stressed, they’re less likely to regularly ovulate (release
eggs). As for men, stress can affect their energy levels
and libido.
“I’ve seen cases of couples who have failed to
conceive despite IVF treatment, then become pregnant
naturally when they stop trying or while on holiday
as they let their guard down and take the focus off
conceiving,” he said. “A more relaxed mental state gives
them a higher chance of getting pregnant.”
When it’s the right time to see a doctor
Sometimes paranoia gets the better of us, and we
might jump the gun and assume we’re infertile after
a few months of trying. However, you should only be
concerned if:
• You’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months. This
means having sex two to three times a week.
• You’re over 35 and have been regularly trying to get
pregnant for six months.
• You have a low sperm count, meaning less than 15
million sperm per millilitre. This could happen if you
suffer from varicocele, a condition in which the veins
in the loose skin around the testicles (the scrotum) are
enlarged. Since this prevents the normal cooling of
the testicle, it may lead to reduced sperm count and
movement.
• You’re still at an early stage of trying to conceive
and would like to check for problems like polyps,
endometriosis, or sperm count issues.
“Going for fertility screening at an earlier stage will
help to identify problems and rectify them early,” said Dr
Lim. He recommends couples consult an O&G together
so that all possible reasons can be investigated and
eliminated or treated.
He also notes that approaching infertility as a couple
enables them to support and draw strength from each
other. Helping (and not judging) your partner during
this stressful time is key to a happy and healthy fertility
journey.
Infertility can be incredibly frustrating. However, it
doesn’t necessarily mean you can never get pregnant.
Consultations with fertility experts can provide you
with valuable insights on the multitude of options and
solutions available to help you conceive your little bundle
of joy.
Medically-aided conception options
The treatment your doctor advises very much depends
on your medical history and the investigative findings.
For example, intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple
and cost-efficient procedure which involves placing
a concentrated amount of sperm inside the woman’s
uterus. It’s often recommended for younger couples with
less fertility issues. However, if the fallopian tubes are
blocked or if the count or motility of the sperm is low, in
vitro fertilisation (IVF) is usually recommended.
Your doctor will be in the best position to advise you
on the ideal option for your unique circumstances.
What to expect from IVF
In this process, the woman undergoes a series of
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In Vitro Fertilisation
fertility injections over 10–14 days that help increase
the number of eggs developed over that time. At an
optimal time, the eggs are retrieved and then fertilised
with her husband’s sperm in the lab. The embryos are
then grown in a special incubator for three to five days.
Finally, the best embryos are selected and implanted
into the woman’s uterus.
“Overall, couples have a 30-35 percent chance per
cycle of becoming pregnant with IVF. This will vary with
the woman’s age. Women under the age of 35 have a 40-
50 percent chance of becoming pregnant per cycle while
those over 45 have only a one to two percent likelihood
of success per cycle,” explained Dr Lim. “If you’re
not successful in your first try with IVF, the chance of
success in your second cycle will still be the same, that
is, 30-35 percent overall.”
That’s not to say, however, that for those patients over
40 with a low chance of success per cycle, you should
never try again.
“I recall a case where a patient of mine only had
one egg collected, and, despite the challenges, she
successfully delivered a baby through IVF. It’s heartening
to know that for some couples, despite slim odds, hope
still exists.”
To learn more about fertility screening and
treatment options available at Gleneagles Hospital
Singapore, make an appointment at:
“If you’re not
successful
in your first
try with IVF,
the chance
of success in
your second
cycle will still
be the same,
that is, 30-
35 percent
overall.”
Phone Appointment:
+65 6575 7575
Whatsapp Appointment (9am to 5pm):
+65 8111 9777
Online Appointment:
https://www.gleneagles.com.sg/make-appointment
MARCH 2020
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