IVF – In Vitro Fertilisation Treatment

IVF is a medical process of combining sperm with eggs outside of the body to create a fertilized egg. This is performed under a microscope, in a petri dish, in the extremely clean conditions of a Monash IVF laboratory and clinical setting.

Pioneers in assisted reproductive technology, Monash IVF achieved Australia’s first IVF baby, the third in the world, in 1980. Today, we’re proud to lead the future of assisted reproductive healthcare. As technology continues to evolve, a couple’s chances of having a baby through IVF are better than ever.

In Vitro Fertilization Process: Step-by-Step

  • IVF treatment cycle starts on Day 1 of your period

  • Stimulating your Ovaries

  • Egg Retrieval

  • Sperm Collection

  • Fertilisation

  • Embryo Development

  • Embryo Transfer

  • IVF Pregnancy Blood Test

An introduction to the IVF Treatment Process in Singapore

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a type of Assistive Reproductive Technology (ART). It is a widely recognized fertility treatment that involves monitoring and stimulating a woman’s ovulation to retrieve eggs, which are then fertilized outside the body (in vitro) with sperm. One or more fertilized eggs (embryos) are transferred into the uterus, where successful implantation can result in pregnancy and live birth.

At Monash IVF Singapore, this process is performed under strict laboratory protocols to ensure the highest standards of safety and success. On average, about 30% of IVF cycles result in a live birth for women under 35 according to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, though rates vary by age and individual factors.

Stages of the IVF Procedure by Our Specialists

During IVF treatment at Monash IVF Singapore, a multidisciplinary team including fertility specialists, clinicians, laboratory technicians, and embryologists works together to optimize your chances of pregnancy. The process includes:

  • Preparation: Doctors prescribe medications and provide instructions for ovarian stimulation, typically administered through self-injections before the IVF procedure.
  • Monitoring: Throughout the cycle, doctors monitor your egg maturation and ovulation through blood tests and ultrasounds.
  • Retrieval and Fertilization: In the final steps, your eggs and sperm are retrieved for the fertilization process in the lab, and the resulting embryos are prepared for transfer.

What to Expect from IVF Treatment?

Pre-Treatment: Preparation and Hormonal Stimulation

Preparation for IVF can be emotionally and physically demanding, especially for women who undergo daily hormonal injections, blood tests, and regular monitoring for about two weeks.

To begin an IVF cycle, the female patient receives daily injections of a synthetic hormone (GnRH agonist or antagonist) to temporarily suppress the pituitary gland and control ovulation. Doctors determine the optimal starting dose (150–300 IU) based on age and ovarian reserve, adjusting as needed.

  • Hormone suppression: ~10 days of daily injections.
  • Ovarian stimulation: Additional 14 days of GnRH or FSH injections to induce “superovulation” (multiple eggs released).
  • Monitoring: Blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds track hormone levels and egg development.
  • Final maturation: An hCG injection matures the eggs for retrieval, scheduled 36 hours later.

During Treatment: Egg Retrieval, Fertilization, and Embryo Transfer

  • Egg retrieval:

Once enough eggs mature, a minor outpatient procedure called follicular aspiration is performed under sedation. A needle is used to collect your eggs, guided by ultrasound. Recovery is typically quick.

  • Sperm collection:

Sperm is collected from the male partner via masturbation or, if needed, a non-invasive outpatient procedure (for sperm blockage or under-development).

  • Fertilization:

Your eggs and sperm are combined in the lab. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.

  • Embryo selection and freezing:

The healthiest embryos are selected for transfer. Remaining embryos are frozen for future use with advanced cryopreservation technology.

  • Embryo transfer:

A thin tube is used to place the embryo(s) into your uterus. At Monash IVF Singapore, single embryo transfer is standard to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.

1 embryo, 1 healthy mum and 1 healthy baby
At Monash IVF Singapore Fertility Clinic, it’s a common practice to transfer one embryo at a time. We freeze remaining embryos using our advanced technology. These can be used in future treatment.

Post-Treatment: IVF Recovery and Pregnancy Testing

  • Recovery:

IVF and embryo transfer procedures require minimal downtime. Your doctor may recommend avoiding strenuous activity for 1–5 days. Some patients may also be advised to rest for a few days after implantation.

  • The waiting period:

About two weeks after your embryo transfer, a blood test will be done to measure hCG (“pregnancy hormone”) and confirm pregnancy.

  • Support:

We understand the next stage from your embryo transfer to your pregnancy blood test is an anxious time for most couples. Talk with your fertility specialist in Singapore; they can advise you about various coping strategies to put in place during this period.

IVF Treatment Timeline Overview

STAGE DURATION KEY ACTIVITIES
Pre-Treatment ~2-4 weeks Hormonal injections, blood tests, monitoring
Egg Retrieval 1 day Outpatient procedure, sedation
Fertilization 3-5 days Lab fertilization, embryo monitoring, ICSI if needed
Embryo Transfer 1 day Outpatient procedure, single embryo transfer
Post-Transfer ~2 weeks Waiting period, hCG blood test

Your IVF Questions Answered

Sometimes patients don’t know where to start and what questions to ask, and that’s perfectly ok. Ask us anything; we’re here to help and to navigate you through your next steps.
– Monash IVF Fertility Nurse Team

Get your top IVF questions answered by our expert fertility nurses. Schedule a free, 15-minute nurse chat over the phone, our fertility team will answer any questions you may have.

Book Free a Nurse Chat

FAQs about IVF Procedure in Singapore

Under which situations is IVF treatment recommended?

You may want to know whether IVF is the right path for you. Each patient’s fertility journey is unique. In understanding your medical history and preliminary investigations, your fertility specialist will base your plan on your individual circumstance.

Our doctors may recommend IVF include if you have:

  • fallopian tube damage/tubal factor/tubal ligation
  • male infertility relating to sperm quality or quantity
  • blocked fallopian tubes
  • endometriosis
  • uterine fibroids
  • polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • advanced maternal age, 35 years+, making it less likely to conceive naturally
  • unexplained infertility
  • recurring miscarriage
  • potential genetic issues where embryo screening may help

Are there other treatments aside from IVF to consider?

Yes. There are early intervention and less invasive procedures like Ovulation Induction and IUI. Your specialist doctor will consider the right options for you and prescribe the best course of treatment.

What are the side effects I will experience with IVF?

The side effects you experience during IVF treatment will depend on the specific medication/s your specialist has prescribed for you.

How long does an IVF cycle take for pregnancy?

Day 1 of your period is the start of an IVF treatment and ends with your pregnancy blood test, approximately four weeks later. Each person’s experience is different. It is important to note that IVF may not work for you the first time and may take more than one round of IVF for to produce a successful pregnancy test.

What is the cost of IVF in Singapore?

The cost of IVF treatment depends on the doctor’s treatment plan prescribed for you. For more information about our IVF cost in Singapore, click here.