A fertility assessment is a series of tests and evaluations that are conducted to determine your fertility and reproductive health. Beyond providing you with a comprehensive overview of your fertility health, a fertility assessment also offers insights into your ability to conceive naturally along with factors that may affect your fertility.
The fertility rate in Singapore has been on a steady decline for almost a decade. However, earlier this year, it was reported that the rate has fallen to a historic low of 0.97, marking the first time it has been below 1.0. In fact, the Ministry of Health (MoH) previously highlighted that 1 in 7 couples experience infertility due to a multitude of factors, such as health conditions and lifestyle factors.
This not only skyrocketed the demand for in vitro fertilisation (IVF), but similarly stressed the importance of undergoing fertility assessment. By having a thorough understanding of your reproductive health, it will help you have a higher chance of becoming parents, whether naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
Fertility assessment is often recommended for couples who have been trying to conceive naturally for over 12 months if they are below 35 years old, or 6 months if they are older than 36 years old. Additionally, it is similarly encouraged for women, regardless if they are married or not, who have experienced or are diagnosed with the following conditions:
Medical History | Gynaecology specialist Dr Ma Li begins the process with a thorough assessment of your medical history, which includes general health, menstrual cycle, past pregnancies or miscarriages, past surgeries as well as prior fertility or ovarian-related treatments. |
Pelvic Examination | She then proceeds to perform a physical examination by checking the structure of your pelvis. Doing so will enable Dr Ma Li to detect any abnormalities with the physical structure of the pelvis. |
Blood Test |
A blood test is done to evaluate your hormone levels. Depending on Dr Ma Li’s initial findings, these hormones can include:
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Imaging Tests | A hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an imaging test that enables Dr Ma Li to evaluate the openness (patency) of your fallopian tubes and determine if blockages are present. Meanwhile, an ultrasound scan will help Dr Ma Li assess your ovarian reserves, uterine health as well as confirm the presence of cysts, fibroids or any other abnormalities. |
Undergoing a fertility assessment offers many benefits. This includes:
We understand how anxiety-inducing undergoing a fertility assessment can be. But rest assured that Dr Ma Li is vastly experienced and skilled to not only provide you with a comprehensive overview of your fertility health, but will similarly guide and help you through the next steps in maintaining or improving your fertility health.
A fertility assessment is a simple and straightforward procedure. To ensure that you have a smooth and seamless experience, we do encourage you to adhere to the following preparation steps:
A fertility assessment offers valuable insights into your reproductive health, while helping to identify potential challenges and optimise the chances of conceiving. This includes:
Beyond fertility health, the results similarly offer insights into:
Once Dr. Ma Li has obtained all the results, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to go through the results with you. It is important to understand that no two results are the same, with each woman’s condition and fertility health unique to her. Generally, the results entail:
Positive results
A positive result suggests that your fertility rate is still within the normal range, indicating a healthy ovarian function and reserve. Similarly, it shows:
Negative results
Meanwhile, a negative result indicates low fertility, suggesting:
As upsetting as it may be, a negative result enables Dr Ma Li to outline an effective treatment plan to improve your fertility rate. In fact, undergoing a fertility assessment earlier rather than delaying it will help improve the treatment outcomes.
Whether you are a single woman looking to take charge of her fertility health, an excited bride-to-be or a hopeful mom-to-be, we encourage you to contact us to schedule a fertility assessment appointment. With Dr Ma Li, your fertility health is in expert care.
It’s recommended to undergo a fertility assessment:
The difference between a fertility assessment and a pre-conceptive screening is:
Yes, depending on the cause of infertility, treatment options include:
Yes, lifestyle changes that can improve your chances of fertility include:
Monday - Friday
08:30am - 01:00pm, 02:00pm - 05:30pm
Saturday
09:00am - 01:00pm
Sunday & Public Holidays | Closed
3 Mount Elizabeth #09-08
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510