Restorative Reproductive Medicine NaProTechnology
RRM Academy Synopsis
Philippine commentary argues NaPro Technology fits infertile couples
A 2016 commentary argues that NaPro Technology offers Filipino couples affordable, ethical care for infertility. In a 2011 survey it cites, one in ten couples was infertile and most went untreated due to cost.
Key Findings
- A 2011 survey of 100 households in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, commissioned by Merck Serono and run by Synovate, put infertility at one out of ten Filipino couples.
- Cost, at 86%, was the main reason infertile couples gave for skipping treatment. Time constraints and the patient's belief were the other two reasons listed.
- A physician quoted in the commentary assigns some 35 to 40% of couples' inability to conceive to female factors and another 35 to 40% to male factors.
- The author cites a 2013 publication reporting pregnancy in more than 60% of NaPro Technology infertility patients by 24 months, and in nearly 70% by 36 months.
- The author prices IVF at Php 467,500 to Php 701,250 per cycle. The worst-case NaPro Technology figure is Php 30,000 to 80,000 for one full year of care.
Interpretation
The article is a commentary, an opinion piece that gathers published figures and prices to argue a policy position. It draws on a 2011 Merck Serono survey, NaPro Technology outcome reports, and IVF and NaPro Technology costs. The ethical argument starts from the author's premise that human life begins at fertilization. The author concludes by recommending that the government adopt NaPro Technology as national policy to treat infertility.
RRM Context
NaPro Technology looks for the underlying problem and works with the menstrual and fertility cycles. Restorative reproductive medicine is built on this cause-based approach. The commentary places it in a country where cost keeps many infertile couples from care. The author also treats infertility as a couple's condition, with female and male factors.
Abstract
The latest retrievable data about infertility in the Philippines was made available to the public by Merck Serono, a private pharmaceutical company who commissioned the survey in 2011. The survey was conducted by Synovate in 100 participating households in the Philippines, particularly in key cities located in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The survey results revealed that one out of ten Filipino couples are suffering from infertility. And these couples are not seeking treatment due to the following reasons: (1) financial constraints; (2) time constraints; and (3) the patient’s belief. Of all these, financial constraints, at 86%, is the primary reason why infertile couples are not seeking treatment. In addition to this data, the Chief of The Medical City’s Reproductive Medicine, Infertility and Gynecologic Endoscopy, Dr. Marc Anthony Ancheta, further reveals that “some 35 to 40% of a couple’s inablity to conceive a child are due to female factors; while the other 35 to 40% could be attributed to male factors.” While male factor infertility is also deserving of proper attention, it is the female factor infertility that should receive greater attention and focus in terms of treatment. Why? Because, primarily, the female’s reproductive cycle is very complex and would need months and/or years to partially identify the underlying reason/s of infertility; and second, the female’s ability to conceive naturally will fall by 50% when she reached the age of 35. Therefore, there should be urgency in treating female factor infertility in an efficient, ethical and affordable way. And these conditions can be achieved by the use of NaPro Technology.
Read the guide
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What Is NaProTechnology? A Guide for Patients Looking for a NaPro Doctor
NaProTechnology diagnoses and treats the underlying conditions driving infertility, menstrual disorders, and early pregnancy loss. This guide covers how the method works, published outcomes data, how to find a qualified provider, and what to expect on cost and insurance.
