In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is one of the most established and popular forms of Assisted Reproduction Technique (ART). It is the process where fertilisation of an egg and sperm is performed in a laboratory and cultivated for a few days into a healthy embryo before being transferred to the uterus in the hopes of a successful implantation.
There is no way for the egg to meet with the sperms in this instance and thus IVF surgery is the only way.
Anovulation or no ovulation occurs when eggs do not properly develop from the ovaries. Women with this disorder do not menstruate in months or may menstruate without ovulating. PCOS is a common problem which leads to this problem.
may necessitate the use of IVF as the egg pool and quality is diminishing, and time is of the essence in obtaining as many healthy eggs in as short a time as possible.
with impaired sperm production, function or quantity may necessitate the use of IVF as the chance of natural conception is significantly reduced or impossible (e.g. in the case of blocked or absent vas deferens).
A couple with normal results in their fertility and health assessments, but have been unable to conceive after a year of actively trying.
When either party has previously undergone a sterilisation procedure and wants to enter into a new pregnancy, IVF is often a better recourse than surgical reversal of the sterilisation.
Both partners need to be assessed for their general health and fertility potential. Any underlying medical problems need to be identified and managed prior to embarking on an IVF cycle, or these may have a negative impact on the IVF outcome.
Each partner should ideally attempt to be their optimum health (i.e. weight, diet and lifestyle) as much as possible two to three months prior to an IVF cycle in order to allow for a new and healthier batch of eggs and sperms to be produced.
A process where the ovaries are stimulated by hormonal medication, either orally, via injection, or both. This enables the ovaries to produce multiple eggs at the same time for the next step.
is then performed with the patient under IV sedation. Eggs are aspirated transvaginally via vacuum suction through a fine needle attached to the ultrasound probe. Analgesics and antibiotics are usually given after the procedure to minimise any potential discomfort and risk of infection.
A fresh sample of the semen is obtained on the same day as the eggs are retrieved. A frozen sample is used when a fresh sample is unavailable.
The egg and sperm are then introduced to each other and fertilisation is observed following incubation over the next 24 hours. ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is now almost routinely performed to ensure that one good sperm is introduced to the egg to optimise fertilisation.
is observed in the laboratory for the next few days. A blastocyst or day 5 embryo is increasingly a desired goal as this gives a better indication of the health of the embryo.
is then performed, in the hopes that the embryo implants onto the uterine walls, which would indicate a successful pregnancy.
is then given to ensure that the pregnancy and birth goes as smoothly as possible.
Led by Dr Ann Tan, Women Fertility & Fetal Centre is a well-established IVF centre in Singapore that is devoted to helping struggling couples conceive and embark on a safe and supportive pregnancy journey. Besides being a specialist in fertility treatments, Dr Tan is also known for her skills in managing high-risk pregnancies, so patients can be assured of receiving quality and personalised care throughout their journey to parenthood.
3 Mount Elizabeth #11-12
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre,
Singapore 228510
Tel : +65 6734 8188
Fax : +65 6262 0330
Email : mail@dranntan.com
WhatsApp : +65 8318 9757 (for appointment booking)