BECOMING A MOTHER
That trip to the gynecologist changed her life. Tan discovered that she has polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a common endocrine disorder that can result in the infrequent release of eggs. While the symptoms vary, the more common ones include irregular periods, obesity and infertility.
When I received the diagnosis from the gynae, she said that it was going to be very hard for me to conceive without any assistance, Tan recalls. PCOS affects everyone differently, but for me, it specifically means that I don't have a regular ovulation cycle and my eggs are unable to develop and mature. Tan's doctor recommended for her to immediately start on medicated cycles, where she would take oral medication to allow the eggs to grow to maturity.
One cycle slowly spun into another and soon, Tan found herself going through six medicated cycles within a year, all of which failed. The following year, she persevered through three more cycles, which were also unsuccessful.
Tired and discouraged, she confided in a friend, who introduced her to a fertility specialist. At that time, I honestly didn't know that there was a difference between a gynecologist and a fertility specialist, Tan tells me. After conducting various tests, the specialist recommended superovulation, also known as controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, a process where medicated drugs are used to induce the release of multiple eggs within a cycle. To our immense joy, we were successful on the first try. After six years of marriage, we welcomed Ellery into our lives in 2018.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mathew Leong
As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option
Asian Inspirations
Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine
State of the Arts
Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand
Through a Curator's Lens
Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage
Second Nature
Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes
Wine Down
Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign
To Have and to Hold
With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility
Scent of Strength
Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage
Nocturnal Revival
Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream