If Parenthood May Cost $15,000 To Even Start. Is IVF Or IUI Better?[ft Dr Suresh Nair & Jaslyn Koh]

Navigating the Challenges of Parenthood and Fertility: Insights from Experts

In a recent podcast conversation, Reggie and Jaslyn, founder of the Busy Woman Project, walk us through the emotional and physical challenges faced by couples struggling with fertility issues. From understanding the intricacies of IVF and IUI procedures to the importance of support systems, the conversation provided valuable insights for those on a similar journey.

Guest Introductions:

Sue Ann Yao, Co-Founder Of FertilitySupport.SG and a “super mom,” mother of two who underwent IVF treatments, candidly shared her personal experience with IVF, emphasising the difficult decisions she had to make regarding her career. 

Dr. Suresh Nair, an experienced IVF specialist with over 32 years of expertise in IVF and laparoscopic surgery, provided valuable insights into the medical aspects of fertility treatments.

The Emotional Struggle of Balancing Multiple Roles:

Sue Ann expressed the challenges faced by women striving to excel in both their careers and motherhood. With high societal expectations, it becomes overwhelming to juggle various roles effectively. “Everybody has very high expectations of a woman. You have to be a good mother, excel in your career, and do well overall,” she explained.

The Decision to Prioritise Parenthood:

Sue Ann’s personal journey involved putting her career on hold due to multiple rounds of IVF treatments. She realised the irretrievable nature of time and the importance of addressing her fertility issues early on. “Although I still feel like I’m in my 20s, my biological clock is ticking… I knew I had issues that needed to be addressed,” she shared.

The Importance of Support Systems:

Dr. Nair highlighted the significance of seeking support from friends, family, and fertility communities like SG Fertility. Many women and their partners feel isolated when dealing with fertility issues. He emphasised that infertility is not solely a female problem but can also be attributed to male factors. The support system plays a crucial role in providing emotional and informational support during this challenging journey.

Understanding Fertility Treatments:

The conversation also touched upon various fertility treatments, including IVF and IUI. To address the audience’s queries, Jaslyn requested explanations of terms such as “CEO surgery” and the differences between IVF and IUI. Dr. Nair provided clear and concise explanations, ensuring that listeners gained a comprehensive understanding of these procedures.

Supporting Each Other through the IVF Process:

Sue Ann emphasised the importance of partners being actively involved in the IVF process. Men are encouraged to seek information and be supportive throughout the treatment journey. SG Fertility’s community offers a platform for men to ask questions and find support. “Some husbands come to us seeking advice on how to increase their wife’s chances of success during IVF,” Sue Ann shared.

Managing the Physical and Emotional Side Effects:

The conversation discussed the physical and emotional aspects of fertility treatments. Hormonal medications and injections can lead to mood swings, bloating, and fatigue. Sue Ann shared her personal experience of feeling bloated and exhausted during her IVF journey. However, it was emphasised that these side effects should not be overstated, as each individual’s experience may vary.

You can check their full interview on Chills with TFC, Episode 157 on Spotify, YouTube, Google podcast or Apple podcast for valuable insights into the challenges of balancing parenthood and career aspirations, particularly for couples facing fertility issues. Sue Ann’s personal journey and Dr. Nair’s expertise shed light on the emotional, physical, and societal aspects of this complex journey. With the support of communities like SG Fertility and active involvement from partners, individuals navigating fertility treatments can find solace and guidance. By sharing their experiences and knowledge, these experts aim to empower and inform others who may be on a similar path.

Key Takeaways from the Podcast Conversation

1. Balancing career aspirations and motherhood can be challenging, given high societal expectations placed on women.
2. Fertility treatments like IVF and IUI require a supportive network to navigate the emotional and physical demands of the process.
3. Both partners should be actively involved in the IVF journey, seeking information and providing support.
4. Understanding the medical aspects of fertility treatments is crucial for informed decision-making.
5. Support communities like SG Fertility provide a valuable resource for individuals dealing with fertility issues.
6. Hormonal medications used in fertility treatments can cause side effects such as mood swings, bloating, and fatigue, but these experiences vary among individuals.

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