Opening Hours
Mon-Fri | : 9:00am - 1:00pm 2:00pm - 5:00pm |
Sat | : 9:00am - 12:00pm |
Sun/PH | : Closed |
Mon-Fri :
9:00am - 1:00pm
2:00pm - 5:00pm
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Sat :
9:00am - 12:00pm
Sun/PH :
Closed
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Our Urologist
Dr Michael Wong
Dr Michael Wong is a USA-fellowship trained senior urologist with an exceptional international standing, having received some of the highest recognitions across three continents.
Let Us Help You
Restore Your Urological Health.
Make an appointment with Dr Michael Wong to receive a tailored, supportive and targeted care plan.
In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
In–Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
In Singapore, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is gaining traction as a solution for couples facing infertility. This rise can be attributed to several factors, including medical advancements and the government’s financial aid programs to help make IVF more accessible to eligible couples.
Medically reviewed by Dr Michael Wong, Medical Director & Senior Consultant Urologist
FAMS (Urology), FICS (USA), FRCS (Edinburgh), M Med (Surgery), MBBS (S’pore)
What Is In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)?
In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that is used to help couples struggling with infertility to conceive. IVF treatment is a complex and incredible procedure that combines medicine and surgery to fertilise an egg with a sperm (both carefully selected to be of the highest possible quality) outside of the body.
The fertilised egg, known as an embryo, can be frozen for later use or immediately implanted into a woman’s uterus.
Am I Suitable for IVF in Singapore?
Most IVF doctors recommend IVF after other treatments have proved unsuccessful. In Singapore, IVF treatment is an option for married couples struggling with infertility due to a variety of factors, including:
Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes
Blockages or damage in the fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from meeting sperm.
Endometriosis or Uterine Fibroids
Endometriosis can hinder implantation, while fibroids might affect the uterine cavity.
Ovulation Disorders or Reduced Ovarian Reserve
Women with irregular ovulation, diminished egg quality due to age, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) tend to face fertility issues.
Age-Related Infertility
Women over 40 naturally experience a decline in fertility.
Low Sperm Count or Quality
Men with a low sperm count or poor sperm motility tend to struggle with infertility.
Genetic Disorders
For couples with certain genetic conditions, IVF can be coupled with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to screen embryos for the disorder, increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Unexplained Infertility
Even after a thorough evaluation, some couples experience unexplained infertility.
Wondering if IVF is right for you? Speak to our fertility specialists and explore your options.
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How Do I Prepare for IVF?
When preparing for IVF, you may have to take into consideration the following:
Emotional Support
IVF is a couple's journey, despite most procedures being performed on the woman. The husband plays a vital role in supporting his wife, as the hormonal medications, self-injections and the uncertainty of the whole process can often take their toll. Couples should also take time to mentally prepare themselves, as there is a relatively high likelihood of not being successful on one’s first try.
Lifestyle Modifications
Prior to starting IVF, it is key to make one’s body as healthy as it can be. You may be recommended to follow a healthy diet and refrain from drinking and smoking. Stress reduction and letting your IVF doctor know about existing medications you are taking are also important.
What Is the Step-by-Step Process of IVF?
An IVF cycle consists of several stages, as follows:
Stage 1: Ovarian Stimulation
The IVF process includes the extraction of multiple eggs from a woman’s body. As women are only capable of producing one egg per menstrual cycle, a specialist skilled in IVF will train the woman to administer daily injections of follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) in order to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs at a time.
Stage 2: Ovarian Follicle Monitoring
IVF surgeons will conduct regular blood testing and ultrasounds to monitor the ovaries and measure hormone levels and follicle development. With this, the timing of egg collection can be accurately determined. Following this, human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) injections will be used to trigger the final stage of egg maturation. The egg retrieval will then take place approximately 34 to 36 hours following the hCG injection.
Stage 3: Oocyte/Egg Retrieval
In general, eggs or oocytes are ready for collection and fertilisation when they reach a size of 17–18mm. The egg retrieval procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia. A thin needle guided via a transvaginal scan will be used to retrieve the eggs from the follicles.
Stage 4: Fertilisation of Egg with Sperm
Upon collection of a fresh sperm sample from the man (or a frozen sample, if using a sperm bank), it will be processed and examined in an IVF clinic laboratory. An embryologist will determine the best quality sperm, and introduce it to the selected egg. An embryo will then develop if the fertilisation is successful.
Stage 5: Embryo Transfer
Embryos of good quality can be frozen for future use or immediately transferred into the woman’s uterus, in the hopes that it will implant into the uterine lining and result in pregnancy.
What Is the Success Rate of IVF Treatment in Singapore?
Age is the primary factor affecting the success rate of IVF. It is estimated that among women aged 35 to 39, the percentage of live births stands at close to 40%; as for women in their 40s, the percentage of live births falls to the single digits. This is because older women have fewer eggs, less healthy eggs, as well as a higher risk of developing medical issues that can impact fertility (e.g. uterine fibroids).
How to Improve the Success Rate of IVF Treatment?
To increase the chances of successful IVF treatment, it is crucial to seek an accredited assisted reproduction centre and an experienced IVF specialist. Additionally, your doctor may also recommend the following:
Consider Supplements
For women, consult your doctor about folic acid and vitamin D to potentially enhance pregnancy success.
Optimise Sperm Health
For men, avoid high temperatures (hot tubs, saunas, tight clothing) and discussing medications with your doctor.
Rubella Vaccination
Women should ensure that they are immune to rubella to prevent birth defects during pregnancy.
Lifestyle Changes
Maintain a healthy weight through balanced diet and exercise, quit smoking, and limit alcohol intake.
Let us help you start building the family you have always envisioned.
Contact our IVF clinic in Singapore and begin your journey to parenthood.
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How Many IVF Cycles Do People Usually Need?
Generally speaking, anywhere between 3 to 6 cycles can result in a successful birth. Of course, there are couples who require more, or even less, than the average.
Potential Risks of IVF Treatment
While it is a viable solution for couples dealing with infertility, IVF treatment may carry potential risks, including:
Multiple Pregnancies
Transferring multiple embryos increases the chances of multiple pregnancies, which can carry a higher risk of complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, and C-sections.
Ectopic Pregnancy
This is a rare but serious complication where a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
This is a more serious complication that occurs when the ovaries overreact to fertility drugs. Symptoms include severe bloating, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, dehydration, and urinary problems.
Pelvic Infection
There is a slim chance of pelvic infection after egg collection, with symptoms like pain, bleeding, and fever. In very rare cases, a pus-filled abscess may also develop.
FAQs about IVF
Is IVF painful?
Some parts of the IVF process, such as the self-injections, egg retrieval and embryo transfer, can cause some discomfort and temporary side effects, but not severe pain and are generally manageable.
How much does IVF in Singapore cost?
In Singapore, the cost of IVF varies based on hospital charges, the number of cycles needed, and other medical care involved for each couple. To help ease the financial burden, the Singapore government offers co-funding schemes, and eligible couples can also use their Medisave. For the most accurate cost estimate, please contact our clinic at +65 6838 1212 or email us at email@drmichaelwong.com.
Let us help you
Restore your urological health.
Make an appointment with Dr Michael Wong to receive a tailored, supportive and targeted care plan.
Office
Location
Location
3 Mount Elizabeth Road, #10-09,
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre,
Singapore 228510
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre,
Singapore 228510
Contact
Number
Number
| Tel | |
| Tel | |
| Fax | : (65) 6838 1216 |
| 24-hour answering service |
Email
Address
Address
Opening
Hours
Hours
Mon-Fri | : 9:00am - 1:00pm 2:00pm - 5:00pm |
Sat | : 9:00am - 12:00pm |
Sun/PH | : Closed |