Whether you are just starting on your IVF journey, have been on this path for a while, or are seeking understanding and closure after a miscarriage, you are not alone. According to a study in Singapore, about one in five women who are over the age of 30 experience a miscarriage (with no apparent reason) in the first three months of pregnancy. The statistics rise to one in two for those who are over the age of 40.
The good news is that thanks to in-vitro fertilisation, or IVF, in Singapore, all hope is not lost. By choosing to work with an IVF specialist in Singapore who has a vast knowledge and understanding of fertility issues and assisted reproduction methods, you too can look forward to fulfilling your dream of having a family.
Let us walk you through what a miscarriage is and the treatment options that are available to you for a successful conception even after a miscarriage.
Understanding Miscarriage
The loss of a pregnancy before it reaches 20 weeks of gestation is known as a miscarriage, and most miscarriages tend to occur during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Contrary to many beliefs, miscarriage is not a result of consuming certain foods, exercising, or having sexual intercourse during pregnancy. Many miscarriages happen owing to chromosomal problems (50%) and medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, malnutrition, uterine abnormalities, or lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and using recreational drugs during pregnancy.
Types of Miscarriages
A gynaecologist may diagnose your miscarriage in several ways.
Missed miscarriage: The patient will be unaware that a miscarriage has occurred. An ultrasound scan may reveal that the foetus has no heartbeat.
Complete miscarriage: The patient has an empty uterus. Additionally, the patient has had bleeding issues and has passed out foetal tissues.
Recurrent miscarriage: If a patient has had three consecutive miscarriages, it is considered a recurrent miscarriage. This is a relatively rare condition that affects only about 1% of pregnancies.
Other: Threatened miscarriage and inevitable miscarriage are two other types of common miscarriages that can occur.
Fertility Treatments After Miscarriage
Identifying the underlying cause of a miscarriage is crucial for the successful treatment of the conditions, if any. If no significant issue is detected, especially after the first miscarriage, your medical practitioner may advise that you simply try to conceive naturally again. In some cases, pinpointing and later treating the cause of miscarriage is more than enough to help couples who experience miscarriage achieve successful pregnancies. However, if a couple is unable to conceive a child after a year or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, it is advisable to visit a centre specialising in IVF treatment in Singapore for further evaluation and treatment.
Upon evaluating you and your partner, an IVF specialist in Singapore may recommend the following tests and treatments:
IVF in its simplest form can be defined as a process by which an egg is fertilised by sperm in a test tube at a well-equipped laboratory at a registered IVF clinic in Singapore. It involves several extensive steps that, if properly performed, can lead to a successful pregnancy. Furthermore, it can prevent the transmission of genetic issues to a child.
During a single IVF treatment cycle, the following steps are performed, and in general, a full cycle of IVF takes about 6 to 8 weeks.
- Ovarian stimulation
- Extraction of mature eggs
- Sperm collection
- Fertilisation
- Embryo culture
- Embryo transfer
- Post-transfer monitoring
A frozen embryo transfer (FET) involves thawing one or two embryos (collected and frozen during a previous IVF treatment cycle) and transferring them to the patient's uterus to facilitate a successful pregnancy. The main advantage of this is that the patient does not have to undergo hormone stimulation or the extraction and fertilisation process once again. Also, it is important to note that a frozen embryo transfer can be performed on a natural cycle.
- Preimplantation genetic testing, or PGT
If a miscarriage is found to be caused by chromosomal abnormalities, a practitioner may recommend preimplantation genetic testing, or PGT. In this test, the embryos that resulted from an IVF cycle are evaluated for any abnormalities that will prevent them from implantation or developing into a healthy foetus. This not only allows for better embryo selection but, along the way, can also aid in reducing pregnancy-related complications. PGT is the only method available for screening embryos before pregnancy.
Common Infertility Issues and Fertility Treatment in Singapore
This involves the examination of the cervix and the uterus with the aid of a hysteroscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera). This procedure also allows the practitioner to correct certain uterine issues, including polyps, fibroids, and scar tissue, among other conditions that often cause miscarriage.
Certain medications can help address the underlying health conditions, such as thyroid issues, diabetes, and hormonal issues in females, to increase their chances of sustaining a pregnancy to full term.
Seng's OG-IVF Centre Singapore
The loss of a pregnancy at any stage can bring about profound sadness and a sense of emptiness, challenging both partners emotionally and physically. At Seng's OG IVF Centre Singapore, we understand the intricacies of navigating this complex journey of miscarriage and infertility. With ample facilities, board-qualified specialists, and a compassionate approach to patient care, we are here to walk this journey with you. Reach out to our supportive staff to make an appointment with Dr. Seng-our IVF specialist in Singapore with more than 20 years of experience in reproductive health and fertility care. Let us help you realise your dream of parenthood.