There is no one size-fits-all solution when it comes to fertility. I wish I could tell you it’s as simple as charting your basal body temperature, or refining your diet – but in truth, fertility is made up of a hodgepodge of factors, and what worked for someone might not necessarily work for you.

So, unfortunately, there’s no shortcut to fertility, and no “miracle pill” that you can take. But what you can do is to read up on the building blocks of fertility – and get a better understanding of how your body and reproductive system works. With this information, you’ll be able to look at fertility using a holistic, multi-faceted approach, and this will hopefully put you on the path to conceiving.

In this lesson, we’ll cover a range of fertility-related topics. Use this as a guide to get more in-tune with your body, and speak to your doctor about which of the assisted conception options are most suitable for you (if it comes to that). I wish you the very best of luck in your journey.

Assisted conception

After you and your partner have sat through the necessary fertility tests, the next step is to identify which assisted conception procedure are the most suitable for you. While we detail a good number of treatment methods in this chapter, bear in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to fertility. As such, your fertility specialist will discuss how to adapt these treatments to suit your specific needs and circumstances.

Most couples will be able to choose from several treatment options; seeing as these treatments can get pretty pricey, it’s in your best interests to consider all the options instead of rushing into a decision. Take your time, and relay any questions or doubts that you might have to your fertility specialist. For some couples, your fertility specialist might recommend using a combination of treatments to achieve better results. To further enhance the effectiveness of your treatments, you should also maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get enough rest, reduce the stressors in your life, have a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. We’ve discuss how you may condition your body for fertility.

Is IVF suitable for you?

IVF isn’t just expensive and time-consuming; it’s also an invasive procedure. You’ll have to weigh up the pros and cons of this treatment, before deciding if it’s something that you do want to embark on.

Eligibility to undergo the IVF procedure differs from country to country. In Singapore, women under the age of 40 are eligible to undergo 10 cycles of IVF, but those over 40 are only allowed five cycles. For women over the age of 45, IVF is technically not allowed.

The price of IVF treatment varies according to country, will set you back by approximately $12,000 to $20,000 per cycle. These are inclusive of hormonal medications. Thankfully, there are several ways to offset the cost of IVF. 

Do note that there may be some variation in what an IVF package covers. Most packages will include ultrasounds, egg collection, egg transfer, lab 115 charges, nursing fees, and the use of the operating theatre and recovery room, but not all of them cover the doctor’s consultation, medication, laboratory fees and optional procedures. 

Time commitment

Those who are intending to undergo IVF should understand that they’ll have to prioritize their treatment above all other commitments. In the first week alone, you’ll probably have to block out a full day (or more!) for tests, scans, and consultations. While a single cycle takes four to six weeks in total, you might need to undergo several cycles before you successfully get pregnant. Last but not least, you should also give yourself adequate time to rest after each cycle of IVF - this is crucial if you want to maximize your chances of conception.