Tackling couples’ fertility issues with in-vitro fertilisation

Assisted reproductive technology is a modern medical marvel effective in helping couples to conceive. Fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) can ensure a safe, healthy pregnancy and delivery – one of the many treatment options offered at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity’s (SMCV) newly-launched Sunway Fertility Centre.

SMCV’s 7,222.5 sq. ft fertility centre is led by obstetricians and fertility medicine specialists Dr. Farah Leong Rahman and Dr. Ashley Chung Soo Bee. The two professionals oversee treatment services at the centre, such as fertility assessment, intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), cryopreservation, endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA), laparoscopic surgeries, and treatment for gynaecological conditions, among others.

The fertility centre is located next to SMCV’s Women and Children Centre, and is equipped with comprehensive facilities as well as the latest technology and systems for various fertility and gynaecological procedures. 

According to SMCV Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Ashley, the IVF treatment at Sunway Fertility Centre is an effective option if you or your partner have conditions such as fallopian tubes blockage, previous tubal sterilisation or damage, endometriosis, ovulation disorder, impaired sperm function or production, male sterilisation, unexplained fertility, genetic disorders, or as fertility preservation for cancer conditions.

Dr. Ashley also touched on pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI): the former is a screening technique used with IVF to determine whether an embryo is healthy or not. PGT-A can increase pregnancy rates, decrease the risk of miscarriage, minimise risk for chromosomal anomalies, and allow chromosomally normal embryos to be transferred to the womb or frozen for future use. In IMSI, also used alongside IVF, high magnification identifies tiny defects in the sperm head that would not be visible with standard procedure. It allows for injecting of normal-looking sperm into the oocytes thus increasing the fertilisation rate.

Dr. Ashley has advised patients to go through a thorough clinical examination and blood investigation to find out the causes of infertility before deciding on the most suitable IVF treatment.

In addition, IVF should be considered in men with very poor sperm count or sperms that are not swimming. “For example, in sperms that are not swimming, we can look for the best-looking sperm via microscope and inject it directly into the egg to fertilise it. This method can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy,” said SMCV Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Farah.

In the case of male infertility, a decline which usually starts when men are in their forties and affects the quality of the sperm produced, treatment options vary greatly depending on the underlying cause.

“Some causes [of male infertility] are congenital or hereditary; meaning that the problem has occurred since birth. Others are acquired such as surgery, trauma, infection, testicular problems, underlying medical disorders, or [because of] certain medications,” Dr. Farah said.

To check if one has suboptimal sperms, a simple sperm test can be carried out to gather information on sperm count, motility, and shape. Further investigations such as hormonal blood tests are done if necessary.

“More awareness has to be raised about this issue and that lifestyle and environmental factors do play a role as smoking cigarettes or marijuana, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and hormonal treatment can lead to suboptimal sperm parameters,” Dr. Farah added.

Couples are advised to see a fertility doctor if they have been trying to conceive for more than a year, without any of the aforementioned symptoms. 

Tags: fertility

Category: Features, Technology & Devices