Patient information
Frequently asked questions
We understand that starting fertility treatment can come with many questions. From understanding the IVF process to treatment costs and what to expect, we have answered some of the questions patients commonly ask.
If you have questions about your own circumstances, our team is here to help you understand your options.
Getting started
Before beginning treatment
Understanding whether IVF is appropriate for you is an important first step. Your fertility specialist will consider your individual circumstances before recommending a treatment approach.
Am I suitable for IVF?
Suitability for IVF depends on several factors, including your medical history, fertility test results, age and overall reproductive health.
During your consultation, our fertility specialist will review your circumstances and discuss whether IVF or another treatment approach may be appropriate.
Who may benefit from IVF treatment?
IVF may be recommended for individuals or couples experiencing difficulties conceiving, including those with certain female or male fertility conditions, or where other fertility treatments have not been successful.
However, IVF is not necessarily the first or most appropriate option for everyone. A fertility assessment can help identify possible causes and guide treatment decisions.
How soon can I start IVF treatment?
The timing depends on your medical history, fertility investigations, menstrual cycle and recommended treatment plan.
Once the necessary assessments are completed and your specialist confirms that you are ready to proceed, the team will discuss a suitable starting date with you.
Some patients may be able to begin treatment relatively soon, while others may require further investigations or preparation.
Do I see the same fertility specialist throughout my treatment?
Your treatment plan is developed and overseen by your fertility specialist, with support from the clinical and nursing team.
Appointment and procedure arrangements may depend on clinical requirements and scheduling. Our team can explain how your care will be coordinated before treatment begins.
Understanding treatment
What to expect during IVF
Every treatment plan is individual, but understanding the main stages of IVF can help you feel more prepared for the process.
How long does the IVF process take?
The duration of IVF treatment varies depending on your individual treatment plan.
Ovarian stimulation typically takes around 8 to 14 days, followed by egg retrieval. If a fresh embryo transfer is planned, this may take place several days after retrieval, depending on embryo development and clinical suitability.
If your embryos are frozen for transfer in a later cycle, the overall timeline will be longer.
Your fertility specialist will explain the expected stages and timing based on your recommended treatment.
Are IVF medications the same as those used at other private clinics?
IVF medications commonly include hormones used to stimulate the ovaries, medication to control ovulation and medication to support the treatment cycle.
These types of medications are widely used in fertility treatment, although the specific medicines, brands, doses and protocols may differ between patients and clinics.
Your specialist will recommend medication based on your individual medical needs and treatment plan.
What if my egg retrieval falls on a weekend or public holiday?
The timing of egg retrieval is determined by your response to ovarian stimulation and the clinical assessment of when your eggs are ready for collection.
If your expected retrieval date falls on a weekend or public holiday, our clinical team will discuss the available arrangements and any necessary adjustments to your treatment schedule.
Treatment decisions will be guided by your clinical needs and the arrangements available at the time.
Can I freeze embryos for future use?
Yes, embryos that are suitable for freezing may be cryopreserved for possible use in a future frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle.
Whether embryos are suitable for freezing depends on their development and assessment by the embryology team.
Our team will explain the freezing process, storage arrangements, applicable fees and relevant consent requirements.
Can I use my frozen embryos later?
Frozen embryos may be used in a later treatment cycle, subject to clinical suitability, storage arrangements and applicable requirements.
When you are ready to consider another embryo transfer, your specialist will review your health and discuss the appropriate preparation and timing.
Treatment costs
Understanding fees and payment options
We believe patients should understand the costs involved before beginning treatment. Our team will explain the relevant treatment stages, inclusions and any potential additional charges.
What is included in IVF(SG)'s treatment fees?
IVF(SG) provides transparent, upfront pricing to help patients understand the costs involved before starting treatment.
Our IVF treatment fees are structured around different stages, including egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Each stage has its own inclusions, which our team will explain before treatment begins.
Depending on your individual treatment requirements, additional services or medications may be recommended. Any applicable charges will be discussed with you in advance.
Can I use MediSave for IVF treatment?
Eligible patients may use MediSave towards approved assisted conception procedures, including IVF treatment, subject to prevailing CPF and Ministry of Health requirements.
The current withdrawal limits for eligible assisted conception procedures are:
- Up to S$6,000 for the first cycle.
- Up to S$5,000 for the second cycle.
- Up to S$4,000 for the third and subsequent cycles.
A lifetime withdrawal limit of S$15,000 applies per patient. The amount you can use also depends on your eligibility, available MediSave balance and qualifying treatment expenses.
Our team can explain the relevant requirements and assist with the claims process.
Are there additional costs I should be aware of?
The overall cost of IVF treatment can vary depending on the stages involved and your individual treatment requirements.
Additional charges may apply for services or medications outside the stated inclusions, embryo freezing and storage, further investigations or other clinically recommended procedures.
Before starting treatment, we encourage patients to ask for a breakdown of the relevant fees and clarify what is included.
Do you offer instalment options?
Payment arrangements and any available instalment options are subject to the clinic's current payment policies and applicable terms.
Please speak with our team about the payment methods and arrangements available for your treatment.
Before committing to treatment, ask for a clear explanation of what is included at each stage, which charges may vary and when payment is required.
Additional treatment options
Exploring your options
Your fertility journey may not follow the same pathway as someone else's. Some patients may require specific investigations, additional procedures or a different approach to treatment.
Do you offer preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)?
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) involves testing embryos for certain genetic or chromosomal conditions before embryo transfer.
Different types of PGT serve different purposes, and their availability is subject to Singapore's prevailing regulatory and clinical requirements.
PGT is not routinely included in IVF treatment at IVF(SG). If genetic testing may be relevant to your circumstances, your specialist can discuss the appropriate options and any applicable eligibility requirements.
Can I choose to undergo only part of my IVF treatment at IVF(SG)?
IVF treatment involves several stages, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, embryo development and embryo transfer.
Depending on your circumstances, it may be possible to discuss specific stages of treatment rather than starting a complete new IVF cycle.
If you have previously undergone fertility treatment or have embryos stored elsewhere, please share your treatment history with our team.
Our specialist can review your circumstances and advise which options may be clinically appropriate and available at IVF(SG).
Can I seek a second opinion before starting IVF?
Yes. Seeking a second opinion can help you better understand your diagnosis, previous treatment experience and available options.
If you have undergone fertility investigations or treatment elsewhere, bringing your previous test results, medical reports and treatment records may help your specialist review your case.
A consultation can provide an opportunity to discuss whether further investigations or a different treatment approach may be appropriate.
We're here to help
Still have questions?
Every fertility journey is different, and it is important that you feel informed before making decisions about treatment.
Whether you are exploring your options, preparing for your first consultation or considering IVF, our team can help you understand the next steps.
The information on this page is intended for general education and does not replace individual medical advice. Treatment recommendations and outcomes vary according to individual circumstances.
