Understanding Infertility and In-vitro Fertilisation

Starting a family is a common goal for many individuals and couples. However, for some, this journey can be more complex due to infertility. In such cases, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) can be a viable option for achieving pregnancy.

IVF is a treatment offered to couples with fertility issues and certain genetic concerns. Typically, IVF is recommended for couples who have not achieved successful pregnancies with other less invasive treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI). It may also be a primary infertility solution for women over the age of 40.

IVF specialists perform a series of tests to diagnose infertility in both men and women. The goal is to identify potential pregnancy obstacles and create a tailored treatment plan.

IVF can help individuals and couples dealing with various fertility issues, such as:

• Blocked Fallopian Tubes

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  Blocked, damaged, or absent fallopian tubes due to conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease or surgeries that cause abdominal scar tissue can hinder natural fertilisation and embryo implantation. IVF can help overcome these challenges by directly fertilising the eggs and transferring the embryos into the uterus for implantation.

• Ovulation Disorders

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  As women age, their ovulation cycles can become less regular. The quality and quantity of their eggs also diminish, making conception difficult. IVF can offer solutions to women who are unable to produce healthy eggs as well as to those who are open to using donor eggs.

• Endometriosis

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  Endometriosis is a condition that causes a lot of scar tissue and adhesions around the ovaries and fallopian tubes, sometimes making it hard to get pregnant. IVF can help women with endometriosis get pregnant by avoiding the potential obstacles caused by the condition.

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

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  PCOS prevents women from getting pregnant due to not releasing an egg during ovulation. Fertility drugs from the IVF procedure can be used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple healthy eggs.

• Sperm-related Issues

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  Having sperm-related issues such as low sperm count or low sperm quality decreases the chances of natural conception. A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be used to directly inject one healthy sperm into retrieved eggs during IVF, ensuring fertilisation.

• Unexplained Infertility

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  Some causes of fertility issues remain unknown despite thorough testing. IVF can help couples overcome these challenges by avoiding potential undetected barriers to conception and increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

While IVF can be an effective infertility treatment, it may not be the best option for everyone. Several factors can influence the suitability of IVF, including:

• Age

  : In Singapore, there is no age limit for IVF treatment. However, women under 35 years old typically have a 32% to 55% chance of getting pregnant through IVF, while women over 40 have a success rate of only 1% to 10%.

• Lifestyle Factors

  : IVF patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and regular exercise. They should avoid smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, and stop using drugs before the fertility treatment to increase their success rate.

• Healthy Weight

  : Excess weight can affect the results of treatments and can lead to risky pregnancies. Obese patients are encouraged to lose weight before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.

• Psychological Readiness

  : IVF treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. As such, IVF counselling is mandatory in Singapore to discuss the demands of treatment and coping with disappointments.

While IVF has helped many couples conceive, couples must consider potential risks and complications before deciding to undergo treatment.

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

  : This condition can occur when the ovaries react overly to fertility medications, causing them to swell and release fluid into the abdomen. OHSS is more common in women taking injectable medications or with PCOS.

• Multiple Pregnancy

  : While this may seem like a bonus to some, multiple pregnancies carry higher risks than single pregnancies. These risks include preterm birth, low birth weight, and higher rates of C-sections.

• Failure of Fertility Treatment

  : Failure of fertility treatment, particularly IVF, can occur due to poor embryo quality, issues with the uterine lining, or an immune system response. Many patients undergo multiple cycles before achieving a successful pregnancy.

• Ectopic Pregnancy

  : This occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube. While this condition is rare, it is serious and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.

• Miscarriage

  : Miscarriage is a potential risk during pregnancy, whether from natural conception or IVF. The risk of miscarriage can increase with maternal age and certain underlying health conditions.

In conclusion, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a fertility treatment that shows promising success rates for people struggling with infertility. Through this treatment, couples can overcome their infertility problem and achieve their dream of being parents. If you are considering IVF treatment consult with an assisted reproduction (AR) centre to assess your eligibility for the procedure.

HAFcare Clinic provides a thorough evaluation of your reproductive health to explore potential infertility treatments. We are committed to providing exceptional care and support throughout your journey. Schedule an appointment by calling us at 6570 2038 (Novena) or 6250 7828 (Thomson). For emergencies, call 9785 6267 or email [email protected].