IVF Treatment in Singapore ( The Complete Procedure Guide )
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a well-known assisted reproductive technology that involves combining sperm and eggs to create embryos in a laboratory. The embryos are then transferred back into the uterus to help individuals with infertility issues achieve pregnancy. IVF has been a successful treatment option since the birth of the world's first IVF baby in 1978, and the technology has become quite mature since then. The United States has the highest IVF success rates in the world, with a success rate of up to 87% using donor eggs at RSMC.
Advancements in technology and progressive legislation regarding reproductive treatments ensure that patients, regardless of their sexual orientation or civil status, can receive consistent advice and safe treatment.
Who should consider IVF?
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures, including IVF treatment, are only available to married couples in Singapore. However, IVF treatment is available to individuals regardless of nationality, sexual orientation, or marital status in the United States, where the legal and medical environment is quite open. Even if you are single or a member of the LGBTQ community, you can legally undergo IVF treatment in the United States and have complete parental rights.
Infertile Couples
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Endometriosis
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Low sperm counts
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Problems with the uterus or blocked/damaged Fallopian tubes
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Problems with ovulation
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Antibody problems that harm sperm or eggs
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The inability of sperm to penetrate or survive in the cervical mucus
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Unsuccessful use of fertility drugs or other treatments such as IUI
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Unsuccessful after one year of trying to conceive
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Other unexplained reasons for infertility
LGBTQ Families
IVF v.s IUI
IUI - An Overview of the Procedure and Success Rates
IUI, also known as artificial insemination, is a common infertility treatment. In this process, specially prepared sperm, which are washed and concentrated, are transferred directly into a woman’s uterus via a catheter when she is ready to ovulate. To improve the success rate, the woman is also treated with medicine that stimulates ovulation to produce more follicles before the IUI procedure. After three cycles of IUI failure, more advanced fertility treatment methods such as In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) will be recommended by the doctors. The success rates of IUI are between 5 and 20 percent per cycle, which depend on the quality of sperm and eggs.
IVF - Advanced Technology and High Success Rates
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is another well-known assisted reproductive technology, involving combining sperm and eggs into embryos in a laboratory and then transferring the embryo back into the uterus. Nowadays, the technology of IVF is advanced, and healthy embryos can be identified by pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGS/PGD can significantly improve the success rate by identifying embryos with genetic diseases. What is more, it is legal to know the gender of embryos before implantation in the United States. The success rate of IVF with donor eggs is up to 87% in RSMC.
Both IUI and IVF are commonly used fertility treatments, and the success rates of fertility treatments vary. The IUI procedure is useful for intended parents struggling with unexplained infertility, same-sex couples, and couples with minimal male factor infertility, as well as women under the age of 40. IVF can provide more opportunities for success for those who have failed IUI cycles, have advanced endometriosis, or specific genetic diseases. Contact us today, and our specialist will customize your treatment options based on your very own situation, giving you the best chance for a successful pregnancy.
IVF Step-by-Step Procedure
At RSMC, we offer a comprehensive IVF procedure that includes detailed consultation, pre-treatment testing, and a customized protocol tailored to your specific needs. For our international clients, the main steps of the procedure are as follows:
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Physical Examination
Step 2: One-on-One Video Consultation
Step 3: Travel to the US to begin the IVF medical cycle
Step 4: Embryo Culture and Transfer
Step 5: Pregnancy Test
At RSMC, we prioritize providing consistent and high-quality care throughout your IVF journey. If you require IVF with donor sperm or surrogate, the process will be slightly different. Please feel free to contact us online for more information.
How Long Does the IVF Procedure Take?
The IVF process can vary in duration depending on the specific situation.
For IVF with own eggs and sperm, the female partner must stay in the USA for over 2 weeks for stimulation, while the male partner only needs to stay for 5 days for sperm collection. The female must then stay in the USA for another 4 weeks for embryo transfer.
For IVF with donor sperm, the female needs to spend 2-3 weeks in San Diego for stimulation and another 4 weeks for embryo transfer.
If you choose IVF with donor eggs and sperm, you first need to select an egg donor from our online bank. The male partner can either do the sperm collection in the USA or transfer sperm from your local clinic to the USA. The female must then stay in the USA for another 3-4 weeks for the monitoring of uterine lining and embryo transfer.
For IVF with surrogacy, the intended parents usually need to come to the USA only once or twice, for the production of the embryos at the fertility clinic and the birth of the baby. Another scenario is if you already have passed PGS embryos in your local clinic, and that saves you one trip, and we will help with all the transportation arrangements.
How Many Circles Of IVF Take To Get Pregnant?
The success of IVF treatment can be influenced by various factors, including the patient's individual situation, medical history, and the quality of the laboratory performing the procedure. A lab that keeps up with the latest advances and practices in embryology offers the best chance of success. Our lab, which covers an area of 5000 square meters, is fully accredited and inspected annually by the College of American Pathologists.
In addition, our medical team, led by our own specialist, has more than 150 years of combined experience. We offer third-generation IVF or PGT, which screens for and identifies specific genetic diseases, preventing them from being passed on to future generations. Our high success rates of surrogate and egg donor pregnancy (80% and 87%, respectively) further demonstrate our expertise in this field.
However, it is important to note that the number of cycles required for a successful pregnancy through IVF treatment can vary depending on individual circumstances. Therefore, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
How To Prepare IVF For Female?
Before undergoing IVF, it is important to undergo pretreatment testing. Here are the necessary tests that females should undertake:
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Ultrasound: This test should be done on the 1st or 2nd day of menstruation, but it can be done on any day if necessary. The ultrasound can detect the presence of uterine fibroids and determine the shape, size, position, endometrial thickness, and Antral Follicle Count of the uterus.
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Blood work (without fasting): The following hormones are tested: FSH, LH, E2, Testosterone, AMH, TSH, Prolactin, P4.
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Blood testing for infectious diseases: The following infections are tested: AIDS (HIV 1+2), hepatitis B (HBsAg, HBeAb), hepatitis C, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, cytomegalovirus, rubella virus, and varicella virus.
It is important to complete these tests to ensure that the patient is healthy and ready to undergo the IVF procedure.
Pre-treatment Testing for Male in IVF
Before starting IVF treatment, male partners are also required to undergo pre-treatment testing to ensure their reproductive health. The following tests are typically performed:
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Semen analysis: This test evaluates the number, motility, and morphology of sperm. It is recommended that the male partner abstain from sexual activity for 2-5 days prior to the test.
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Blood work: Male partners must undergo blood testing for infectious diseases, including AIDS (HIV 1+2 type), hepatitis B (HBsAg, HBeAb), hepatitis C, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, cytomegalovirus, and human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV 1+2 type).
By ensuring both partners are in good reproductive health, the chances of a successful IVF treatment are greatly increased.
What Is The Best Age To Have IVF?
There is no age limit for IVF treatment, but the quality of a woman's eggs begins to decline after the age of 35. As a result, it may be more difficult to conceive through IVF due to a reduced ability of the ovaries to produce chromosomally normal eggs. Therefore, improving egg quality is essential for successful IVF treatment. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper nutrition, can improve egg quality. High-quality eggs are necessary not only for IVF but also for natural pregnancy, IUI, or even assisted reproduction through a third party in the future. Eggs take about 90 days to mature before they are released, and as a woman ages, the quantity and quality of eggs decrease. Women who plan to have a family should regularly check their fertility preservation (AMH) to assess their egg quality. Even if there is no current plan to conceive, egg freezing can be an insurance policy.
If you do not have enough eggs with good quality, RSMC's self-owned Lucina egg bank is a great option with the highest chance of success. The average pregnancy rate of RSMC IVF with donor eggs is up to 87%, with the key being the age of the egg (19-29). RSMC's state-of-the-art laboratory is certified by CPA, and the medical team has an average of 20-30 years of IVF experience. We offer a diverse, large pool of frozen egg banks with readily available egg cohorts, so there is no need to wait. If your implantation has failed several times, third-party assisted reproduction (surrogate mother) could be considered. The average pregnancy success rate of IVF with a surrogate is up to 90%.
Can you Choose Gender with IVF?
If PGS is performed, it provides insights into the gender of the embryo. However, it's important to emphasize that the primary purpose of this screening is to identify healthy embryos, and it should not be used as a method for selecting the gender of the child. IVF treatment in Singapore regulations explicitly state that choosing the gender of a test-tube baby or embryo is not permissible.
Does consuming alkaline foods increase the chances of having a boy?
Can the father's lifestyle affect the quantity of X&Y sperm?
Does parental hormone levels influence the baby's gender?
IVF Risks and Benefits in the United States
The risks of IVF are relatively low and depend on individual circumstances. Some potential risks may include:
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Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) - a condition where the ovaries become swollen and painful
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Multiple pregnancies - twins, triplets, or more
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Ectopic pregnancy - when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus
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Birth defects - studies have shown a slightly higher risk of birth defects with IVF, but the overall risk is still low
It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor and understand your personal risk factors. However, the benefits of IVF can far outweigh the risks, especially for those who struggle with infertility.
In the United States, IVF treatment is available to all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or marital status. This makes the US an attractive destination for those who may face legal barriers to treatment in their home country. Additionally, the US has a high success rate for IVF treatments, with advanced technologies and experienced medical professionals.
While the cost of treatment may be higher in the US compared to other countries, it is important to consider the long-term benefits and the potential impact on the future of your family. Overall, IVF is a safe and effective option for those struggling with infertility, and the benefits of treatment can be life-changing.
IVF Treatment Costs and Restrictions in Singapore
In Singapore, the cost of IVF treatment typically ranges between S$10,000 and S$20,000 or more. Additional costs may also include medication, counseling, ultrasound scans, and blood tests. If PGS gene testing or frozen eggs are required, the overall cost of treatment can further increase. It's worth noting that in Singapore, frozen eggs are only available for single women between the ages of 21 and 35, and they can only use them after legal marriage. Surrogacy and gender selection are also not permitted in the country. These restrictions may limit access to certain individuals or couples seeking IVF treatment.
IVF and Surrogacy Costs in the USA
Due to the laws and IVF technology in Singapore, many patients choose to seek superior treatment and eligible surrogacy services in the USA. The costs of infertility treatments in the United States are as follows:
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IVF with own sperm and eggs usually costs around $30,000 dollars.
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IVF with donor eggs costs about $50,000 dollars.
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Surrogacy with own sperm and eggs costs around $160,000-$170,000 US dollars.
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Surrogacy with donor sperm costs around US $180,000-$190,000.
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Surrogacy with egg donation costs around US $190,000 to $200,000.
While these costs may seem high, it is important to consider the benefits of seeking treatment in the USA, such as higher success rates and legal protections for same-sex couples and single individuals. Investing in infertility treatment is an important decision for individuals and couples who want to start or grow their family, and seeking treatment in the USA can provide the best chance of success.
IVF FAQ
1. Will you be able to see the sperm donor's physical appearance and their detailed profile information when you're going through the IVF process?
In America, a recipient can see a sperm donor’s childhood photos as well as his basic information. The recipient can decide whether he is an ideal donor or not through his educational background, accomplishments and specialties. In order to protect each other’s privacy, they won’t know or contact each other. The sperm donor has to sign legal documents waiving his parental right to ensure that the child completely belongs to the recipient in the near future.
2. When You Use Donor Eggs in America, Can You See the Egg Donor’s Appearance and Detailed Information?
Undergoing IVF with donor eggs in America, the recipients can see the pictures of donors after entering adulthood. They can also learn about the donors’ height, educational background, hobbies, even whether their family members are still alive or not, their family medical history, IQ test and best subject in school for reference.
3. What If You Don’t Have Enough Budget When Halfway Done Going Through The Whole Treatment?
RSMC is a formal hospital. You do not have to pay for the further treatment in advance. You don’t have to complete the treatments all at a time, either. As a matter of fact, you can decide when to have the next treatment at your own pace. Let’s take surrogacy with same-sex male couples as an example here. They can collect sperm to create a frozen embryo with donor eggs first, and then they can hire a surrogate later when they are ready with the financial support. All of the consultants in our hospital are full-time employees.We make it our priority that our patients know about any potential additional pricings that may occur later during the treatment. You may rest assured that all your rights and benefits are protected by the contracts. If you need a consultation, please feel free to contact us.
RSMC's Surrogacy Services for Singaporean Parents
At present, surrogacy and gender selection are not allowed in Singapore. In contrast, the United States, particularly California, offers intended parents from all over the world, regardless of nationality, sexual orientation, or marital status, a safer and more reliable option for family building. RSMC is the nation's largest surrogacy program and offers an all-inclusive, service-oriented approach that minimizes financial, physical, and emotional risks.
RSMC provides strict surrogate screening practices, high-quality IVF, and supportive laws that make it an ideal option for intended parents. With RSMC, parents can rest assured that the surrogates have been pre-screened using their proprietary, OB-designed process, providing them with peace of mind and confidence.
While surrogacy and gender selection may not be allowed in Singapore, RSMC offers Singaporean parents the opportunity to fulfill their family-building dreams.
Dr. Kevin Kiboong Oum
San Diego Lab Director in RSMC
Dr. Kevin Kiboong Oum started his career as the Scientific Director at Columbia University Fertility Center in New York and is the Lab Director at Reproductive Sciences Medical Center and Coastal Fertility Medical Center.
About Dr. Kevin Kiboong OumOther
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