There are many success stories about couples who have managed to get pregnant after undergoing In-Vitro Fertility (IVF) treatment in Singapore. However, it is not that easy for everyone.
If you or your partner has been struggling to conceive, and other methods such as medication, surgery, or natural remedies haven’t produced any positive results, then there is a high chance of getting pregnant after undergoing In-Vitro Fertility Treatment. If you find yourself in this situation, read on and get all the information you need to know before starting your IVF journey.
What is IVF?
IVF is a process by which egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside the body, in vitro (“in glass”). The term “in vitro” is used because early biological experimentation involving the cultivation of tissues outside the living organism from which they came was often done in glass containers such as beakers, test tubes, or Petri dishes.
Today, the process may be referred to as “IVF”, “test-tube baby”, or more colloquially, “baby in a dish”. IVF is different from artificial insemination (AI), where sperm is placed into the female’s reproductive tract without combining them with eggs first. AI may also be referred to as ICI (Intracervical Insemination) or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination).
IVF can be used to convey sperm into the fallopian tubes or uterus of a woman for purposes of fertilization. It can also be used to allow sperm to fertilize eggs in vitro for purposes of embryo creation and implantation into the uterus. A preimplantation genetic diagnosis can be performed during IVF to screen for genetic abnormalities in the embryo before implantation into the uterus. IVF may also be used as part of an infertility treatment plan
Why do IVF?
There are various reasons why couples decide to go for IVF. Some of the most common ones are;
- Male Infertility: This is one of the most common reasons couples decide to go for IVF. In this situation, the man has some kind of fertility issue, such as low sperm count or poor sperm quality.
- Female Infertility: Women trying to get pregnant due to having difficulty producing eggs or their partner’s sperm have difficulty reaching the egg.
- Advanced Age: People above the age of 35 are said to have a lower chance of conceiving naturally.
- Unexplained Infertility: Some couples may have no specific reason for their infertility.
What are the Steps Involved in IVF?
The first step is to consult a fertility specialist who will assess you and your partner to see if IVF is the right treatment option. If it is, the doctor will start by examining you and your partner to find out what is causing infertility.
They will assess your hormone levels and the condition of your ovaries. They will also examine the quality of your eggs.
The doctor will then prescribe medication for your partner if she is affected. They will also suggest medication for you if you are affected.
The doctor may also suggest certain lifestyle changes to increase your chances of conceiving naturally. Once you have reached the right stage in your menstrual cycle, the doctor will suggest you undergo the IVF procedure.
When you are ready for IVF, you will have to undergo certain tests and blood work to know if you are healthy enough for IVF. The doctor will examine your fallopian tubes and your uterus to see if they are healthy enough for the procedure.
You will also be given a general anesthetic before the procedure. The IVF procedure is done by retrieving eggs from your ovaries and fertilizing them with your partner’s sperm in a lab.
The embryos are then placed back into your uterus, where they will hopefully implant and grow. You will have to wait a few weeks to see if you are pregnant.
What is the Success Rate of IVF?
The success rate of IVF depends on many factors, such as the age of the woman, the quality of the eggs and sperm, and the reason for infertility. The average success rate for IVF is about 40%. This means that 40% of couples who undergo IVF will get pregnant.
Pros of IVF
- IVF is a comparatively simpler procedure than other fertility treatments
- IVF increases your chances of getting pregnant even if you have blocked fallopian tubes
- It is a quick procedure, and you don’t have to go through as many sessions as you do in other treatments
- You can choose the gender of your baby in IVF.
Cons of IVF
- There is no guarantee that IVF will be successful.
- IVF is a very expensive procedure, and not all couples can afford it.
- The success rate of IVF decreases with age.
- You may experience emotional stress during the IVF process.
Is IVF Safe?
There are some risks associated with IVF, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple births, and ectopic pregnancies. OHSS is a condition that can occur when the ovaries are stimulated too much during the IVF process.
This can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. Multiple births are more common with IVF than with natural pregnancies.
This is because multiple embryos are often placed back into the uterus during IVF. Ectopic pregnancies occur when the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. This can be dangerous and may require surgery.
Be sure to consult a qualified and experienced fertility specialist before undergoing IVF. They will be able to assess your individual case and give you the best chance of success.
The Bottom Line
IVF is not an easy decision for anyone. It is a procedure that comes with a lot of responsibility and pressure. If you are ready for the challenge and want to get pregnant with the help of IVF, then make sure you are prepared for the procedure. Visit your doctor and find out if you are fit enough for the procedure.
We understand how important it is for you to have a baby. We offer IVF treatment with the incredible success rates in Singapore. Our experienced team of fertility specialists will guide you through the entire process and give you the best chance of success. Contact us today to book an appointment.
Dr Ng Kai Lyn – Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Mount Elizabeth Novena: 38 Irrawady Road 05-34/35
Singapore 329563
Hougang: 684 Hougang Ave 8 01-198
Singapore 530684
+65 60 1115 31