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What is Infertility?

Infertility is a condition of the male or female reproductive system characterised by the failure to conceive following at least 12 months of frequent unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility can result from male, female, or unexplained reasons.

A medical condition can cause infertility in either you or your partner or by a combination of conditions that impair pregnancy. However, several safe and effective treatments can improve your chances of becoming pregnant.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Early treatment of infertility is critical since it enhances the chances of successful pregnancy. Early intervention can assist in identifying and treating underlying reasons, such as hormone imbalances, obstructed fallopian tubes, or male reproductive disorders.

Delaying therapy may aggravate diseases, diminish success chances with assisted reproductive technologies, and drastically limit treatment alternatives. Addressing infertility early on enhances the possibility of successful therapy and conception.

What are the Common Symptoms of Infertility?

The key indicator of infertility is the inability to conceive after six months or a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. You may not experience any additional symptoms. However, some women and men may experience physical symptoms such as:

  • Pelvic or abdominal pain.
  • Irregular vaginal bleeding, irregular periods, or no menstruation.
  • Ejaculatory or penile disorders.

Types of infertility

There are various types of infertility, including:

  • Primary infertility: This occurs when you have never been pregnant and are unable to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse (or six months if you are 35 or older).
  • Secondary infertility: This is the inability to conceive after at least one successful pregnancy.
  • Unexplained infertility: Fertility testing has not identified a reason why a woman or couple is unable to conceive.

Causes and Risk Factors of Infertility

Causes

The causes of infertility might impact any partner.

The causes of infertility in women

Ovulation problems are the leading cause of infertility in women. Ovulation is when your ovary releases an egg to meet sperm and fertilise.

The following causes can contribute to female infertility:

  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
  • Primary ovarian insufficiency or insufficient egg quality.
  • Sickle-cell anaemia.
  • Uterine fibroids and uterine polyps.
  • Thyroid illness.
  • Previous surgical sterilisation (tubal ligation or salpingectomy).
  • Genetic or chromosomal problems.
  • Sexual dysfunction.
  • Your ovaries may be missing due to surgery or congenital defects.
  • Menstrual cycles are infrequent or absent.
  • Endometriosis.
  • Your vagina, uterus, or fallopian tubes may be structurally abnormal.
  • Autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease and lupus.
  • Kidney disease.
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID.
  • Disorders affecting the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.

Causes of infertility among males

Male infertility is most commonly caused by issues with sperm shape, movement (motility), or quantity (low sperm count).

The causes of male infertility include:

  • Enlarged veins (varicocele) in your scrotum
  • Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition.
  • Chromosomal disorders, including Klinefelter syndrome.
  • Injury to the scrotum or testicles.
  • Hypogonadism (low testosterone).
  • Misuse of anabolic steroids.
  • Sexual dysfunction includes erectile dysfunction, anejaculation, premature ejaculation, and retrograde ejaculation.
  • Undescended testicles.
  • Previous chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
  • The lack of testes might be surgical or congenital.
  • Vasectomy

Risk Factors

The risk factors for infertility are:

  • Age, particularly in your late thirties or forties. Men's fertility begins to decline at the age of 50.
  • Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
  • Excessive alcohol use.
  • Toxic environmental exposures include chemicals, lead, and pesticides.
  • Over-exercising.
  • Radiation treatment or chemotherapy.
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • Smoking and using tobacco products.
  • Substance abuse.
  • Being overweight or underweight.
  • Abnormalities of the brain's hormone-producing areas (hypothalamus or pituitary).
  • Chronic ailments and diseases

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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Infertility in Singapore

  • Singapore uses AI-powered embryo selection, genetic screening, time-lapse imaging, and microfluidics to improve infertility treatment. Expanded IVF facilities and research on stem cell therapy further increase success rates by providing individualised, state-of-the-art care for single people and couples pursuing motherhood.

Infertility Prevention Tips

You can take the following precautions to protect your fertility, especially while attempting to conceive:

  • Eat a well-balanced diet and stay within a healthy weight range
  • Do not smoke, abuse medicines, or consume alcohol
  • Get treatment for STIs
  • Limit your exposure to environmental contaminants.
  • Stay physically active, but don't overdo it
  • Don't wait till later in life to conceive
  • Follow fertility preservation methods (freezing eggs or sperm)

Treatment options for Infertility

In vitro fertilisation (IVF): This involves removing eggs from your ovary and combining them with sperm in a lab dish. Sperm fertilises eggs. A provider places one to three fertilised eggs (embryos) in your uterus.


Cost Start From USD 10000 - USD 30000Explore Options

Intrauterine insemination (IUI): It is a procedure in which healthy sperm is injected directly into the uterus around the time the ovary produces one or more eggs to be fertilised. Depending on the cause of infertility, IUI can be timed with your menstrual cycle or with the use of fertility medications. Your partner or a donor supplies the sperm.


Cost Start From USD 1000 - USD 3000Explore Options

  • Tests for Men
    • Semen analysis: Your healthcare staff may request one or more sperm samples. Then, a lab examines your sperm sample. In rare circumstances, urine may be analysed to determine whether it contains sperm.
    • Hormonal testing: You may be given a blood test to determine your testosterone and other male hormone levels.
    • Genetic testing: This can be done to determine whether a genetic abnormality is the cause of infertility.
    • Testicular biopsy: This procedure involves removing a sample of testicular tissue, which is then examined under a microscope by a laboratory. It may be used in rare cases to determine whether there is a blockage in the reproductive system that prevents sperm from exiting the body in semen.
  • Tests for Women
    • Ovulation tests: A blood test measures hormone levels to determine whether you are ovulating.
    • Thyroid function tests: If your doctor suspects that a thyroid condition is causing your infertility, you can have this blood test. If the gland produces too much or too little thyroid hormone, it may cause problems with fertility.
    • Hysterosalpingography: Hysterosalpingography examines the status of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It also checks for obstructions in the fallopian tubes and other issues.
    • Ovarian reserve testing: This allows your care team to determine how many eggs you have for ovulation. The procedure frequently begins with hormone testing early in the menstrual cycle.
    • Hormone testing: These measure the levels of hormones that regulate ovulation. They also examine pituitary hormones, which regulate reproductive processes.

Infertility rehabilitation focuses on improving general health and managing fertility-related issues. This includes:

  • Lifestyle Changes: Eating a good diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can all enhance reproductive health and increase the likelihood of conception.
  • For ovulation-related infertility, your healthcare provider may prescribe substances to induce ovulation and enhance egg release.
  • These medications can help regulate irregular ovulation or restart ovulation that has halted.
  • Prescription medications may also boost ovarian function and increase the odds of pregnancy.
  • Examining each fertility medicine's potential benefits and hazards with your doctor is critical to selecting the best treatment option.

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Hospitals for Infertility in Singapore

Thomson Medical Centre: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Thomson Medical Centre

Singapore, Singapore

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Thomson Medical Centre located in Thomson Road, Singapore has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • The bed capacity of Thomson Medical Center (of Thomson Medical Group) is 190.
  • Thomson Medical Group has a prominent presence throughout Asia in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
  • There is a 24/7 Outpatient Family Clinic.
  • TMC also consists of various fertility clinics inclusive of an IVF clinic.
  • A cancer center for breast, gynecological as well as colorectal tumors of women.
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital

Novena, Singapore

Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital located in Novena, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Capacity of 333 beds
  • Intensive Care Unit beds
  • Endoscopy beds
  • Day ward with 20 beds
  • 13 Operating Theatres, which includes 1 Neurological operating room, 2 Cardiac operating rooms, 4 Orthopaedic operating rooms, etc.
  • High Dependency Unit (HDU)
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • 24/7 Accident & Emergency Department
  • Maternity ward
  • 1 major operating unit with 13 operating rooms inclusive of 1 hybrid theatre
  • In-house Pharmacy
  • Rooms are categorized as Single Signature Rooms, Junior Suite and Regal Suite
  • All patient rooms are equipped with electric safe, LCD, sofa cum bed, wardrobe, radio channels, and much more
Parkway East Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Parkway East Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Parkway East Hospital located in Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Total capacity for 143 beds
  • Hospital rooms are available- Single room, 2-bedded room (8), 4-bedded room (2), Deluxe room, and Orchid/Hibiscus Suite
  • All rooms are equipped with all ensuite facilities like Free wifi, mini fridge, sofa couch, telephone, in-room safe, TV, etc.
  • Maternity wards- Accredited as a baby-friendly hospital under the World Health Organisations Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)
  • 1 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with 14 cots
  • Intensive Care Unit
  • 1 Operation Theatre with 5 Operating rooms
  • 1 Nursery with 30 cots
  • 1 Parentcraft room
  • 24-hour walk-in-clinic (for emergency)
  • 24-hour Pharmacy

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Why Choose Singapore for Infertility Treatment?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing Singapore:

  • World-Class Expertise: Singapore boasts highly qualified fertility specialists with extensive experience in modern therapies, including IVF, ICSI, and genetic screening.
  • Advanced Technologies: Cutting-edge technologies, including egg freezing, embryo cryopreservation, and robotic-assisted surgery, ensure excellent success rates.
  • Affordable Care: Compared to many Western countries, fertility treatments in Singapore are less expensive while maintaining high quality.
  • Comprehensive Services: Hospitals provide tailored treatment programs, bilingual support, and exceptional international patient services to provide a seamless experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, however, it is dependent on the cause. In 85% to 90% of cases, lifestyle changes, medication, ART, or surgery can resolve infertility and allow a woman to conceive.

Endometriosis is associated with infertility. Approximately 30% to 50% of women with endometriosis will become infertile.

People under the age of 35 who are not pregnant after a year of trying should consult a healthcare provider. If you are 35 to 39 years old, get help sooner (after six months of trying). If you are 40 or older, you should seek evaluation after less than six months of attempting. Your chances of becoming pregnant decline with age.

IVF success rates in Singapore differ from clinic to clinic and are influenced by variables such as treatment regimens, age, and embryo quality. For single euploid blastocyst transfers, leading facilities reported clinical pregnancy rates as high as 82.9%, whilst other centres reported success rates ranging from 65% to 75%. Singapore boasts some of Asia's highest IVF success rates overall, thanks to cutting-edge technology including vitrification and Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A).

Indeed, Singapore offers high-quality care and success rates for infertility treatments at a lower cost than many Western countries.

To locate the best fertility clinic in Singapore, visit our Medigence website, where you can find a curated list of internationally approved facilities. Clinics can be filtered based on patient evaluations, success rates, and the services they provide to overseas patients. This allows you to make an informed decision and simply schedule a consultation with Singapore's finest fertility specialists.

Complications from infertility therapy include:

  • Higher probability of multiples (twins, triplets, or more): Producing numerous eggs and transferring more than one embryo raises your chances of becoming pregnant with more than one fetus.
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): It is a fertility medication-related illness that produces painful and enlarged ovaries.
  • Ectopic pregnancy: IVF increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
  • Failed cycles: This occurs when you undergo infertility therapy but do not become pregnant.