1. What is Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)?
Assisted Reproductive Techniques or ART encompasses a variety of techniques that are used to bring about a pregnancy. Depending on the patients’ unique conditions, fertility specialists may recommend IVF (In-vitro Fertilisation), ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination). These procedures are usually paired with more conventional therapies, such as fertility drugs, to increase success rates.
2.What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves a laboratory procedure to separate fast moving sperm from more sluggish or non-moving sperm. Using a catheter, a number of the fast moving sperm are then placed into the woman’s uterus close to the time of ovulation in the middle of the monthly cycle.
The goal of IUI is to give the sperm a head start but it still requires a sperm to reach and fertilise the egg on its own. It is recommended in cases where there is low sperm count, decreased sperm mobility or impotence / premature ejaculation in the male spouse; or ovulation / endometriosis related problem in the female or unexplained fertility in either partner.
3.What is IC SI?
IC SI is a procedure where a single sperm is injected directly into the matured egg. The fertilised egg (embryo) is then transferred to the uterus (womb).
Used as part of IVF treatment, it may be helpful in cases where there is poor sperm quality or where fertilisation cannot occur due to changes in the egg’s membrane.
4. When should a woman see a fertility specialist?
Women have the best chance of spontaneous conception between the ages of 20 and 25 as studies have shown that women in this age group have the maximum fertility rates.
However, as a woman ages, her chances of getting pregnant decrease and an earlier diagnostic evaluation is recommended. You should seek an evaluation if you are below 35 years old and not pregnant after a year of trying without using contraception. If you are between 35-40 years old, you should seek help after 6 months of trying. If you are over 40 years old, you are highly recommended to go for an immediate evaluation.
During the evaluation, your Fertility Specialist will give you a physical examination and recommend some tests. Lifestyle changes may be recommended to help you conceive naturally. Should this fail, then fertility treatment may commence.
You need not wait to get a diagnostic evaluation and treatment prior to this time if you have a history of irregular periods, fibroids, endometriosis, repeated pregnancy loss and other factors that may cause infertility.
5. What is the cause of infertility in men?
There are a number of causes for male infertility, most of which centered on the sperm. A Semen Analysis is therefore the basis for a diagnosis of male infertility. This is used to find out:
- Sperm Motility – sperm that ‘moves’ well is more likely to reach the egg.
- Abnormal Sperm Morphology – this refers to the shape and structure of the sperm. The perfect sperm structure is an oval head and long tail. Abnormally shaped sperm is less likely to be able to fertilize an egg.
- Sperm count – A sperm count of less than 20 million in a milliliter is considered low. Complete semen sample should have at least 40 million sperm.
Other factors include blockage in the tube that transports the sperm, retrograde ejaculation, hormonal imbalances and genetic defects.
6. What is the estimated total cost of the IVF Program?
The cost depends on the type of programme you undertake, the amount and types of drugs used, the procedures completed and whether ICSI has been used. The total cost may vary again as it depends on the individual’s response.
7. Can I claim from Medisave? If yes, how much?
If you are a Singaporean or Permanent Resident with MediSave, claims can be submitted for 3 cycles:
- S$6,000 for the first cycle;
- S$5,000 for the second cycle and
- S$4,000 for the third cycle (if eligible).
6. What is the estimated total cost of the IVF Program?
The cost depends on the type of programme you undertake, the amount and types of drugs used, the procedures completed and whether ICSI has been used. The total cost may vary again as it depends on the individual’s response.