Merck and Fertility Specialists Cooperate to Commemorate Fertility Awareness Month

Merck, together with the Philippine Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (PSREI) today announced a series of awareness-building initiatives to foster greater understanding of infertility among Filipinos. The information campaign was embarked upon to commemorate Fertility Awareness Month in August, which recognizes the growing population of Filipino couples who are finding it difficult to conceive.

Dr. Gio Barangan, Medical Director, Merck Philippines

With the observance of Fertility Awareness Month, Merck, together with PSREI aim to help childless Filipino couples to learn more about their condition and to realize that there are solutions to the challenge that they face,” said Dr. Gio Barangan, Medical Director, Merck Philippines. “It is also an opportunity for them to meet couples who were successful in their fertility treatment, so that they can gain confidence in the country’s pool of fertility experts and treatment facilities and thereby remain hopeful in starting a family.”    

IVF specialist Dr. Anthony Marc Ancheta

Part of the efforts being undertaken to raise awareness on fertility issues are to provide free seminars to patients that will help increase their understanding of the symptoms and causes of infertility. Conducted by local fertility experts from the PSREI, the seminars will also give patients hope by educating on methods to improve fertility as well as options for treatment.


Philippine Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (PSREI)
President Dr. Rudie Frederick Mendiola

Results from a 2011 Merck-commissioned study by Synovate estimates that 1 in 10 Filipinos are infertile, yet a vast majority of them will struggle in silence, due in part to the shame associated with the infertility, but mainly because many couples do not understand the condition.

IVF specialist Dr. Anthony Marc Ancheta
with his successful patients, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Miranda,
and PSREI President Dr. Rudie Frederick Mendiola

The awareness efforts are expected to create an impact on couples’ attitude towards infertility, such that they overcome embarrassment and see the urgency of seeking medical assistance. It is imperative that misconceptions are corrected and that any immediate treatment procedures may be done at the soonest -- particularly for older couples.   




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