Fertility Screening - GynaeMD Infertility Clinic

Infertility Treatment in Singapore

Dr Christopher Ng

Dr Christopher Ng

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

MBBS (Imperial College, UK), MMed (O&G) (Singapore), FRANZCOG (Aust-NZ), FAMS (O&G) (Singapore)

Infertility can stem from both male and female factors, including hormonal imbalances, structural anomalies and other underlying medical conditions. Treatments to address these issues can range from medication and lifestyle changes, to more complex procedures like superovulation intrauterine insemination SOIUI, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and egg freezing.

Types of Infertility Treatment at Our Clinic

  • Fertility Medications – Hormonal imbalances can sometimes affect ovulation or sperm production. Medications can be prescribed to stimulate ovulation in women, while certain supplement treatments can improve sperm production in men.
  • Surgical Interventions – Surgical treatments may be necessary to correct physical issues such as blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, endometriosis and other structural anomalies that may impact fertility.
  • Lifestyle Modifications – Addressing lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, excessive or lack of exercise and obesity can improve one’s reproductive health and the effectiveness of other treatments.
  • Natural Cycle Monitoring – Monitoring one’s menstrual cycle with tools like urine ovulation kits may help to optimise timing for natural intercourse to take place.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Options

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) are advanced medical interventions for couples facing fertility challenges. Common types of ART include:

  • In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) – IVF involves fertilising an egg outside the woman’s body and then implanting the resulting embryo into the uterus.
  • Superovulation Intra-Uterine Insemination (SOIUI) – SOIUI occurs when sperms are injected directly into the uterus during timed ovulation to increase the chances of successful fertilisation.
  • Egg Freezing – Egg freezing allows women to preserve their eggs for future use, making it a viable option for those who wish to delay pregnancy for personal or medical reasons.
  • Donor Sperm or Eggs – The use of donor sperm or eggs may be considered when there are issues with the couple’s egg or sperm quality or when genetic issues arise.

What to Expect After Infertility Treatment

The time needed to complete infertility treatment and/or achieve pregnancy varies widely depending on the treatments performed and one’s individual circumstances. While some couples may conceive within a few months of starting treatment, others may take longer, especially if multiple rounds of infertility treatments are required.

Following successful fertilisation and pregnancy, the patient will then receive prenatal care to ensure that the health of the mother and the developing baby are well taken care of.

Potential risks of infertility treatments include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies and emotional stress. The use of fertility medications can also lead to side effects such as bloating, mood swings and headaches. Your gynaecologist will work closely with you to manage and alleviate these temporary side effects.

Read more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options from our Comprehensive Guide to Infertility.

Lifestyle Changes That Support Fertility Treatment

Making certain lifestyle changes can play a role in enhancing fertility. Here are some lifestyle changes that can apply to both men and women:

  • Quit Smoking – Smoking has been shown to affect both sperm and egg quantity and quality negatively. Quitting smoking can improve reproductive health and increase the chances of conception.
  • Avoid Harmful Substances – Exposure to toxins and harmful substances, such as recreational drugs and certain chemicals, can impair fertility.
  • Limit Alcohol Intake – Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect reproductive function. Limiting alcohol intake can enhance fertility.
  • Maintain a Healthy Diet – A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants supports reproductive health. Consider consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
  • Exercise Regularly – Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and improves one’s overall health.
  • Manage Stress – High-stress levels can interfere with hormone balance and ovulation. Managing one’s stress levels may have a positive effect on fertility.
  • Take Supplements – Certain supplements, including folic acid, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, may support reproductive health. Discuss any vitamins or supplements with your doctor before starting fertility treatment, particularly if you have a nutritional deficiency or are taking other medication.
  • Get Adequate Sleep – Quality sleep is essential for maintaining hormonal balance and overall health. It is best to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

FAQs on Infertility Treatment

  • How much does fertility treatment cost in Singapore?

    The cost of fertility treatment in Singapore varies widely depending on the tests and treatments performed, the doctor’s fees, facility fees for example. Please contact our clinic at 6733 8810 for more information.

  • Is fertility treatment in Singapore covered by insurance or Medisave?

    In Singapore, fertility treatments such as Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), including IVF, are partially covered by Medisave up to a certain limit.

    Some private insurers may offer some coverage for infertility treatment and couples are advised to research and explore their options thoroughly beforehand.

  • What fertility treatments might be recommended?

    There is no single treatment that is suitable for every couple. Treatment depends on factors such as the identified cause, age, ovulation issues, fallopian tube status, semen results and how long the couple has been trying to conceive. Depending on the findings, treatment may involve fertility medications, cycle monitoring, superovulation intrauterine insemination (SOIUI), treatment of an underlying male or female condition, or assisted reproductive treatment such as IVF.

  • Does infertility treatment consider both partners?

    Yes. Treatment is directed at the cause identified in each partner. Female infertility treatment may address ovulation disorders, fallopian tube problems, endometriosis or uterine conditions affecting implantation, while male infertility treatment may address hormonal disorders, sperm-production problems, ejaculatory duct obstruction or erectile dysfunction. Because fertility problems can involve either or both partners, treatment planning usually considers the couple together.

  • How long does it take to treat infertility?

    The duration depends on the type of treatment, the underlying cause of infertility and how you respond to treatment. Some treatments, such as fertility medication, timed intercourse or SOIUI are planned around one or more menstrual cycles, while IVF involves several stages and may take several weeks. If surgery is recommended to treat a gynaecological condition that may be affecting fertility, such as endometriosis, fibroids or ovarian cysts, the overall timeline may also include the procedure and recovery period before trying to conceive or proceeding with further fertility treatment. If more than one treatment or cycle is needed, the overall process may extend over several months.

  • What happens if infertility treatment is unsuccessful?

    The fertility specialist may review how each partner responded to treatment, reassess test results and decide whether to repeat the treatment, modify the medication or move to another treatment modality. The next step depends on factors such as the type of treatment, age, the cause of infertility and previous treatment responses. If a treatment has been unsuccessful after several attempts, the gynaecologist may also discuss whether another treatment approach, such as IVF, should be considered.

  • What fertility tests may be recommended for each partner?

    Fertility testing generally considers both partners because fertility difficulties can originate from either partner or both. Female evaluation involves assessing ovulation potential, uterine cavity abnormalities, tubal patency and other gynaecological factors. Male investigations typically include semen analysis and may involve further assessment, such as hormonal testing or a physical examination. With these clear answers, we can confidently choose the safest and most effective fertility treatment plan for you.

  • When is SOIUI recommended?

    SOIUI may be considered for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male-factor infertility, cervical-factor infertility, or mild endometriosis. It generally requires patent fallopian tubes and a sufficient amount of healthy sperm. During SOIUI, hormonal medication stimulates follicle development before prepared sperm is injected directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.

  • When might IVF be considered?

    IVF may be considered when there are blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis, ovulation disorders, certain male-factor fertility problems, failed SOIUI or unexplained infertility. It may also be recommended when previous fertility treatments have not resulted in pregnancy. The decision to proceed with IVF depends on both partners’ fertility assessment, age, previous treatments, financial considerations and the underlying cause of infertility.

IVF & Fertility Doctor - Dr Christopher Ng

Our Doctor

Dr Christopher Ng
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
MBBS (Imperial College, UK), MMed (O&G) (S’pore),
FRANZCOG (Aust-NZ), FAMS (O&G) (S’pore)

Dr Christopher Ng has over 20 years of specialist experience in obstetrics and gynaecology. As a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr Ng is experienced in a wide range of fertility treatments (including assisted reproductive technology) and is proficient in performing advanced laparoscopic surgeries with good patient outcomes.

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