GEORGE TOWN: Their child took about 10 years to arrive, involving extraordinary steps.
Businessman Darren Wong, 38, and his 36-year-old wife welcomed their child after a long and emotionally draining fertility journey marked by failed treatments, painful procedures and high costs.
Wong said they had always wanted children but after five years of trying naturally without success, they sought medical help.
He said the early years involved medication to induce ovulation, followed by intrauterine insemination (IUI) and later super ovulation IUI, a process he described as painful for his wife.
“We started seeing doctors after we got married and I think we’ve seen almost every doctor in Penang,” he said in an interview.
Although in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) was a viable option, Wong said they were initially reluctant to attempt it because of the high cost and emotional risks.
But after about 10 years of trying, the couple eventually decided to proceed with IVF, though financing the treatment proved to be difficult.
“The first IVF cycle, which took about six months, ended in failure and cost about RM30,000. That was hard on us emotionally and we were distraught for almost a year.
“After taking time to recover, we sought treatment from a different doctor and underwent another IVF about six months later, which was successful.
“The fertilised embryo was later sent for genetic testing to screen for defects and at that point, we just wanted to have a child, regardless of gender,” he said.
The second procedure, which included genetic testing, cost about RM60,000.
Wong said the biggest challenge throughout the journey was the emotional roller coaster, coupled with the physical toll on his wife, who endured more than 50 hormone injections.
Despite the strain, Wong said the experience strengthened their marriage, although there were moments when they considered giving up.
“We made a commitment when we started and we are glad we faced this challenge together.
“After the setbacks, we even discussed egg donation and adoption,” he said.
Now, with their daughter who is about one year old, the couple said the journey was worthwhile.
With nine embryos still frozen, Wong said they plan to attempt another transfer in a few months.
For engineer Desmond Lee, 42, he and his wife initially tried to conceive naturally after getting married, but decided not to delay further after two years of no success.
“We didn’t want to wait any longer as there are age-related risks and concerns over genetic conditions, including Down syndrome.
“My wife has a minor thalassemia trait and we wanted to minimise the risk of complications.
“So, we considered IVF and underwent all the required screenings and opted for additional genetic tests,” he said.
Their first IVF attempt was successful, but Lee said the process placed a heavy physical burden on his wife, particularly during egg extraction and hormone treatment.
“The journey is mainly on the mother; there is pain and it’s not easy. The IVF attempt, costing about RM70,000 is expensive but worthwhile given the outcome,” he added.
The couple plan to have another child next year, as they still have embryos frozen and in storage, at a cost of about RM800 a year.
Lee said it is important for couples not to rush into advanced procedures without proper planning.
“Try conceiving naturally first, then consider IUI if needed.
“What’s important is family planning and getting both sides tested early for any genetic risks,” he said.
