Getting PregnantInfertility: The Option of Using In Vitro FertilizationBy Anna Santos-Villar | 23 June 2010

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)How it worksThis method has gained increasing popularity over the years, especially because celebrities here and in Hollywood have brazenly admitted to having gone through IVF to treat their infertility. This assisted reproductive technology involves fertilizing eggs with the sperm outside the womens body and then transferring the resulting embryos to the uterus. The maximum embryos allowed for implantation here in the Philippines are two, according to Dr. Joan Tan-Garcia, endocrinologist, infertility and menopause specialist.ConditionIf the woman has blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, fibroids, genetic defects, or ovariancysts, IVF is deemed necessary. Dr. Tan-Garcia enumerates the following as prerequisites for IVF: adequate number and good quality live sperm, good cervical health (sperms can only survive at a level of acidity in the cervix; any infection in the cervix is not conducive to sperm survival), a passable, unobstructed fallopian tube, and an egg. Without one of the above mentioned, IVF or any other treatment method will not succeed, she adds. There are presently only three centers that perform IVF in the Philippines, and the procedure is presently limited to married couples only.Success rateAccording to Dr. Tan-Garcia, There is no such thing as a standard success rate. The average success rate for IVF treatment in the Philippines is said to be at about 30% in just one center that handles about 300 cases a year, and around 50% in the U.S. For women with poor quality eggs, Dr. Tan-Garcia adds that the success rate for one cycle of IVF treatment is higher for a woman in her late 20s than for a woman in her late 30s.CostThe average cost of IVF (in U.S. dollars) is about $14,000 to $24,000 in the U.S., and about $8,000 to $12,000 in Singapore. In the Philippines, it starts at P135,000, plus doctors fee (which can range from P75,000 to P400,000). This cost covers just one cycle of IVF and does not include medications, ultrasound, and other possible expenses.

IN VITRO FERTILIZATION

1) How common is In vitro fertilization in the Philippines? In vitro fertilization is becoming popular in the Philippines nowadays due to the rising incidence of problems in fertilization also because of the arising diseases in the society today. Theres no actual findings but survey shows that 2 out of 15 women are thinking of this choice to become mothers. 2) What is the definition of In vitro fertilization? In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method of assisted reproduction in which a man's sperm and a woman's eggs are combined outside of the body in a laboratory dish. One or more fertilized eggs (embryos) may be transferred to the woman's uterus, where they may implant in the uterine lining and develop.3) Issues regarding stem cell technology. One of the issues in the In vitro fertilization is its cost, as stated on the article, the average cost of the procedure alone starts at Php135,000.00 which is clearly too expensive and not affordable for everyone, because of this very high price not all of those who wants to have their own children are not being able to enjoy this wonderful discovery. 4) Summary. This article gives us a know how with regards to in vitro fertilization works, what conditions need to exist, the cost and success rate. It is well expressed here that in vitro fertilization that the success rate in Philippines is 30% and that it also states that this procedure is limited only to married couples.

5) Reaction. When I read this article, I somehow felt worried, what if time comes and realize that I need this? Its too expensive, but I am also happy that science can invent such procedures which gives hope to those who cannot normally bear children.6) Application. I can apply my learning in this article as a future nurse by being a client advocate in a sense that I must intensify my health education to my clients which are having a hard time bearing a child, options must be discussed to them thoroughly.

IN VITRO FERTILIZATION1) Whether or not it is moral, should in vitro fertilization (IVF) be legal? Why? Yes, and actually it is already legal, legality are just being debated when it comes to the purpose of the IVF.2) Is it a free choice to seek in vitro fertilization (IVF) be legal? Why? Yes, it is a free choice, and it should be legal because it is one of the best options for the married couples who cannot bear a child normally, it is the couples right and we as nurses should respect it as long as its purpose is good.3) Should doctors and nurses be able to object according to their conscience? Yes, most especially in instances that the in vitro fertilization is being planned to use for stem cell procedures, this is not morally accepted. So with these, if such case happens doctors and nurses must be able to object according to their conscience. 4) What is the role of the nurse in decisions about stem cell? The role of the nurse in decisions about in vitro fertilization is to address the concerns of the patient and his family and to further clarify any questions pertaining to the explanation of the physician with regards to the procedure, and of course to explore further the real reason behind the patients decision to undergo the procedure. 5) What can u say about in vitro fertilization (IVF)? For me, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the promising innovations in the medical science, however it must be properly used and be limited to avoid disobeying the moral ethics of the medical science. Like when it is used as a material for stem cell, that should be avoided. Although it could save a life but it is somehow putting another potential life at waste.