Fertility Assessment: Where to Start
A fertility workup evaluates both partners simultaneously. Key investigations:
For Women
- Hormone tests: AMH (ovarian reserve), FSH, LH, oestradiol (Day 3), TSH, prolactin
- Antral Follicle Count (AFC): Transvaginal ultrasound counting small follicles — key ovarian reserve marker
- Uterine assessment: Saline sonohysterogram, hysteroscopy, or HSG (tubal patency test)
- Pelvic ultrasound: Uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, PCOS morphology
For Men
- Semen analysis: Sperm count, motility, morphology — the cornerstone of male fertility assessment
- Hormonal tests (FSH, LH, testosterone) if semen analysis abnormal
- Genetic testing if severe male factor is identified
Fertility Treatment Ladder
| Treatment | Description | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle optimisation + timing | Weight normalisation, stop smoking, prenatal vitamins, timing intercourse to fertile window | Self-funded; free to minimal cost |
| Ovulation induction (OI) | Clomiphene citrate or letrozole tablets to stimulate ovulation in women with irregular cycles (PCOS) | $200–$500/cycle (medication + monitoring) |
| IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) | Sperm placed directly into uterus at ovulation; mild stimulation with monitoring | $1,000–$2,500/cycle |
| IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation) | Eggs retrieved from ovaries, fertilised in lab, embryo transferred to uterus | $10,000–$18,000/cycle (before co-funding) |
| ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) | Single sperm injected directly into egg — for severe male factor infertility | $12,000–$20,000/cycle (before co-funding) |
| PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) | Embryo biopsy + chromosome screening before transfer — reduces miscarriage risk | $2,000–$4,000 additional to IVF |
| Egg Freezing (fertility preservation) | Freeze eggs before cancer treatment or age-related decline (elective) | $8,000–$14,000/cycle |
Singapore Government Fertility Co-Funding
Singapore Citizens undergoing ART (IVF/ICSI) at MOH-licensed ART centres can access government co-funding:
- 1st cycle: up to $7,700 co-funded
- 2nd cycle: up to $5,600 co-funded
- 3rd–6th cycles: up to $4,200 co-funded per cycle
- Medisave: up to $6,000/cycle can be claimed (combined from patient and spouse accounts)
- Couples must be married, wife under 40 at time of ART commencement, and use own sperm and eggs (no donor gametes for co-funding)
See our researched shortlist: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
View the shortlist →A fertility specialist is recommended if you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success; over 35 and trying for 6 months; over 40 with any difficulty; or if you have known risk factors (irregular periods, endometriosis, PCOS, previous pelvic surgery, male factor concerns). Do not wait until the 12-month mark if you have known issues — earlier assessment leads to better outcomes.
Singapore offers the full spectrum of fertility treatments: ovulation induction (oral/injectable medications), IUI (intrauterine insemination), IVF (in-vitro fertilisation), ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), egg/embryo freezing (fertility preservation), donor egg/sperm cycles, and PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing) for chromosomal screening. ART (IVF/ICSI) is government-co-funded for eligible Singaporean couples.
A single IVF cycle at a private clinic costs approximately $10,000–$18,000, including medication. Government co-funding (ART co-funding scheme) provides $7,700 for the first cycle, $5,600 for the second, and $4,200 for cycles 3–6 for eligible Singapore Citizens. This dramatically reduces out-of-pocket costs. Medisave can also be used to offset costs.
IVF success rates in Singapore vary by age and clinic. For women under 35, live birth rates per transfer cycle are approximately 35–45% at experienced centres. For women 35–37: 25–35%. For women 38–40: 15–25%. Over 40: 5–15%. Using donor eggs dramatically improves success rates for older women. Singapore's MOH mandates fertility clinics to publish their success rates.
Endometriosis can reduce ovarian reserve and egg quality, which may impact IVF outcomes. However, with appropriate management — including surgical treatment of endometriomas before IVF where indicated, and careful controlled ovarian stimulation — many women with endometriosis achieve successful pregnancies through IVF. A fertility specialist with experience in endometriosis is important.