Different paths to conception
In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a widely recognized method of assisted conception. This process begins with hormone treatments and injections designed to stimulate the ovaries, encouraging them to produce more eggs. Once the eggs are ready, they are retrieved and then fertilized with a sperm sample in a laboratory to create embryos. The final step involves transferring the embryos into the uterus, with the hope of achieving a successful pregnancy.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a procedure that aids natural conception by placing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus. This technique boosts the chances of sperm reaching the fallopian tubes and fertilizing the mature egg. In some cases, medications and a trigger injection are used to stimulate the production of multiple eggs and to time their release accurately.
Ovulation Induction is a hormone treatment that uses oral medications such as Clomid or Letrozole to stimulate the ovaries to develop eggs and induce ovulation. This increases the chances of successful conception through timed intercourse. It can be used as a primary method or in conjunction with IUI, especially for women with irregular menstrual cycles or those who do not ovulate.
Female Fertility
Understanding how female fertility works can be an important part of planning for pregnancy. Fertility depends on many factors — including egg quality, reproductive health, and timing — and learning about these can help you make informed decisions along the way.
Fertility Factors
Several factors can influence female fertility:
- Age: Fertility naturally declines over time, especiallyafter age 35.
- Egg Quality and Quantity: Women are born with afinite number of eggs, and both quality and quantitydecrease with age.
- Ovulation: Regular ovulation is needed forconception. Conditions that affect ovulation canimpact fertility.
- Overall Health: Weight, lifestyle, and certainmedical conditions may influence fertility.
Common Causes of Fertility Challenges
Some women may experience difficulty conceiving due to:
- Ovulation disorders such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
- Endometriosis affecting the uterus or fallopian tubes.
- Blocked fallopian tubes caused by infection, surgery, or other conditions.
- Uterine abnormalities such as fibroids or scar tissue.
- Early menopause or diminished ovarian reserve.
Diagnosis
If conception is taking longer than expected, diagnostic tests can help identify possible causes. These may include:
- Blood Tests: To assess hormone levels.
- Ultrasound: To examine the ovaries and uterus.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): To evaluate the fallopian tubes.
- Ovarian Reserve Tests: Such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) testing.
Results from these tests help your specialist recommend suitable next steps, which may include lifestyle adjustments, medical management, or fertility treatments such as IUI or IVF, depending on your medical profile and local regulations.
When to Seek Advice
You may consider consulting a fertility specialist if:
- You have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months (or 6 months if over age 35).
- You have irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
- You have a known condition such as PCOS or endometriosis.
- You have experienced more than one miscarriage.
- You are preparing for medical treatment that may affect fertility.
Supporting Your Fertility Journey
At GenPrime, we believe fertility care should be human — thoughtful, compassionate, and guided by understanding. Our specialists provide fertility assessments, diagnostic testing, and care in accordance with Singapore’s regulations, helping each patient make informed choices about their reproductive health.
For women considering egg freezing:
- Elective (social) egg freezing is available for women aged 21 to 37 years.
- Medical egg freezing may be recommended at any age for those undergoing treatments that could affect fertility.
Frozen eggs can only be used by legally married couples in Singapore.