Results and Successes

It is important to choose a fertility clinic based on their recent results. We present below our current year results up to October 2006.

	Women of all ages
Clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer (fresh cycle)	30%
Clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer (thaw cycle)	40%
Delivery Rate per Embryo Transfer	30%
Take-Home Babies rate per Embryo Transfer	30%

We are proud to say that the above rates are comparable to the top IVF centres in the United Kingdom and USA.

Understanding the Figures

It is human nature to fixate on numbers because they help us measure performance. This is fine but we would like to caution that success rate statistics should be interpreted with care. Some clinics may show very high success rates because they choose only younger patients with minor problems. iCare does not select patients based on age. We pledge to work with you whether you are young or older. Selecting the most sophisticated treatment for couples who need only simple treatment can also boost the success rates of a clinic. At iCare, we oppose using the most sophisticated way when a simple and cheaper alternative would have done the job. You do not need the most expensive and powerful computer to type a simple letter to your mum. Such a letter could well have been handwritten - mum will be just as pleased, if not even more. We support appropriate treatment and are sensitive to the need for cost effective treatment selection.

Choosing an IVF Centre

It might seem a daunting task choosing the right centre for you. It helps if you prepare a list of questions in advance before your visit. Here is where we hope to help you.

• Do you feel confident and comfortable with the people you meet?
• Do they have time to spend with you showing you around and answering your questions?
• What are the facilities like for patients?
• Is there a support group and what facilities are available for counseling?
• What are the success rates compared to the national average? Again, while success rates are important, make sure you also look beyond numbers.
• Ask for any written material about the centre or about infertility that you may take home.
• Does the centre provide storage facilities for embryos? It will cost you a lot more if you need to undergo a fresh cycle each time to produce new eggs for fresh embryos. With embryo freezing facilities, spare embryos can be used for a thaw cycle transfer. This means there is no need for expensive medicines to stimulate egg growth or for egg collection or embryo culture all over again.
• Does the centre provide comprehensive fertility services? This is important so that the most appropriate treatment is chosen for you.
• Does the fertility centre have its own in-house qualified embryologist? The management of an fertility lab is highly technical and skilled. Without an in-house full time embryologist, stringent checks and quality control may be compromised.

Picking the Right Gynaecologist

You may choose to see a gynaecologist with experience treating infertility. At iCare all our gynaecologists are experienced in infertility treatment.

Your gynaecologist must have full access to the services of a ART lab with a full time embryologist. Without access to the services of a ART lab, the gynaecologist will not be able to offer you the full range of fertility treatment. Running a full time ART laboratory is technically demanding and costly. A locum embryologist may not have the commitment of an in-house full time embryologist.

You should also choose a gynaecologist who spends time answering your questions. A good consultation takes time, more so when it is infertility as the problem is complex. Some gynaecologists simply are unable to spend a lot of time answering all the questions you may have. In iCare, if your gynaecologist is unable to spare the time for all your questions, he will refer you to a trained counselor. This counselor can take you through an in-depth discussion about the details of treatment options as well as offer emotional support. We also provide various educational materials to help you learn about your problem.

It is worthwhile to seek out a doctor who has the correct aptitude to take you and your partner through this potentially stressful treatment. Being comfortable with your doctor helps a lot when you are in an IVF programme.

Get to know our team of doctors here.

Public Education Talks

We are having a Public Health Talk on Fibroids, Cysts & HRT.

Date: 24 May 2008
Time: 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Venue:
2nd floor Seminar Room, Island Hospital

Talk will be given by
Dr. Mah Siew Lee. Admission is free.

For seat booking and more information, kindly contact:
Ms. Mei 04-220 5043 or
Island Hospital 04-228 8222

Success Stories

"His patience, confidence, kindness & professionalism really encouraged me. We tried a few cycles of IUI as well but weren't successful. He then introduced IVF to us in year 2002. I gave birth to our triplets through C-section. I could hear the cheers from the operating team when they saw our first princess. They are turning 3 this year. They have different personalities and looks. They bring joy and happiness to our family."

CE, Kedah

"What I thought would be almost impossible was made possible. It was a truly worthy second try for a patient like me. I delivered a 4.3kg baby boy on 25th February 2006."

PA, Sabah

Important

Women who are age 30 and above must not wait too long before seeing a gynaecologist. It becomes increasingly urgent after 35. For women over 40 time is truly running out.

Partner O & G

See our O & G partners here