Investigating medical options that might help you conceive? Here are five things you need to know if you’re dealing with infertility.
So, you and your partner are as keen as mustard to start a family, but fertility is an issue. Whether you’re facing low sperm count, endometriosis, ovarian cysts or another health or genetic risk factor, the good news is that there are now more ways than ever to take control of your fertility. If you’re considering fertility treatment options in Singapore, here are five things to know that might help you along the journey.
1. You are not alone
Infertility can be one of the most frustrating, and often lonely, health care issues you ever face – but it’s important to remember that you and your partner really are not alone. Infertility currently affects 15% of Singaporean couples. Some of this is the result of couples in Singapore (and around the world) waiting longer to have children. Then again, infertility can affect men and women for a huge range of reasons – from genetically low sperm count, to a disease such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Whatever your reason for looking into fertility treatment, keep in mind that there are hundreds of other couples going through the same experience.
2. Singapore has fantastic treatment options
Fertility treatment-seekers in Singapore are lucky to be living in one of the most advanced health care systems in the world. Singapore has world-class hospitals, access to cutting-edge services and a wide network of providers – and when it comes to fertility treatment, the options are likewise very advanced. Singapore’s Virtus Fertility Centre in Singapore is one of the largest of its kind in the world, with an overall IVF success rate of 55%. Public hospitals in Singapore can also offer experienced health care professionals and comfortable facilities, with fertility success rates ranging from 16% (Singapore General Hospital) to 28% (Gleneagles Hospital).
3. Treatment is not ‘one size fits all’
We’re fortunate to be living in a time when a number of different fertility treatments are available. If you’re considering medical intervention, learn what your options are – there’s In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), in which mature eggs are collected, fertilised and implanted in the uterus; donor egg or sperm programs; laser-assisted hatching to increase the chance of implementation; Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) to address sperm-related issues; and more. You can also increase your chances of success by reducing risk factors associated with alcohol, tobacco, weight, stress, and poor diet. Some couples find counselling useful in addressing lifestyle choices that could be affecting their fertility, or just to talk through their experiences.
4. Yes, it is expensive…
The cost of IVF treatment is largely dependent on which medical facility you prefer to work with. According to data published by the Singapore government’s Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) co-funding scheme, you can expect to pay anywhere from $6,000 to $13,000 for IVF treatment at a public hospital. Those costs cover up to three cycles each of fresh and frozen IVF treatment. If you are a Singaporean citizen, the government will subsidize 75% of your costs (up to $6,300 for fresh egg IVF and $1,200 for frozen egg IVF). Permanent residents can get a 55% percent government subsidy, up to $4,600 for fresh and $900 for frozen treatment. Finally, if you are married to a Singaporean citizen, you can access a 35% IVF subsidy of $3,000 for fresh and $600 for frozen treatment.
Many expats prefer to conduct treatment at a private facility, where they may decide there’s more comfort and convenience, as well as greater choice in doctor and appointment time. However, it’s important to be aware that costs at a private facility can run as high as $16,000 for just one round of treatment.
5. …But insurance can help
The good news is that private insurance can help to reduce the cost of IVF treatment. For example, Pacific Prime Singapore offers an insurance plan with coverage on claims for up to three rounds of in-vitro fertilization. You can also talk with Pacific Prime Singapore about making sure that if the treatments work, your newborn will be covered immediately – without waiting periods or restrictions. For more information, you can get in touch with the professional, supportive consultants at Pacific Prime Singapore. They can answer any questions about IVF or other insurance plans, as well as give you a free consultation with insurance comparisons and quotations on prices.
This post is sponsored by Pacific Prime.
