A Comprehensive Guide to IVF Treatment

In Singapore, only legally married couples may undergo IVF treatment. Generally, couples undergo assessments to identify the cause of infertility before undergoing an evaluation to determine if they can safely undergo IVF treatment and sustain a nine-month pregnancy.

To encourage marriage and parenthood in Singapore, the government allows women to access IVF regardless of age, and there is no restriction on the number of ART cycles they can undergo.

There are several steps individuals and couples can take to increase the chances of successful IVF treatment. Here are some recommendations:

• Consult an IVF Specialist

  : Before undergoing the treatment, an IVF specialist will conduct a comprehensive test to evaluate the cause of your infertility issues and prepare a treatment plan suited to your specific case. Cooperation with an IVF specialist is crucial to increase the chances of success.

• Consume a Healthy Diet

  : A proper diet is crucial to help your body get the necessary nutrients and energy for healthy egg and sperm production. It is recommended to include fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and chicken and fish in your diet.

• Maintain a Proper Weight

  : Keeping your body mass index (BMI) within the normal range improves the health of your uterus, helping you achieve a healthy pregnancy. Ensure to consume a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain an optimal weight.

• Take Supplements

  : Supplements like folic acid and vitamin D can help increase the success of IVF. Folic acid is often recommended for women three months before pregnancy and foetal transfer to keep the embryo healthy and reduce the risks of brain damage and disorders in the foetal spine.

• Limit Caffeine Consumption

  : Limiting caffeine intake to one to two cups per day as caffeine can reduce the chances of successful pregnancies by up to 50%.

• Lifestyle Changes

  : Ensure seven to eight hours of sleep nightly to support your IVF cycle. Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can reduce fertility and sperm quality. Adopt stress relief techniques like meditation or yoga as stress can have a negative effect on IVF treatment.

• Avoid Exposure to Chemicals and Heavy Metals

  : Avoid exposure to soaps, moisturisers, and other cosmetics with paraben, nail polish containing formaldehyde, food packaging made of BPA and phenol, as well as non-stick cookware containing perfluorinated compounds.

The IVF treatment process involves several steps, from ovarian stimulation to pregnancy testing. Each step is meticulously planned and executed to increase the chances of a successful conception. It is a complex yet fascinating process combining advanced medical technology and biological processes.

• Ovarian Stimulation

  :

  Fertility drugs, oral or injectable, stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs in one cycle. These medications often include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which helps follicles (small sacs containing eggs) to grow and develop. Some cycles may also use luteinizing hormone (LH) to help with egg maturation and ovulation timing.

• Ovarian Follicle Monitoring

  :

  This phase involves tracking the development of egg-containing follicles in the ovary. The procedure utilises transvaginal ultrasound and blood hormone level monitoring to determine the optimal time for egg retrieval during IVF. When the follicles reach around 18-20mm, a hormone trigger injection is given, followed by egg collection 36 hours later.

• Oocyte/Egg Retrieval

  :

  Once the eggs have matured, they are retrieved from the ovaries in a minor surgical procedure known as oocyte retrieval. The procedure is typically performed under sedation and involves using an ultrasound-guided needle to collect the eggs.

• Sperm Collection

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  While the eggs are retrieved, a sperm sample is collected from the male partner or a donor. The sperm sample is then prepared in the lab, where the healthiest sperm are selected for fertilisation.

• Fertilisation

  :

  Fertilisation of eggs with sperm may be done in two methods.

  • Conventional insemination

    : The collected eggs and sperm are kept in an incubator, allowing fertilisation to occur naturally.

  • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

    : A single sperm is injected directly into an egg. ICSI is typically done in cases of low sperm number, poor sperm quality, or when prior cycles of IVF are unsuccessful.

  Embryo development is monitored for 5 days to assess their viability for implantation. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) may be used to identify any chromosomal abnormalities.

• Embryo Transfer

  :

  If fertilisation is successful, one or two healthy embryos will be transferred into the woman's uterus, facilitating implantation and development. The procedure is performed in the assisted reproduction (AR) centre, typically two to five days after egg retrieval. The embryos are transferred using a very fine catheter, guided by ultrasound.

• Pregnancy Test

  :

  About 14 to 17 days after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to determine if the procedure is successful. This involves a blood test to measure the level of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), known as the pregnancy hormone. If the result is positive, you will be referred to an obstetrician for prenatal care.

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) offers hope to people facing fertility challenges. By understanding the eligibility criteria, undergoing the step-by-step treatment process, and preparing effectively, the journey towards successful IVF treatment becomes more manageable. While IVF may not be the right option for everyone, it has helped millions of people across the world achieve their dream of having a child.

For couples in Singapore who are struggling with infertility but want to build a family, the IVF treatment offered by HAFcare Clinic can provide comprehensive care and support. Our female gynaecologist is an MOH-accredited IVF specialist in Singapore, dedicated to delivering compassionate and personalised healthcare. Schedule an appointment at 6570 2038 (Novena) or 6250 7828 (Thomson). For emergencies, call 9785 6267 or email [email protected].