregnancy.” Having a progressive outlook, Dr Navdeep embraces his patient’s own fertility care preferences such as natural treatments that help with conception to birthing, from acupuncture to Chinese herbal medicines. “Battling with infertility issues can be stressful. You are not only dealing with personal stress, but also from the external environment like family and friends. I believe that if it helps patients to relax, and take care of their body and mind, then it can only promote their chances of conceiving. Of course, I do keep a close eye on all treatments.” An unwavering focus on the safety and comfort of his patient is a common theme throughout Dr Navdeep’s practice. “I don’t believe in putting patients in the way of unnecessary danger, especially from treatments. I don’t encourage taking risks such as implanting more than two embryos at a time. It is more important to me that the mother has a safe and comfortable pregnancy and her baby is healthy. Any other outcome is heartbreaking.” As someone who has had his own experience with infertility, Dr Navdeep knows how challenging the journey to become parents can be. Always there to support his patients and to provide the best care possible, he always makes himself available to his patients at any time, including weekends. “I’m more than happy to be there for these couples. For me, there is nothing more rewarding than to see a couple who were unable to conceive, finally have the child they have always dreamed about.” You are sure to have many questions. In addressing infertility, the sooner you have them answered, the better. 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  

Fertility Care – Details by Issues

Knowing Why: Root causes of infertilityInfertility can be caused by a single issue or a culmination of a few issues. In seeking treatment, it is important to help couples identify the root cause of infertility. This enables possible options to be drawn out and via constructive discussions, help couples derive solutions that they are comfortable with. Common ConditionsThe following are some common conditions that could impede a couple’s chance to conceive. Female AgeWomen are born with a lifetime supply of eggs, and these gradually decrease, in both quality and quantity, with age. The number of eggs that a woman is endowed with at the point of her first menstrual cycle averages 300,000-400,000. As she grows older, the number of eggs decreases. By age 30, the egg count stands between 39,000-52,000, and by age 40, it drops to between 1,200-9,000.In determining fertility, a woman’s ovarian reserve must be of a level that facilitates pregnancy.Test(s) we runAnti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) TestThe Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test is a laboratory test conducted to assess a woman’s ovarian reserve or egg count. AMH is a hormone secreted by cells in developing egg sacs or follicles. The level of AMH in a woman’s blood is generally a good indicator of her ovarian reserve.How we treat35 – 45 years: In vitro fertilisation (IVF) | Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) | Endometrial Receptivity Assay (ERA)Above 45 years: In vitro fertilisation (IVF) with donor eggs |Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) | Endometrial Receptivity Assay (ERA) Sperm CountInfertility does not only affect women. In 40 per cent of couples with infertility, the male partner is either the sole cause or a contributing cause of infertility. This is most often due to problems with sperm production or sperm delivery.In male fertility, a normal semen analysis result would show a sperm count of at least 15million sperm per mL, with at least half showing forward progressive movement.Test(s) we runSperm Analysis TestA Sperm Analysis Test is a laboratory test conducted to accurately measure the number of sperm, their motility (ability to move), their morphology (size and shape), and the volume and consistency of the ejaculated semen sample.How we treatNormal: Ovulation Induction | Time-Sexual IntercourseAverage: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)Poor: In vitro fertilisation (IVF) | Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)Azoospermia: In vitro fertilisation (IVF) with donor eggs | Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) Fallopian Tube ObstructionCommon reasons for blocked fallopian tubes include scar tissue, infection, and pelvic adhesions. If a fallopian tube is blocked, the passage for the sperms to get to the egg, as well as the path back to the uterus for the fertilised egg, is obstructed.Tubal factor infertility accounts for about 25 to 30 per cent of infertility cases. The condition includes cases of completely blocked fallopian tubes, and cases where just one tube is blocked or scarring narrows the tubes.Test(s) we runHysterosalpingogram (HSG) X-rayA Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a procedure that uses an X-ray to look at the fallopian tubes and uterus. It usually takes less than five minutes and the patient can go home the same day.LaparoscopyLaparoscopy is a surgical procedure that allows a doctor to see inside the body. When the procedure is part of fertility testing, the doctor is evaluating the structures of the reproductive system, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. The procedure is normally conducted as a daycare procedure.How we treatIn vitro fertilisation (IVF) Uterine FibroidsUterine fibroids are benign lumps of tissue which grow in the muscular part of the uterus. They are very common; up to 40 per cent of women have at least one fibroid, and they tend to increase with age. They are not cancerous or otherwise at all harmful to health.The vast majority of fibroids does not affect fertility and does not need any treatment. The critical aspect affecting fertility is whether the fibroid is distorting the lining of the uterus or if it is located inside the uterus itself.Test(s) we runUltrasound ScanAn ultrasound scan is used to confirm the presence of uterine fibroids. It uses sound waves to get a picture of the uterus to confirm the diagnosis and to map and measure fibroids.How we treatLaparoscopic Surgery | Myomectomy Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) occurs when the ovaries develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs resulting in irregular menstrual cycles.As many as 25 per cent of women of childbearing age have PCOS, but most do not even know that they have it until they begin trying to get pregnant.Test(s) we runUltrasound ScanAn ultrasound scan can indicate the presence of these follicles.Blood TestsBlood tests can reveal changes, with higher levels of testosterone and Luteinising Hormone (LH) (often in conjunction with a higher LH to Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) ratio) found compared to those of women with normal cycles. These levels may vary considerably and are best assessed early in the menstrual cycle (if there is one). Blood tests may also indicate a change in blood glucose and insulin levels.Pelvic ExamA pelvic exam is also conducted to confirm the diagnosis.How we treatLaparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (Ablation) | Ovulation Induction | In vitro fertilisation (IVF) 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  

Fertility and Nutritional Wellbeing

Dr Navdeep Singh Pannu and Dr Arifah Binti Mohd Amin share their professional medical insights. Couples who undergo fertility treatments face physical and psychological demands that can be disconcerting and unsettling. Worse still, societal prejudices can make infertility, as prevalent as it is, the loneliest club to belong to.  In this casual conversation, Dr Navdeep Singh Pannu, Medical Director of TMC Fertility and Women’s Specialist Centre and Dr Arifah Binti Mohd Amin, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (with special interest in Nutritional and Integrative Medicine)  share their extensive experience and lend their professional insights into how good nutrition forms the building blocks that positively impacts one’s journey towards building a family.  Q: Having a baby is a celebrated experience for a couple. Do share an indelible moment or experience close to your heart. Dr Navdeep: In February this year, I handed a 52-year old patient her first child. It was hard to tell at that very moment, who was more excited.  After having journeyed with a couple through fertility treatments, it is a defining moment of joy when we see a ‘+’ sign, and when I am able to hand the baby over to its parents.  It is important to note that prior to the joy of holding your baby, the journey towards having a baby can sometimes be tumultuous. To me, it is important that I am with my patients every step of the way, and this is what keeps me coming back day after day. Dr Arifah: I have lost count of the number of patients I have had who experienced emotional instability caused by the process of having a baby. Some come in for postnatal check-ups feeling depressed, dispirited and dejected. I was desperate to help them, and this was a key reason why I furthered my knowledge in nutrition. I am convinced, now more than ever, that proper nutrition is essential to fertility and a healthy motherhood.  This is a great motivation to me.  Being able to help my patients be healthy gives me a sense of joy and purpose. Q: We know that there is a rise in the cases of infertility. Is infertility a growing concern? Dr Navdeep: Yes, there is concern that infertility is becoming prevalent. Whilst the causes for infertility is unexplained, my personal experience indicates that our state of health plays a big part in the bigger picture. We have to pay more attention to inculcating a healthy lifestyle in our children from the time they are babies. Poor nutritional choices and unhealthy habits may compromise fertility and our chances of building a family. Dr Arifah: As a working woman, I know the demands and stresses of a career.  I am also aware that infertility can be caused by both or either partner. However, I want women to know that the choice we make to focus solely on our careers can chip away at our fertility window. The fixation on getting the house in order can give rise to overwhelming financial demands and upstage plans to start and raise a family. These are very real and present issues and many households face them. Q: In your opinion, what are some of the misconceptions that surround infertility? Dr Navdeep: I have come across many but the one that stands out the most is ‘it is always the woman’s fault’.  To me, this is very concerning. Sometimes the husband is so confident that it is so, he does not even come in for an evaluation. I have treated cases that would beg to differ. Whilst the causes of infertility can sometimes be unexplained, in most cases both parties share the odds that the problem is due to either one of them.  There are also instances when the source of the problem could be attributed to both partners. Dr Arifah: In my opinion, our belief structures and customs can be a proponent of myths. Amongst those that I have come across are that some fruits are ‘hot’ and some are ‘cold’. Watermelons, for instance must be avoided as they are deemed to make the womb cold. Others are inspired by astronomy, such as whether it is a half or full moon. As the term itself suggests, the efficacy of myths is difficult to prove scientifically. Q: In your experience, what are the primary causes of infertility? Dr Navdeep: For men, it is normally a low sperm count. Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, vaping and alcohol consumption as well as excessive body weight can also have negative effects on fertility. Infertility in a woman can be caused by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), irregular period cycles, endometriosis and pre-existing medical issues amongst others. These conditions are treatable either with medication or lifestyle tweaks. Dr Arifah: Predisposing medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension are some of the known causes. Oxidative stress is another concern where there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Similar to those mentioned by Dr Navdeep, these conditions too can be relieved by a conscious decision to observe a healthier diet and lifestyle. Q: What is the one thing that couples take for granted when trying to get pregnant? Dr Navdeep: Couples sometimes think that getting pregnant is a ‘given thing’ in a marriage. I would like to encourage couples to consider undergoing Pre-Conception Consultation even before you decide to have a baby. This consultation can be done with and by their family doctor and it ascertains your state of health. Anomalies if any, can be duly detected and measures to deal with the condition put on track. Don’t wait until you decide to have a baby to get checked as lifestyle alterations could take some time before any effect is noticed. Dr Arifah: Every individual should make it a habit to attend annual health check-ups. I wish this fact could be emphasised right from school, in fact, better still, integrated into the education curriculum. Also, we should be open to visiting a dietician or a nutritionist