Choosing an IVF clinic that specialises in female infertility

Now that you’ve decided to start fertility treatment, the next step is to find an IVF clinic. Choosing the right clinic is crucial, as treatment can require significant time, resources, and effort. In this article, we share tips on how to choose an IVF clinic that specialises in female fertility issues.

What is female infertility?

Infertility affects both men and women, but various factors contribute specifically to female infertility, including:

• Ovulation issues such as blocked fallopian tubes or hormonal imbalances
• Egg quality & quantity, including low ovarian reserve, premature ovarian failure, or endometriosis
• Uterine abnormalities, such as adenomyosis, fibroids, polyps, or caesarean scar ‘niche

Tips on finding the right IVF clinic for female fertility issues:

Choosing an IVF clinic is a personal decision influenced by multiple factors. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Fertility doctor’s experience

The fertility doctor plays an essential role in a patient’s IVF success. Look for doctors who are well-regarded by others, either through online reviews or word of mouth. Also, consider the doctor’s experience in performing fertility surgeries, which may be required before an embryo transfer to improve pregnancy chances.

Learn more about our Consultants O&G and Fertility Specialists, Dr. Chua Ka-Hee, Dr. Lily Kho Chye Lee, and Dr. Yu Su Ling, who are experienced in managing female infertility.

2. IVF success rates

When selecting an IVF clinic, success rates are one of the most important factors to review. While success rates do not guarantee a baby, they provide an indication of the clinic’s ability to perform procedures effectively. Look for success rates specific to your age group, but remember that success rates can vary based on patient demographics and the complexity of infertility cases.

3. IVF laboratory and technologies employed

The laboratory environment and technologies used in an IVF clinic are critical for effective treatment, especially for women with severe fertility issues. Alpha IVF employs all available technologies to enhance outcomes, including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for embryo selection, helping identify the best embryo for transfer.
• ICSI Chamber, providing a controlled environment during the handling of gametes to optimise results.
• Time-Lapse Culture, offering uninterrupted monitoring of embryo development to improve quality.
• Vitrification Cryopreservation System, achieving high post-thaw survival rates for frozen embryos and blastocysts.
• Intracytoplasmic Morphologic Sperm Injection (IMSI), a technique that uses high magnification to select the best sperm for ICSI.
• PICSI Dish for Sperm Selection, a specialised ICSI dish designed to select mature sperm with better DNA quality.

These technologies are part of Alpha’s individualised approach, aimed at improving outcomes for women facing complex fertility challenges. Learn more about our facilities and laboratory advancements.

4. First experience with fertility doctor / IVF clinic

The fertility journey can be challenging and often involves regular visits, making it vital to feel comfortable with the fertility doctor, staff, and clinic environment. Choose a doctor who listens to you and fosters open discussions. The clinic staff should be approachable and responsive to your questions. Additionally, consider the clinic’s accessibility, as frequent visits will be necessary.

5. Cost of treatment & method of payment

It’s essential to understand the cost of treatment and the services offered. Most clinics provide financial counselling sessions to explain treatment costs. Check whether the clinic collaborates with your insurer if you plan to use insurance for approved women’s health procedures. Also, enquire about MediSave withdrawals for Assisted Conception Procedures, if applicable.