Xtra
“Succumbing to diseases such as endo-
metriosis also aff ects the fertility rate as
it causes an unfavorable environment for
the implantation to take place. Achieving
premature menopause is a problem that is
quite evident in certain number of women
as these causes the ovaries to not produce
any eggs.”
In addition to these, concurrent
medical illness such as uncontrolled
diabetes and thyroid has been identifi ed
TREATMENT
“In a year, over
seven thousand
couples visit the
centres with over a
thousand couples
entering pass the
doors for the fi rst
time. Statistics
show that the
NPFDB has treated
over 32,000
couples with a
recorded success
rate of 5,000
pregnancies.”
Prior to going through the treatment,
couples will have to initially undergo a coun-
seling session, followed with a management
plan.
“At times, a counseling session would
prove to be sufficient to resolve certain
underlying problems such as the inability
to have a healthy sexual intercourse.
However if needed, couples will initially
go through the intra uterine insemination
process and if found to be unsuccessful,
they will be off ered choices such as IVF and
ICSI.”
NPFDB is well equipped with an oper-
ating theater, experienced embryologists,
doctors as well as nurses. The headquarters
also off ers services such as frozen embryo
transfer and sperm freezing.
The board is currently trying to reach
out to the public through roadshows and
mobile clinics especially in rural areas with
an aim to create awareness and to increase
the uptake of such treatments.
Unlike other programmes, NPFDB does
not impose any criterias for couples to be
qualifi ed as they would like to encourage
more people to seek out treatment if
needed.
ENDOMETRIOSIS
AFFECTS FERTILITY
to affect the chances of conceiving
naturally.
7
“Issues relating to men would sur-
round factors such as a sperm defect,
unhealthy lifestyle caused by smoking,
alcohol, excessive caffeine and drug
abuse.
External factors such as excessive heat
and radioactive remittance from chemo-
therapy could also contribute to infertility
issues in men.”
“Infertility in women however lies in
the imbalance of hormone within them as
they are more prone to hormonal changes
compared to men. Certain instances such
as tightening of the pelvic muscles which
causes diffi culty for penetration to take place
during sexual intercourse may also lead to
couples having complication to complete
the process.”