In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is one of the most effective fertility treatments available for couples struggling to conceive. If you and your partner are considering IVF treatment in Singapore, there are several important factors to consider. These range from general requirements like age and medical history to more specific assessments related to the reproductive health of both the male and female partners.
This article will walk you through some key considerations for IVF in Singapore, so that you can make an informed decision.
General Considerations
Age and Health
Age is one of the most important factors in determining your success for IVF. The success rates tend to decrease significantly as age increases, particularly for women over 35. Egg quality and quantity decline with age and older women may face additional complications during pregnancy.
On the male side, age also plays a role, but it is less significant than for women. Male fertility typically decreases gradually over time, but sperm quality remains generally acceptable until around the age of 40-45.
Beyond age, overall health is crucial. Couples with chronic medical conditions or those who have undergone previous surgeries affecting fertility may need additional consultations and tests. Good general health boosts the chances of success and minimizes potential complications during pregnancy.
Cost of IVF in Singapore
In Singapore, the total cost of IVF treatments generally ranges from SGD 16,000 to SGD 22,000 per cycle. Additional costs may arise depending on your specific medical needs, such as the use of additional medications, genetic testing, or pre-IVF surgery or treatment. You can use Medisave at most clinics to subsidise part of the costs.
Relationship Status of the Couple
In Singapore, IVF is only available to legally married couples, according to the regulations set by the Ministry of Health. Unmarried couples, same-sex couples, and single women are currently not eligible for IVF treatment in Singapore.
Medical History of Partners
Both partners will need to undergo a detailed medical review before starting IVF treatment. This typically involves a full fertility assessment, including blood tests, hormone evaluations and screenings for conditions that may affect fertility, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or prior surgeries involving the reproductive organs.
Your fertility specialist will also look at your history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), genetic conditions and any previous fertility treatments you may have had, as these factors can influence your chances of success.
Female-Specific Factors
Several female-specific factors can affect IVF success, including ovarian reserve and uterine health. These tests and evaluations help fertility specialists gauge the potential for a successful pregnancy.
Ovarian Reserve Assessment
One of the key factors in female fertility is ovarian reserve, which refers to the number of eggs a woman has remaining. A woman’s ovarian reserve naturally declines with age, and a fertility assessment will include tests to measure hormone levels that indicate egg reserve.
Common tests include an anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test, which gives an estimate of the remaining egg count, and a transvaginal ultrasound to check the number of antral follicles in the ovaries. Women with a lower ovarian reserve may have a reduced chance of IVF success, but other treatment options or the use of donor eggs may be available depending on the situation.
Uterine Health Evaluation
A healthy uterus is essential for a successful pregnancy. During the pre-IVF assessment, doctors will evaluate the health of your uterus to ensure it can support an embryo.
This evaluation often involves an ultrasound scan to check for abnormalities such as fibroids, polyps, or structural issues within the uterus that could interfere with embryo implantation. If problems are found, further investigations like a hysteroscopy (a procedure where a small camera is inserted into the uterus) might be needed. Treating these conditions beforehand can increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
Male-Specific Factors
While female factors often dominate the conversation around fertility treatments, male fertility is equally important. For IVF to succeed, healthy sperm with good motility and morphology is required to fertilise an egg. Male fertility tests assess sperm quality and, if needed, genetic factors.
Sperm Analysis
Sperm quality is evaluated through a semen analysis, which looks at the quantity, motility (movement), and morphology (shape) of the sperm. Poor sperm quality can hinder fertilisation or lead to lower IVF success rates.
In cases where sperm quality is low, techniques such as ICSI can be used to inject a single sperm directly into the egg, improving the chances of fertilisation. Depending on the analysis results, lifestyle changes, medications, or additional treatments may be recommended to improve sperm quality.
Genetic Testing (If Necessary)
In certain cases, genetic testing for male partners may be necessary, especially if there is a history of genetic disorders in the family or if previous pregnancies have been affected by genetic issues. Some genetic conditions can affect sperm production or quality and may impact the success of IVF treatment.
Consult an IVF Specialist in Singapore
Considerations for IVF treatment in Singapore depends on a variety of factors, including age, health and cost. It can sometimes be overwhelming factoring everything. If you’re unsure whether you are ready for IVF, Care IVF is here to help.
At Care IVF, we’re an IVF centre in Singapore that will take the time to address our patients’ concerns before offering personalised treatment plans. Our experienced fertility and IVF specialists will assess your unique health and reproductive needs, explain the available options and provide the support you need at every step of your IVF journey.