CHR Updates

May 2016 - Vitrification services in NUH

We are currently using the Vitrification method which is a rapid freezing process where the eggs/embryos are exposed to high concentrations of cryoprotectants and plunged directly into liquid nitrogen at temperatures of -196°C, which instantly freezes the egg /embryos. This method of cryopreservation helps to store excess good quality eggs/embryos for a future cycle.

Vitrification helps to achieve better survival rates and thus a higher chance of pregnancy. Many studies as well as our experience have proven a very high survival rate with vitrified embryos as compared to embryos that were frozen by the slow freezing method.

This rapid freezing process reduces the formation of intracellular ice crystal formation, which thereby decreases the degeneration of cells upon warming for embryo transfer. The high concentration of cryoprotectants helps in lowering the freezing point and thus prevent intracellular ice formation. In our center,  embryos are vitrified at Cleavage stage (Day 3) or at Blastocyst stage (Day 5).

Vitrification is the preferred method of cryopreservation of eggs/embryos as it is simple less time-consuming, better post thaw survival rates which will help increase better implantation and pregnancy rates.  

September 2014 - IVF Results

The Clinic for Human Reproduction has been assisting many couples to conceive successfully and experience the joys of parenthood. Our In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) programme has been very successful and the summary of the IVF results from 2000 - 2013 are shown in the table below.

 The results indicate that increasing age has a significant impact on the pregnancy rate. Therefore, we encourage our patients with infertility problems to seek help early to achieve better success with the fertility treatments.

 Clinical Pregnancy Rates per Embryo Transfer in NUH: 2000 - 2013 

The placement of multiple embryos carries the risk of multiple pregnancy. In order to reduce the high risks associated with multiple pregnancies, we have gradually reduce the number of embryos transferred per patient from 1.9 in 2009 to 1.85 in 2011 while maintaining our pregnancy rates.

Please contact the Clinic For Human Reproduction at 1800 -CALL-CHR (1800 - 2255 247) for more information or to make an appointment, or email us at  chr@nuhs.edu.sg

November 2012 - Introduction to Psychological Support for ART Patients

Apart from the medical and financial implications of Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART), the journey also poses social and emotional challenges to the couple undergoing assisted reproduction. Adequate attention to these psycho-social vulnerabilities and coping is known to ensure a smoother adjustment during the couple’s reproductive journey.

In accordance with the RTAC (Reproduction Technology Accreditation Committee) requirements, psychological screening and support are now an integral aspect of the IVF programme at NUH. All couples undergoing IVF at NUH for the first time are scheduled for a session with the psychologists of the Women’s Emotional Health Service, who are supporting the IVF programme.

The goals of this session include :

 - Screening for psychological / psychiatric vulnerabilities in the couple that would impede adjustment during IVF treatment, and ability for supportive parenting thereafter

- Assessing psychological preparedness for the rigours of the treatment regime

- Providing the couple with tips about coping adaptively during treatment, and highlighting potential strengths and pitfalls, based on their individualised assessment, as well as on evidence from the current literature

Couples may be referred for further psychiatric / psychological evaluation, if deemed necessary. They may also opt for further sessions of supportive psychological therapy during the treatment process.

These sessions would assist with :

- Managing anxiety and other detrimental mood states

- Maintaining emotional well-being and positive self-care during treatment

- Improving couple communication and maintaining marital stability

- Improving health efficacy behaviours, such as stress reduction, which are known to improve treatment outcome

With the right preparation and mindset, the IVF journey can be an enjoyable and meaningful one!

August 2012 - RTAC Accreditation

We are pleased to announce that the Clinic for Human Reproduction is now a RTAC (Reproduction Technology Accreditation Committee) accredited Fertility Clinic. RTAC is the accrediting arm of the Fertility Society of Australia (FSA)*.

*FSA’s RTAC Code of Practice aims to:

- promote continuous improvement in the quality of care offered to people accessing fertility treatment

- provide a framework and set criteria for the auditing process that leads to accreditation of organisations that deliver fertility services

- ensure the auditing process is carried out in an independent, non-adversarial and constructive manner.