Sarah Lian Shares Her IVF Journey: Emotional, Uncertain, and Deeply Personal

Now in her early 40s and happily married to a film producer, Malaysian actress, television host, and wellness entrepreneur Sarah Lian is navigating the realities of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), a journey she describes as emotional, uncertain, and deeply personal. She first began considering fertility preservation in her late 30s while still single, recognizing that many women do not prioritise fertility in their 20s but face growing concerns as they age.

“Like many women today, I didn’t prioritise fertility in my 20s… it is not something you think about at that age. But when you start to feel the window slowly closing, it becomes very real,” Lian said during a panel discussion on ‘GenPrime Everlink and The NextGen Journey’, organised by GenPrime Everlink Fertility Centre in conjunction with the launch of its rebranding.

She explained that her decision to explore egg freezing was motivated by a desire to preserve the possibility of parenthood for the future: “I thought, you know what, I’m going to offer myself an opportunity so that if and when I meet someone, the possibility of parenthood can still be a reality.”

Now married and actively undergoing IVF treatment, Lian speaks candidly about the emotional toll of the process. “IVF is much more than procedures and outcomes. It is uncharted territory and very scary,” she admits. She acknowledges moments of hope but also underscores the uncertainty inherent in the journey: not every embryo develops, not every pregnancy lasts, and not every journey ends as hoped.

At times, Lian described feeling isolated during her IVF experience — until she realised she was not alone. “I’ve had women reach out to me saying, ‘We’ve seen you at the (fertility) clinic. We’re going through the same thing.’ I found comfort and a sense of community in those connections,” she says.

One aspect of her care that Lian particularly values is the approach taken by her doctor and medical team, who explored various options with her rather than rushing into treatment cycles. Along the way, she has also developed a deeper appreciation for Malaysia’s growing capabilities in fertility care, which she now actively shares with friends overseas as an attractive destination for treatment.

Her openness reflects a broader trend in Malaysia’s fertility sector, which is increasingly recognised as a regional hub for IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies, drawing patients from across Southeast Asia seeking high-quality, accessible care.

Key Takeaways

• Sarah Lian began considering fertility preservation in her late 30s to keep open the possibility of future parenthood.
• She is now in her early 40s and undergoing IVF, which she describes as emotional, uncertain, and deeply personal.
• Lian found strength in connecting with others going through similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation.
• She appreciates her medical team’s thoughtful, non-rushed approach to exploring treatment options.
• Her journey has highlighted Malaysia’s growing reputation as a trusted destination for fertility treatment in the region.