Fertility can be a complex topic to understand. Think of it like a marathon: you know where the starting line is, and have a clear goal at the end of the finish line. However, couples may face various obstacles and challenges when trying to conceive.

In this article, we will explore different aspects of fertility, including what to consider before consulting a fertility specialist, the role of the specialist, and the potential treatments available. This information aims to provide you with a better understanding of fertility and the various treatment options, should you encounter any difficulties.

Why do people seek help from a fertility specialist?

Many couples have different experiences when they are starting to conceive. It is vital to seek help from fertility specialists when couples are experiencing difficulties in conceiving as there are multiple factors to consider that will affect fertility.

What do fertility specialists do?

A fertility specialist is a medical professional who specialises in diagnosing and treating fertility issues, to help people who have been struggling to conceive. Fertility specialists also diagnose conditions that may affect both male and female fertility and provide treatments for such issues.

What are the signs I should consult with a fertility specialist?

Recognising the signs of when a couple can start consulting with a fertility specialist can help them better understand their needs. Here are some common factors to consider:

1. Age 

   • Fertility starts to decline more significantly from age 35, hence it would be best to seek help from a fertility specialist for early evaluation for those between 35–39 years old.

   • Women over the age of 35 should start to seek help from a fertility specialist after 6 months. For women under 35 years old, they can consider consulting a fertility specialist after being unsuccessful in trying to conceive after 1 year.

   • For those aged 40 and above, there is a more pronounced decline in egg quality and quantity, which causes a higher risk of pregnancy complications.

2. Period issues

   • Irregular menstrual cycles can suggest the presence of ovulatory disorders, making it difficult to predict ovulation, and also suggest other underlying health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

   • Heavy periods could also be a symptom of underlying health conditions such as fibroids or endometriosis which affect fertility.

   • Amenorrhoea, or the absence of menstruation, could indicate possible issues of hormone imbalances, PCOS and thyroid disorders that affect fertility.

3. History of reproductive issues

   • Previous miscarriages may indicate some underlying issues that could be genetic, hormonal, anatomical or related to the immune system.

   • History of STIs, previous pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis could also affect fertility.

4. Male fertility concerns

   • Men experiencing low sperm count or erectile dysfunction in men can affect a couple’s ability to conceive.

5. Genetic disorders

   • Women could also experience issues with fertility due to genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome or Kallmann syndrome and may experience changes in their DNA that affect one or more genes that could have been inherited from their parents.

   • Men could also experience genetic disorders that can impact and reduce male fertility, such as Klinefelter syndrome, y-chromosome microdeletions, changes in the CFTR gene, and Kallmann syndrome.

How can a fertility specialist check my fertility?

If you are experiencing some concerns or want to learn more about your and your partner’s reproductive health, it is best to consult a fertility specialist for a fertility screening. 

The fertility specialist will help assess your fertility health and identify any issues that may affect your chances of conceiving, thus, allowing you and your partner to make more well-informed decisions towards family planning. 

Find out more information about fertility screening services at Thomson Fertility Centre here.

What does a fertility screening include?

After the initial consultation with the fertility specialist, a fertility screening includes:

• Comprehensive blood tests for women that test over 14 different components including full blood count and hormone levels

• Pelvic ultrasound scans for women to examine and identify any potential abnormalities within their reproductive system.

• Semen analysis for males to examine their sperm health in terms of sperm count, motility and morphology.

Afterwards, the fertility specialist will help you and your partner review your reproductive health test results based on past and current fertility statuses, and share potential fertility treatment options if necessary. This is to help advise couples on the best treatment for their fertility issues.

What are treatments offered by a fertility specialist?

Fertility Specialists are able to conduct a comprehensive screening to figure out what the issue the couple is experiencing with their struggle to conceive and provide solutions such as:

1. In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

   • IVF is a popular assisted reproductive technology option amongst couples struggling to conceive.

   • It is a complex series of procedures where mature eggs are collected and fertilised by sperm within a lab.

   • IVF is usually offered as a main treatment for those struggling with infertility over the age of 40, or those with underlying health conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.

2. Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

   • IUI involves placing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus.

   • Sperm is only inserted once the ovary releases one or more eggs.

3. Egg freezing

   • Egg freezing involves preserving eggs for future use.

   • Usually, this method allows women to preserve their fertility by allowing them to harvest eggs at a younger age, which will be used when they are ready to start conceiving later in life.

4. Surgical intervention

   • Surgical intervention is a procedure that is designed to tackle more anatomical issues such as fibroids or blocked fallopian tubes.

When should I see a fertility specialist?

If you are a couple experiencing such symptoms of infertility or are interested in receiving a medical professional’s consultation before you start to conceive, Thomson Fertility Clinic offers holistic management of fertility treatments with personalised care plans.

Book an appointment with our fertility specialists at Thomson Fertility Centre here.

FAQ

When should you seek fertility help?

Women under the age of 35 who have not conceived after one year of unprotected sex, or women aged 35 and older who have not conceived after six months of unprotected sex should speak to a gynaecologist for recommendations before escalating to see a fertility specialist.

How can I check my fertility in Singapore?

A fertility check cannot be done by your general practitioner (GP) or at polyclinics. You can either make an appointment with your gynaecologist or a fertility specialist to do a fertility check-up. 

Find out more information about fertility screening services at Thomson Fertility Centre here.