Infertility affects a significant number of couples worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 48 million couples globally suffer from infertility.
1 out of 6 couples struggle with infertility in Singapore. In recent years, many people have started exploring fertility treatments as a possible solution for their unplanned childlessness.
If you have been trying to get pregnant for over a year but with no positive result, you might also consider exploring assisted reproductive technologies such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (G-INT) or artificial insemination.
The good news is that several infertility treatment options are available in Singapore. In this blog, we look at popular available options and how they can help you become pregnant sooner rather than later! But first,
When should you Seek Treatment for Infertility?
Infertility in Singapore is a slightly sensitive issue, so not many couples are willing to seek treatment right away. Some might feel that they need more time to “try on their own”, while others may want to give traditional methods such as acupuncture or reflexology a chance before moving on to more Westernised fertility treatments.
Now, if you think that probably you need infertility treatments but are still not sure if you should go for it or not, here are two common situations where most couples seek professional help:
If you’re a woman under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year or more, or if you’re over 35 and have been trying for six months or more, it’s time to see a fertility specialist. You may also want to seek treatment sooner if you have a known fertility problem or history of miscarriages.
These are just general guidelines, though, and you may want to seek help sooner if you have any reason to believe there’s a problem. For example, if you have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis, you may want to see a specialist sooner rather than later.
If you have any concerns about your fertility, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. They can refer you to a fertility specialist if necessary.
Treatment for infertility in Singapore can be expensive, so you also may want to check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered before making an appointment. You may also want to consider using a fertility calculator to help you determine when you should start treatment.
With all of this in mind, don’t hesitate to reach out to a fertility specialist if you think you may need help conceiving. They can help you explore your options and make the best decision for your family. Here are some of the popular treatment options your doctor may suggest;
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
This is a procedure in which the embryos are created outside the body and then transferred to the uterus. This is often used when there are problems with ovulation, fertilisation or the uterus being unable to sustain a pregnancy.
For IVF to work, a woman is first given hormone shots to stimulate her ovaries and produce several eggs. These eggs are then harvested and put in a culture medium to allow the embryos to grow.
After a few days, a few of these embryos are selected and put in a small laboratory flask to grow bigger. The rest of the embryos are frozen and stored for later use.
When the embryos are ready, they are transferred to the uterus through a small incision on the vaginal wall. The procedure requires general anaesthesia, and the woman is likely to stay in the hospital for a few hours or a day.
Gamete intrafallopian transfer (G-INT)
G-INT is a type of assisted reproductive technology used to treat infertility. It involves the removal of an ovum and a single sperm from the Fallopian tubes of the woman and man, respectively.
The two gametes are then allowed to meet inside a special laboratory dish (intra-fallopian transfer) and are left there for about 48 hours, after which the dish is examined, and the embryos are counted. If the desired number of embryos is found in the dish, the dish is then broken open, and the embryos are transferred into the uterus. G-INT is generally recommended for patients where problem is with sperm or ovulation.
Artificial Insemination (AI)
If your sperm count is normal, but your partner has a problem with ovulation or her Fallopian tubes are blocked, artificial insemination is the recommended treatment. In this procedure, a sample of your semen is put into a special fluid and then inserted into the woman’s vagina.
As soon as the semen comes in contact with the fluid in the woman’s vagina, it is activated, and you have the same chance of getting pregnant as with natural intercourse. The semen sample is usually collected at a fertility clinic during a daily visit. The advantage of using AI is that it can be done in private and at any time of the day.
Which Infertility Treatment is Right for you?
These are all different types of assisted reproductive technologies that can be helpful for couples who are having trouble getting pregnant. To choose the best infertility treatment for you, here are some factors to consider:
- The cause of infertility: If the problem is with the woman, then IVF or G-INT may be recommended. Artificial insemination may be recommended if the problem is with the man.
- Your age: If you are over 35, then IVF may be recommended.
- Your health: If you have a health condition that makes it difficult to get pregnant, then IVF may be recommended.
- Your preference: You and your partner may prefer one treatment over another.
Your doctor will help you decide which infertility treatment is right for you based on these factors. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for infertility in Singapore, and the best treatment for you may depend on your individual circumstances. Please ask your doctor if you have any questions about the different treatment types.
Bottom Line
If you are experiencing infertility, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. You have many treatment options available in Singapore, including IVF and artificial insemination.
Before you decide which treatment is right for you, make sure you understand the pros and cons of each option. Doing so will help you make an informed decision and hopefully get pregnant sooner rather than later!
We provide a comprehensive range of services for women, from preconception care to fertility treatments and beyond. We offer a wide variety of fertility treatments, including IVF, IUI, and artificial insemination.
We also provide a full range of gynaecological services, such as pap smears, contraception advice, and menopause management. We are here to help you every step of the way, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Dr Ng Kai Lyn – Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Mount Elizabeth Novena: 38 Irrawady Road 05-34/35
Singapore 329563
Hougang: 684 Hougang Ave 8 01-198
Singapore 530684
+65 60 1115 31
