IVF Process in Singapore
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is a fertility treatment in which eggs and sperms are fertilised outside the body before the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus.
For patients considering IVF, understanding the process clearly can make treatment decisions feel less overwhelming.
What is IVF?
IVF, or In Vitro Fertilisation, is a fertility treatment where eggs are collected from the ovaries, fertilised with sperm outside the body, in the laboratory, and the resulting embryo is implanted into the uterus, in the hope of achieving pregnancy.
IVF may be considered when conception is not happening naturally, when other fertility treatment options are less suitable, or where specific fertility factors are identified.
When IVF May Be Recommended
IVF is not automatically the first step for every patient or couple.
However, IVF may be considered in selected situations, including:
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes or fallopian tube disease
Reduced ovarian reserve
Severe endometriosis affecting fertility
Repeated unsuccessful fertility treatment
Significant male fertility factors
Genetic or reproductive concerns
Unexplained infertility
Advanced maternal age or age-related fertility considerations
The appropriate treatment depends on the overall fertility picture.
The IVF Process Step by Step
The first consultation focuses on understanding your situation clearly.
1. Fertility assessment and treatment planning
IVF begins with understanding the broader fertility picture.
This may involve reviewing fertility history, investigations, ovarian reserve, sperm health, and other relevant factors before planning treatment.
2. Ovarian stimulation
At the start of the cycle, an ultrasound scan is usually performed, often during the first few days of menstruation, to confirm that conditions are suitable to begin treatment.
Daily hormone injections are then used to stimulate the ovaries so that multiple eggs can develop during the same treatment cycle.
This may involve reviewing fertility history, investigations, ovarian reserve, sperm health, and other relevant factors before planning treatment.
3. Egg collection
Once the eggs are mature, they are collected through a minor procedure known as egg retrieval.
A fine needle is used to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries, and the eggs are then passed to the laboratory for the next stage of treatment.
4. Fertilisation in the laboratory
The retrieved eggs are fertilised with sperm in the laboratory to create embryos.
This is the core step in IVF, as fertilisation takes place outside the body under controlled laboratory conditions.
5. Embryo development
After fertilisation, the embryos are monitored as they continue to develop in the laboratory.
Patients are usually updated a few days after egg retrieval on the progress of the embryos. In many cases, embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage, usually around Day 5.
Depending on the situation, an embryo may be transferred in the same cycle, or the embryos may be frozen for later use.
6. Embryo transfer
Where appropriate, a selected embryo is transferred into the uterus as the next step in treatment.
7. Pregnancy test and follow-up
After embryo transfer, patients return for follow-up testing to assess the outcome of the cycle.
Common IVF Questions
IVF Care with Dr Chua
IVF is a treatment process with several stages, that requires close monitoring and careful timing throughout the cycle.
Patients can usually expect:
- ● Multiple appointments across the treatment cycle
- ● Ultrasound monitoring during ovarian stimulation
- ● Daily injections during part of the cycle
- ● Egg retrieval procedure
- ● Updates on embryo development
- ● Follow-up after embryo transfer or embryo freezing, where relevant
No two IVF journeys are exactly the same. The process may vary depending on how the ovaries respond, how the embryos develop, and what the treatment findings show along the way.
Clear guidance can make a meaningful difference. Understanding each stage of the process often helps patients feel more prepared and confident for treatment.
Related Fertility Care
Patients may also wish to explore:
Discuss Whether IVF
May Be Right for You
IVF can feel like a significant decision.
A proper fertility review with Dr Chua helps determine whether IVF is the most appropriate next step and what the process may involve.