IVF Singapore – For couples in Singapore facing difficulties conceiving, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) can be a pathway to parenthood. IVF is one of the most widely used assisted reproductive technologies, offering hope to those who have not had success with natural conception or other fertility treatments. Before starting the journey, it is important to understand what IVF involves, why couples choose it, the treatment process, costs, regulations, and success rates in Singapore.
What Is IVF?
IVF is a medical procedure where eggs are retrieved from the woman’s ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then monitored for development, and one or more are transferred into the woman’s uterus to achieve pregnancy.
Unlike natural conception, which takes place inside the fallopian tubes, IVF allows fertilisation to occur under controlled conditions, increasing the chances of successful embryo development.
Why Do Couples Choose IVF In Singapore?
Couples may be advised to undergo IVF for several reasons:
- Blocked Or Damaged Fallopian Tubes – IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes.
- Male Factor Infertility – Low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal sperm shape.
- Ovulation Disorders – Such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Endometriosis – Tissue growth outside the uterus that can affect fertility.
- Unexplained Infertility – When no clear cause is identified.
- Failed Attempts With Other Treatments – Such as intrauterine insemination (IUI).
The IVF Process And Treatment Journey
While each couple’s treatment plan is personalised, a typical IVF cycle involves several stages:
- Ovarian Stimulation
Hormone injections are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Regular ultrasound scans and blood tests monitor progress. - Egg Retrieval
Once the eggs are ready, a minor procedure is performed under sedation to collect them from the ovaries. - Fertilisation
The eggs are combined with sperm in the laboratory. Sometimes, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is used, where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. - Embryo Culture
Fertilised eggs are monitored for several days to assess embryo quality. - Embryo Transfer
One or more embryos are placed into the uterus using a thin catheter. This procedure is usually painless and does not require anaesthesia. - Pregnancy Test
About two weeks after the transfer, a blood test is done to confirm if pregnancy has been achieved.
The entire IVF cycle usually takes about four to six weeks from the start of stimulation to the pregnancy test.
“No two IVF journeys are the same. That’s why a personalised treatment plan – tailored to each couple’s health and fertility profile – is key to achieving the best possible outcome.”
– Dr Lim Min Yu, Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Fertility Specialist
What Are The Costs And Regulations For IVF, Singapore?
In Singapore, IVF is tightly regulated to ensure safety and ethical standards. Some important considerations include:
- Eligibility: IVF is available to legally married couples, although single women are allowed to freeze their eggs. There is no legal age limit for women to undergo IVF in Singapore, though success rates decline with age. Couples need to undergo fertility testing before embarking on IVF.
- Government Support: Couples comprising at least one Singapore can use MediSave to offset part of the cost of IVF.
- Cost Range: A single IVF cycle cost can range between S$12,000 to S$30,000 depending on the type and dosage of ovarian stimulation required, medical conditions and sperm health. Our “Natural IVF” package (suitable for women with good ovarian reserve and regular cycles) costs S$11,833 (before GST). Our “basic IVF” package, tailored for women with mild fertility issues or slightly lower egg reserve, costs S$12,833 (before GST).
It is important for couples to discuss financial planning with the fertility specialist, as multiple cycles may sometimes be required.
What Is The Success Rate For IVF In Singapore?
The success rate for assisted reproduction (referring to babies born through pregnancies achieved through IVF and other forms of AR) depend on many factors, including the woman’s age, egg and sperm quality, and overall health. According to MOH, in Singapore in general:
- Women under 30 years old had a success rate of 26.6%.
- Women aged between 30 and 34 had a success rate of 24.6 %.
- Women aged between 35 and 39, had a 17.1% success rate.
- Women aged 40 and older had a success rate of 6.7%.
At Sincere Healthcare, our pregnancy success rate for women below 35 years old is 82.3% and live birth success rate is 69.4%[1]
Taking The Next Step
IVF is a significant decision, both emotionally and financially. For couples who have been trying to conceive without success, a consultation with a fertility specialist at Sincere Healthcare Group can provide personalised guidance. With clear information and medical support, couples can make confident choices about their fertility journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Every couple is different. Some achieve success in their first cycle, while others may need multiple attempts. Fertility Specialists usually recommend reassessment after each cycle to refine the approach.
Most steps of IVF are not painful. Hormone injections may cause mild discomfort, while egg retrieval is done under sedation. Embryo transfer is generally painless.
Yes. Extra good-quality embryos can be frozen and stored for future use. This means couples may not need to repeat the entire stimulation and retrieval process if another attempt is required, or if they decide they want another child later on.
Get An Appointment For A Consultation
IVF in Singapore offers couples struggling with infertility a well-established pathway to parenthood. By understanding the process, costs, regulations, and success rates, couples can prepare for what lies ahead and makes informed decisions. With medical expertise and support, IVF can bring hope to those who have long awaited the joy of starting a family.
Get A Consultation Appointment For IVF
[1] Based on Sincere Healthcare Group 2023 record data.