Planning for motherhood: A choice or a chance?December 24, 2018
Dr Eeson Sinthamoney explaning how AMH testing is able to help women make sound decisions in terms of family planning.
In Malaysia, women are increasingly choosing to have children later in life. According to the Department of Statistics (DOSM), the mean age of first-time mothers has risen from 26.6 years old in 2001 to 27.7 years old in 2015. This trend may be due to a variety of factors, but it is important for women to start planning for their future now and gain a better understanding of their bodies. Dr Eeson Sinthamony, president of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society Malaysia (OGSM), emphasizes the importance of this planning process and the various options available to help women have children later in life, such as AMH testing and egg freezing.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test Dr Eeson explains that around 10% of women in their early 30s experience a significant decline in fertility. While this rate may vary from person to person, numerous studies have shown that a woman's ovarian reserve begins to decline in her 30s. Ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs a woman has available for fertilization, also known as egg count. A woman is born with approximately two million eggs, which is the total number she will have in her lifetime. After a peak during puberty, this number gradually decreases throughout her life. To determine their fertility levels, women can take an Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test. This test provides an indication of their remaining fertile years and helps doctors determine the likelihood of conception in the present or future. The AMH test is a simple blood test that measures the levels of the Anti-Müllerian Hormone, which is used as a marker for a woman's ovarian reserves. This is an important consideration for women who are planning for pregnancy or struggling with infertility. For those who wish to plan for future motherhood, there is the option of freezing their eggs. Currently, around 50 million couples worldwide face infertility, and approximately 15% of women of reproductive age experience fertility issues. Before the introduction of AMH testing, the most common fertility test for women involved an invasive trans-vaginal ultrasound procedure. The AMH test is a more convenient option, as it eliminates discomfort, waiting time, and confusion. Women can request this test from their physician at any time. In conclusion, Dr Eeson Sinthamony stresses the importance of planning for future motherhood and understanding one's fertility levels. With the availability of options such as AMH testing and egg freezing, women can make informed decisions about their reproductive health and have the opportunity to become mothers later in life. |
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