Fertility Talk: Chase Career, or Change Diapers?

Do you know that in Malaysia, 1 in 6 couples are estimated to have fertility issues? In fact, I have many relatives and friends are facing fertility issues, and they have not managed to get a child even after married for 10 years or more. I recently got to attend a fertility talk where I have learnt more about fertility issues and I wish to share with all of you here.

Fertility Associates Malaysia is located at Jalan Gasing

The panel of the fertility talk included international and Malaysian fertility experts with Dr. Arasu Muthusamy (MD, Fertility Associates Malaysia), Dr. John Peek (General Manager Quality, Information and Science, Fertility Associates New Zealand) and Dr. Mary Birdsall (Chair and Fertility Specialist, Fertility Associates New Zealand).

L to R: Dr. John Peek (General Manager Quality, Information and Science, Fertility Associates New Zealand) and Dr. Mary Birdsall (Chair and Fertility Specialist, Fertility Associates New Zealand), Dr. Arasu Muthusamy (MD, Fertility Associates Malaysia), Atilia

According to the panel, in fact, it’s never too young to do fertility scanning. International fertility specialists panel advises women to take steps to safeguard fertility while pursuing their careers, to avoid challenges in conceiving when they are ready to start families. Women nowadays are getting married later in life, and often pursuing careers to provide financial security before having children.  This is leading to an increasing number of couples struggling to conceive when they do want to start a family.

Chase Career, or Change Diapers?

The expert also found out that lack of awareness is a major factor influencing Malaysian couples seeking help, with many only consulting a fertility doctor after they have been trying to conceive for a number of years. At the panel discussion Fertility Screening was raised as a great first step for young women and men to get proactive and understand their fertility health before it is too late.

Dr. Mary Birdsall has brought her daughter to fertility scan when she was only 25. Not because Dr. Mary Birdsall wanted to become a grandmother but it’s for the knowledge and understand their fertility health.

Atilia Haron also joined the panel sharing her own experience of trying to have a baby and encouraged fertility screening.  This has helped both her and her husband understand their fertility health status and therefore chance of success either with or without treatment. Atilia wants to raise awareness on the importance of fertility screening and encourage more open discussion on the topic.

Throughout my adult life, fertility was not something I worried about. The status of one’s fertility was also not something that was openly discussed. Now that my husband and I have been trying for some time, I realised it was time I reached out for help. I am here today to tell Malaysian men and women that it is possible to focus on your career growth and have a baby - if you take the necessary steps, starting with a fertility screening,” said Atilia. 

Fertility Screening

Currently Fertility Screening is not a consideration for many Malaysian adults until they are in their prime or even past their fertile years. Fertility screening is similar to having a health screen. For both men and women there are a range of tests that can help check your fertility to help you plan your future. These tests help predict if a woman may have a faster biological clock and therefore will lose their fertility sooner than expected. The tests available estimate what is called an ‘ovarian reserve’ by measuring the number of egg follicles developing at a particular time. Testing of the ovarian reserve involves doing a blood test for Follicular Stimulating Hormones FSH and estradiol between day 2 and day 4 of the cycle, a pelvic ultrasound and/or performing a blood test for Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) that can be done anytime of the month. 

For men a semen analysis looks at the number of sperm, their shape and their ability to move. A single test does not provide all the information required, which is why Fertility Associates Malaysia offers these tests as part of a fertility screening package including a consultation with a fertility specialist. 

Dr John Peek (General Manager, Quality, Information and Science, Fertility Associates) explaining Biological Clock

Age is the most important factor when trying to have a baby. Young women without fertility problems have about a 25% chance per month of having a baby naturally. This falls to about a 12% chance at age 37 and a 4% at 42. Every year counts when you are getting into your late 30’s. Fertility Associates also has an online tool called the Biological Clock to help people work out their chances of conception naturally and also with treatment, this can tell you how long to try for naturally before going to a fertility doctor.

Fertility Associates’ patients Fatemeh Jalilvand and Laavanya Gopal Krishna also shared their own personal stories of their journey towards having a baby and were at the panel with their babies.

L-R: Dr John Peek (General Manager, Quality, Information and Science, Fertility Associates), Dr mary Birdsall (Fertility Specialist & Chair, Fertility Associates), Atilia Haron, Dr Arasu Muthusamy (Medical Director, Fertility Associates Malaysia), Patient Fatemeh Jalilvand with baby boy Amir Arsalan and husband Saiful Zamri (behind), Patient Laavanya Gopal Krishna with baby girl Keshannaa and husband M. Kumara Guru (behind).

“I would encourage women to seek advice and take up the Fertility Screening as soon as they are thinking about having a baby. It is easy and helps increase your chances in the long term. Don’t leave it too late.” – Fatemeh Jalilvand.

“Taking the first step is not that hard – the team at Fertility Associates really helped us along our journey.” -  Laavanya Gopal Krishna. 

Dr Arasu presents a token of appreciation to the patients who shared their personal journeys to motherhood at the panel discussion. LR: Dr Arasu Muthusamy (Medical Director, Fertility Associates Malaysia), Patient Fatemeh Jalilvand with baby boy Amir Arsalan and husband Saiful Zamri (behind), Patient Laavanya Gopal Krishna with baby girl Keshannaa and husband M. Kumara Guru (behind).

The fertility specialists from New Zealand highlighted that there have been many advances in the field of fertility. “I encourage women to take control of their fertility as soon as they are of adult fertile age. Start early and get yourself screened so that you can understand your fertility and therefore the options whether involving fertility treatment or not to a baby,” said Dr. Mary Birdsall (Chair and Fertility Specialist, Fertility Associates New Zealand.

Fertility Associates Malaysia wants to empower women with the right tools, knowledge, treatment and support to ensure her fertility, while she is working on her career growth. Through this panel discussion, Fertility Associates Malaysia hopes to raise awareness on the subject of fertility amongst Malaysian women and men and inspire them to find out the status of their fertility health in preparation for the near future.

Fertility Associates Malaysia can be reached at:

Fertility Associates

106 Jalan Gasing, Section 5,

Petaling Jaya, 46000, Selangor, Malaysia.

Tel No: 1 300 800 400 / +6-03 7931 9510

E. info@fertilityassociates.com.my

W. http://www.fertilityassociates.com.my

FB. www.facebook.com/fertility.associates.my

Exclusive Seeties x O'Briens Valentine's Dinner

Valentine’s is near the corner, have you planned the romantic dinner for your loved ones? I had a special and exclusive Valentine’s dinner 2 weekends ago. I felt honored because it was first time in history, O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe had this exclusive yet romantic dinner; specially planned for TAP by Seeties’ bloggers. 

The Valentine’s dinner was held at O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe The Curve. It was closed for Public because they were just serving the honorable guests (us, the bloggers from TAP by Seeties) that night. Felt really awesome and special lol.

While waiting for the others to arrive, we had fun taking selfie and wefie with the special props. Everyone dressed up in white as we were ready for a white romantic Valentine’s.

After a while, we were being seated. We were arranged to be seated opposite to our partner that night, on the long dining table set up with white table clothes and napkins. The plate settings were followed the fine dining placement too. In case we do not know how to use the cutlery, Nicole from TAP by Seeties explained to us that the very simple rule is to always work from the outside in; the cutlery farthest away from your plate is for the first course. Thanks to the team, they are really very detailed and planned it well.

On the table we seen some beautiful flower petals along with candles lit. The main courses and desserts were exclusively invented for this dinner, which is not available in the O'Briens’ menu.

First, we had Smoked Salmon Salad in Pesto Dressing.

I love the greens salad with creamy pesto dressing and served along with smoked salmon slices and lemon wedge. Although I’m not a big fan of smoked salmon but this dish was OK to me.

Then, we had Mushroom Soup with Garlic Bread.

This is the only item that is already exists in the cafés menu. O'Briens’ Mushroom soup with Garlic Bread is creamy and tasty, yummy.

Then we had the main course for that night: Turkey Slice and Cheddar with Fresh Avocado in Ciabatta Bread. 

I love this cute little bread that is served with Turkey Slice, Cheddar, avocado paste and signature O'Briens potato chip. The chef has crafted the avocado paste into a lovely heart shape. It is not only beautiful but indeed it is very healthy too.

For dessert, we had Creme Brulee. 

The crème brulee we had that night was specially made by the chef just for us. The ladies were served with the crème brulee that was decorated and torch the sugar by the gentlemen. How sweet it was!

At O'Briens Irish Sandwich Café, romantic Valentine's dinner could be healthy and premium.  Thank you O'Briens Irish Sandwich Café and TAP by Seeties for this awesome and memorable experience.

O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe The Curve Address:

Lot G79, Ground Floor, No. 6, Jalan PJU 7/3,

Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor.

Phone No: 03-7727 2181

Business Hour:

Mon – Thurs, and Sun: 8am – 11pm

Fri – Sat: 8am – midnight (including public holidays)

#TAP #Seeties #obriens

Sunway Medical Centre: True Wealth Comes from Good Health

True wealth comes from good health. Good healthy begins with a healthy lifestyle and balanced nutrition. When your body is strong, your immune system will be as well, helping you to inhibit infections and diseases, keeps your weight in check and promotes better mental health among a whole host of benefits. Discover the comprehensive range of services on offer for a better, fitter and healthier you.

The Dietetics and Nutrition Services at Sunway Medical Centre is our trustworthy source of food and nutrition information. The dietitians helps us make informed food choices and develop sound eating habits. They encourage the community of all ages to obtain optimal health and assist individuals to recover from illness through a diet and program tailored to personal and work place needs.

With the aim of improving our health and lessen the incidence or severity of nutrition related health problem and support to all in-and out-patients and community in a professional environment. They provides diet management for all ages which is plans vary according to the different stages and needs of our life. From newborn, childhood and adolescence, pregnancy and lactation, to adulthood and elderly, they have the dietary plans for us. 

For example, I had my Healthy lunchbox from Sunway Medical Centre last month which consists of 150.000g brown rice, boiled + 1.000 serving  chicken tagine + 0.5000 cup Beans, Chickpeas, curried + 1.500 cup vegetables, mixed, boiled + a green apple. 

Not only the lunchbox was delicious, it also provides me 590 calories, protein, vitamin A & C, Calcium, Iron, Fibre and many more nutrition. Now, who said Healthy and Nutrition food is not yummy?! Ask the expert, let them do the job for us.

For more information, contact Sunway Medical Centre (SunMed)at +6-03-7491 9191 ext. 71152 or visit their website at www.sunwaymedical.com.my