IVF involves collecting eggs from ovaries and fertilising them with sperm in a laboratory dish. Once embryos form, a specialist transfers one or two into the womb.
IVF bypasses natural barriers like blocked tubes or severe sperm issues. Assisted reproductive methods go beyond IVF.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) for example places washed sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) injects a single sperm into each egg, ideal for male-factor infertility.
Other options include donor eggs or sperm for those with poor gamete quality, and surrogacy when a uterus cannot carry a pregnancy. Follow this link to learn more: https://holisticgynae.com/ivf-assisted-reproduction/.
Who is a Candidate for IVF & AR?
You may want to try IVF & Assisted Reproduction if you’ve tried to conceive with no success. To ensure good results you may wonder; who is a good candidate for IVF & AR?
Just so you know, doctors recommend IVF or AR when certain clinical situations limit natural conception. Ideally, you may be recommended IVF & AR if you have:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes: Women whose tubes are scarred or missing cannot meet sperm and egg naturally. IVF bypasses tubes by fertilising outside the body and placing embryos directly in the uterus. This direct route restores the chance of pregnancy without the need for tubal surgery.
- Severe male-factor infertility: Low sperm count or poor motility can thwart natural conception. ICSI which is an AR variant, injects a single sperm into each egg to boost fertilisation chances. This technique overcomes male-factor issues that pills or IUI cannot address.
- Advanced maternal age: Women over 38 face declining egg quality and quantity. IVF may include genetic testing of embryos to select the healthiest and improve success rates. This screening helps reduce miscarriage risk and shortens the path to a viable pregnancy. Age-tailored protocols optimise ovarian stimulation for older patients.
- Unexplained infertility: When tests show no clear cause after a year of trying, IVF can hellp identify hidden issues and achieve pregnancy despite unknown factors. Embryo development in the lab can reveal potential egg or sperm problems. Since it bypasses some steps, IVF offers a fresh start. It also speeds up diagnosis if treatment fails.
- Genetic concerns or recurrent pregnancy loss: Couples with inherited conditions or repeated miscarriages can use pre-implantation genetic testing during IVF to reduce the chance of passing on chromosomal abnormalities. Lab screening picks embryos free of specific gene faults. This process lowers miscarriage risk and increases the odds of a healthy birth. It provides clarity for families with known genetic issues.
How do Doctors Decide You Need IVF?
In a top infertility clinic, the doctors will only approve you for IVF & Assisted Reproduction if you’re a good candidate. To decide if you need IVF, the doctors will order hormone panels to check egg supply.
They may also recommend semen analysis to assess sperm health, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or laparoscopy to inspect reproductive organs. These tests can reveal whether ovulation drugs or IUI can work or whether IVF offers a better option.
If blood tests show poor ovarian reserve, or scans detect tubal blockages, your clinician may recommend moving straight to IVF. In cases of mild sperm issues with regular ovulation, IUI might suffice.
The specialists will also consider your age, treatment history, medical conditions and emotional readiness before suggesting IVF or AR. In a top facility, you will be involved in the entire decision-making process to ensure that you proceed with realistic expectations.
That far you’re probably now wondering; is IVF and Assisted Reproduction safe? The answer is yes.
However, it is important to acknowledge that just like any other procedure, this treatment also comes with a few risks. During ovarian stimulation, you may experience mild bloating, mood swings or headaches.
These side effects usually resolve after injections stop. Rarely, overstimulation can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which causes fluid build-up and discomfort.
In a good clinic, your hormone levels will be monitored and the specialists will be keen to adjust doses to prevent OHSS. Procedural risks include infection or bleeding from egg retrieval, though these are uncommon.
Embryo transfer carries minimal risk, as it is non-surgical. Multiple embryo transfers increase the chance of twins or triplets, raising risks of preterm birth and low birth weight.
We’d also like to mention that not everyone needs IVF immediately. For mild anovulation, ovulation-inducing medications like Clomiphene or Letrozole can help restore regular cycles and lead to pregnancy.
They carry fewer injections and lower cost. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is usually suitable for couples with mild male-factor or unexplained infertility. A simple procedure places sperm directly in the uterus around ovulation. It offers moderate success rates with minimal discomfort.
Lifestyle and nutritional adjustments can also boost natural fertility. You will also want to maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, reduce stress and eat a balanced diet to improve egg and sperm quality.
Is it Worth it Investing in IVF & Assisted Reproduction?
Before you consent to IVF and Assisted Reproduction, it is ideal that you also consider the cost implication. A single IVF cycle in Singapore ranges from SGD 8,000–15,000.
The amount you will finally invest on will depend on factors like medications, monitoring and lab techniques. Costs vary by clinic, protocol intensity and add-ons like genetic testing.
MediSave can cover approved IVF cycles for eligible women under age 40, up to set withdrawal limits. You may also tap CPF respite for subsidised cycles in public hospitals. Government grants like the Parenthood Pro-Family Grant (PGPN) also provide additional cash support for married couples.
Private insurance plans sometimes include fertility benefits, while clinics offer payment plans to spread costs. Just to be sure, we recommend discussing financial options with your clinic’s counsellor to build a budget that suits your needs.
Wrapping Up
IVF and AR can give you a huge boost if you’ve been struggling with fertility issues like tubal blockages, male-factor issues, age-related decline, unexplained infertility or genetic concerns. Discuss your circumstances openly with a fertility specialist to map out a personalised plan that offers hope and clarity for you.
Our fertility centre offers comprehensive assessments, state-of-the-art lab techniques and compassionate support tailored to your needs. Whether you’re exploring first-line treatments or considering IVF, our specialists can guide you through candidacy checks, cost planning and personalised protocols.
Book your consultation today to discuss your fertility concerns and find out if IVF & AR are right for you. To schedule a consultation, call or visit us at;
Holistic Gynaecology & Fertility
290 Orchard Rd, #13-08 Paragon Medical Centre, Singapore 238859
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