Have you heard of fertility wellness?
If you have not, you’re not alone.
While there has been an increase in fertility awareness among young adults, it is still a topic that is usually overlooked.
This is because, for most couples, having kids might not be an immediate priority after marriage.
Some couples would have a five or 10-year plan, hoping for some personal time before planning for a family.
However, a fertility screening is often recommended even if having kids isn’t of immediate priority as this would help couples rule out any underlying causes that would prevent natural pregnancy.
Let’s find out the costs!
TL;DR: Where Do You Go for Fertility Tests And How Much Is It?
Click here to jump:
- What is a fertility test?
- Where do you go for fertility tests and how much is it?
- Can I use Medisave or insurance to pay for the tests?
What Is a Fertility Test?
A fertility test is an assessment of a couple’s fertility.
This test would help to identify areas that might affect the chances of natural conception, and also give the couple ample time to plan for alternative conception methods.
Do note that this is different from a pre-conception screening, which is used to determine the state of health of couples before trying for pregnancy.
Studies have found that only a third of infertility cases are due to female problems.
There is a general misconception that the female’s health is the most important factor when it comes to reproductive matters. A third is due to problems in the male and the remaining third is due to reproductive problems in both partners.
Therefore, a fertility test would include tests for both parties that involves a comprehensive history taking.
For women, it usually includes a hormone blood test, fallopian tube check and an ultrasound scan.
For men, it includes a semen analysis.
There might also be additional tests required, depending on each couple’s condition.
Common Infertility Issues
In a fast-paced society like Singapore, long work hours and job stress are cited as the common obstacles that couples face in getting pregnant.
This is in addition to other contributing factors such as advancing age (where fertility begins to decline), unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcoholism, and being underweight or overweight.
A study done by voluntary welfare organisation I Love Children (ILC) showed that for those who were actively trying for a baby, 40% of the couples seemed to face difficulties in conceiving.
| Condition | Details | How it is diagnosed |
|---|---|---|
| Early Menopause | Pregnancy is not possible after menopause is reached | - |
| Endometriosis | Alters the uterine environment, making it difficult for a fertilised embryo to implant May also affect the quality of the egg produced for fertilisation | Diagnosed and treated via laparoscopic surgery |
| Fallopian Tube Issues | Blocked fallopian tubes caused by issues such as a chlamydia infection, or severe endometriosis | A hysterosalpingogram (HSG), which is an x-ray exam where a dye is injected through the cervix to the uterine cavity |
| Fibroids | Abnormal growths of muscular tissue in the womb that can block the fallopian tubes or stop a fertilised egg from implanting | Through a pelvic ultrasound |
| Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) | Small cysts or follicles in ovaries, which interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries | Through a blood test |
| Erectile Dysfunction | Trouble getting or maintaining an erection | - |
| Low Sperm Count Or Poor Sperm Quality | Lower probability of reaching the egg and break through the membrane to fertilise it | Part of a semen analysis test |
Places To Get Fertility Health Checks
In Singapore, any gynaecologist or doctor in a fertility clinic would be able to perform a fertility assessment.
If you’re one who would like a doctor to see you through your entire fertility journey (including processes like In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) if need be), seeking a gynaecologist who sub-specialises in fertility might be a suitable choice.
There are different fertility packages offered by different clinics and hospitals.
Do note that this cannot be done at GP clinics or polyclinics.
Fertility assessments usually cost between $450 and $1,200, ranging from clinics to private hospitals.
Government Hospitals
Singaporean couples who are interested in the public route can get a referral from a polyclinic for a subsidised rate for fertility health checks.
They will then be referred to government hospitals.
There are only three government hospitals that do fertility health checks, which are:
- KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH)
- Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
- National University Hospital (NUH)
The scope of the checks will be done based on the doctor’s assessment of the couple.
There are currently no basic packages available at these hospitals.
A quick check with KKH showed that the consultation fee at a subsidised price is $45.
For non-subsidised rates, one consultation ranges from $132 to $164 depending on the seniority of the consultant you choose.
As a whole, KKH’s fertility assessment would cost about $1,500 (before subsidies) and includes:
- Tests on hormonal blood profile, full blood count, rubella, infectious screening blood tests
(Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis and HIV) - Ultrasound scans (to assess the uterine cavity and the fallopian tube)
- Semen analysis
Do note that subsidised patients would not be able to choose their preferred doctor.
This means that consultations will be with different doctors during each visit, for follow-ups and procedures.
Private Medical Centres
If you’re one who prefers the private route, here are some medical centres to consider.
Astra Centre For Women & Fertility
Astra Centre is the women’s arm of Singapore Medical Group.
Its Couple Fertility Assessment package is priced at $450 nett. It includes the following:
- Detailed couple consultation by IVF clinician
- Ultrasound scan
- Sperm test
- Identify barriers to pregnancy
- A comprehensive review of past fertility treatments
- Counselling on ovulation monitoring and calculation
- Treatment plan proposal for infertility
Mariannes Clinic
Mariannes Clinic is a clinic specialising in fertility-related services.
Their fertility screening costs $430 (before GST), i.e. $460.10 and includes:
- Ultrasound Scan (Female)
- Eight Comprehensive Blood Tests (Female)
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test
- Luteinizing Hormone Test
- Prolactin Hormone Test
- E2 Test
- Thyroid Function Test
- Egg Reserve (AMH) Test
- Rubella Antibody Test
- Full Blood Count Test
- Semen Analysis (Male)
This cost is not inclusive of consultation fees.
Raffles Fertility Centre
Raffles Health is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raffles Medical Group.
It offers a Raffles Fertility Assessment for Couples package to help evaluate couples’ fertility health and is only available at the Raffles Fertility Centre.
This package cost $396.10 (inclusive of GST) and includes:
- Consultation with a fertility specialist
- Egg reserve blood test (AMH)
- Pap smear
- Pelvic ultrasound scan
- Prolactin hormone test
- Semen analysis
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone test
Do note that this package consists of two separate components which would require couples to head down to the centre twice, and is only applicable to new patients with no prior visits to Raffles Fertility Centre.
Thomson Fertility Centre
Thomson Fertility Centre is the fertility branch of the private hospital, Thomson Medical Centre.
Their fertility screening package costs $450, including 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
This price excludes the first consultation, and includes the following:
| Test | What It Includes: | |
| Female | Blood Test | 14 components including: Full Blood Count, Blood Group & Rhesus Factor, Immune status (Hep B, Hep C, Rubella IgG), STD status (HIV, Syphilis), Hormone levels (FSH, LSH, Estrogen, Prolactin, TSH, Progesterone, AMH) |
| Pelvic Ultrasound Scan | Examine and identify any abnormalities within the reproductive system | |
| Male | Semen Analysis | Examine sperm health in terms of sperm count, motility and morphology |
It also includes a review with a fertility specialist to provide an expert’s review of the couple’s reproductive health based on fertility history, and also share any fertility treatments that are available (if necessary).
Virtus Fertility Centre
Virtus, Australia’s biggest IVF provider has opened a fertility centre in Singapore.
The Virtus Fertility Centre also offers a Basic Couples Fertility Assessment as part of their fertility treatment options.
This assessment costs $330.65 (with GST), and similarly includes:
- Two appointments:
- Semen analysis (male)
- Pelvic ultrasound (female)
- Couple’s consultation with a fertility specialist
The clinic also has a Comprehensive Fertility Assessment at $481.50 (with GST).
This package includes additional blood taking for fertility screening and egg reserve blood tests.
Can You Use MediSave For Fertility Testing?
As working adults, most of us have a sum of savings channelled into our MediSave accounts monthly.
MediSave can be used for preventive treatments including vaccinations, health screening, and CT/MRI scans.
Currently, it seems like Medisave can only be used for Assisted Conception Procedures such as IVF, but it would be useful to check with the various clinics if it can be used for diagnostic screening such as fertility testing.
Does Insurance Cover Fertility Testing?
This is highly dependent on your health insurance policy and if it states that it covers fertility testing and treatments.
Some plans may or may not cover diagnostic testing and may include physical examinations, imaging tests, blood tests and any other specialised diagnostic testing.
If in doubt, call up your financial advisor and check.
Do note that such plans may come with a premium because of the extent of coverage it provides.
What Is the ‘Validity’ of Each Fertility Health Check?
There are various factors which affect fertility.
This includes age, health, stress levels and lifestyle choices.
Therefore, there is no official ‘validity’ for each fertility health check.
As such, if the fertility checks show normal findings and the couple (under 35) shows no significant health changes, they may try to conceive naturally for the next one to two years.
A Guide To Fertility Tests in Singapore
Having kids might not be something new couples would consider, but early planning and health checks would come in handy when it is time for the parenthood journey.
If you’ve got any queries regarding family planning or have any concerns about finances, head over to the Seedly Family group!
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- How Much Does It REALLY Cost To Raise A Child In Singapore?
- Parenthood Hacks: How We Saved Close to S$8,000 in the First Year as Parents
- Your Ultimate Guide To Raising A Child in Singapore
- CPF Hacks to Give Your Child a Headstart
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