As a woman ages, the success of fertility treatments decreases. Advancing age impacts the quality and quantity of eggs in a woman ovaries. PGS – Preimplantation Genetic Screening of IVF Embryos for Success is a new IVF Embryo Screening that may increase the chances of a successful birth.
To be launched in 2017. PGS has shown degrees of success overseas leading to its proposed implantation in Singapore. Chromosomal abnormalities have often been cited as he main reason of infertility. PGS aims to address the issue of failed pregnancies via proper screening of the embryo. This is to ensure that only embryos with the correct 22 pairs of chromosomes, and the sex chromosomes XX in female and XY in male, are implanted.
While this may not guarantee a baby, the chances of success becomes more significant. Recent studies done in Beijing and the US showed that women who underwent PGS had a 65% higher rate of conceiving. Current success rates for women age around 35 is about 40% and this rate will decline to about 15% for women who are aged 40 and above. This offers hope for protective parents. MOH has set the criteria for next year’s IVF embryo screening trial. A woman must be over 35 or older, or have experienced at least two failed pregnancies to be eligible. In Singapore, the cost for one cycle of IVF treatment ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. This may increase depending on the patient’s body structure and treatments received. To assist couples, the cost of treatment for Assisted Conception Procedures (ACP) which includes IVF is available. A couple may withdraw $6,000, $5,000 and $4,000 from Medisave for the first, second and third treatment cycles respectively. Find out more marriage and parenthood schemes here.
Will PGS Be The Miracle Cure
There may yet be a silver lining in store for women who often face miscarriages. But can PGS really be the key to unlocking the potential of a successful birth? A couple’s chances of pregnancy is usually tied to the cause of infertility. This can include:
- Male infertility issues, such as an abnormal quantity or quality of sperm.
- Stress that can affect the mood and frequency of sexual intercourse.
- On-Set of Ovulation.
Not everyone has to go through IVF. Artificial insemination is another available treatment. Reproductive surgery, such as the removal of fibroids which distort the womb and correcting tubal blockage are alternatives. Sometimes finding the root cause may be all couples need to do to yield a successful pregnancy.