Infertility Treatment in Singapore

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

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)