Many couples are impacted by infertility, leading them to explore different treatment options in hopes of bearing a child. Thoroughly understanding the causes and treatment options is then necessary to make well-informed decisions.
Discover the primary causes of infertility in both men and women and learn the infertility treatments currently accessible in Singapore.
Causes of Male Infertility
Male infertility can result from several factors, including:
- Sperm Disorders
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm motility
- Abnormal sperm morphology
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Low testosterone levels
- Imbalances in other reproductive hormones
- Medical Conditions
- Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
- Infections affecting sperm production or function
- Retrograde ejaculation or the condition in which semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis
- Lifestyle Factors
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Exposure to environmental toxins
Causes of Female Infertility
Female infertility can arise from various issues, such as:
- Ovulation Disorders
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Thyroid problems
- Hyperprolactinemia (high levels of prolactin hormone)
- Fallopian Tube Damage
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Previous surgeries
- Endometriosis
- Endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus
- Causes pain and potential blockages
- Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities
- Fibroids
- Polyps
- Structural anomalies
- Age-Related Factors
- Reduced ovarian reserve
- Declining egg quality
Fertility Tests in Singapore
Determining the cause of infertility involves several fertility tests in Singapore, including:
- Semen Analysis
- Evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology
- Hormonal Testing
- Assesses levels of reproductive hormones in both partners
- Ovarian Reserve Testing
- Measures the quantity and quality of eggs
- Imaging Tests
- Ultrasound for female reproductive organs
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) to check fallopian tubes
- Genetic Testing
- Identifies potential genetic causes of infertility
Infertility Treatments Available in Singapore
Singapore also offers a range of infertility treatments tailored to individual needs:
- Medications
- Clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins to stimulate ovulation
- Hormonal treatments for men with hormonal imbalances
- Surgical Interventions
- Laparoscopy for endometriosis or tubal blockages
- Varicocelectomy for varicocele in men
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
- Directly places sperm into the uterus
- IUI in Singapore is less invasive and less expensive than IVF
- Suitable for mild male factor infertility or unexplained infertility
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Eggs and sperm are combined outside the body
- Embryos are implanted into the uterus
- Higher success rates compared to IUI
- IVF in Singapore is recommended for severe infertility cases
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- A single sperm is injected into an egg
- Used in conjunction with IVF
- Helps in severe male infertility cases
- Donor Programs
- Egg donation for women with poor ovarian reserve
- Sperm donation for severe male infertility
- Embryo adoption for couples facing significant fertility challenges
- Fertility Preservation
- Egg and sperm freezing for future use
- Vital for individuals undergoing treatments affecting fertility, such as chemotherapy
Choosing a Fertility Clinic in Singapore
Selecting the right fertility clinic is essential for proper treatment. Consider the following when choosing a fertility clinic in Singapore:
- Success Rates
- Review the clinic’s success rates for various treatments
- Compare with national and international benchmarks
- Treatment Options
- Ensure the clinic offers different services
- Check for the existence of treatments like ICSI and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
- Qualified Specialists
- Look for experienced and board-certified fertility specialists
- Check for specialists with knowledge of specific treatments
- Support Services
- Availability of counselling and support groups
- Nutritional and lifestyle guidance
- Cost and Financial Options
- Understand the cost structure of treatments
- Explore financing options and insurance coverage
Conclusion
It is of utmost importance for couples who are dealing with infertility challenges to have a proper understanding of the reasons behind infertility and the various treatment options available. Singapore provides different diagnostic tests and treatments, including IUI and IVF, to offer solutions and assist couples in realising their dream of becoming parents. The success of infertility treatment greatly depends on the careful selection of a fertility clinic, therefore, it is necessary to consider all factors before seeking infertility treatment.
Visit SMG Women’s Health to turn your parenthood hope into reality.
