In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a fertility treatment that helps people with difficulties conceiving. During IVF, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilised eggs, called embryos, are transferred back into the uterus.
IVF is a complex procedure that can be emotionally and physically taxing, but it has helped many people become parents.
Patients may begin with more “basic” treatments, such as hormone therapies or intrauterine insemination (IUI), and can opt for IVF treatment if necessary. However, the data shows that success rates for basic treatment options decline sharply after three to four treatment cycles.
By transitioning to IVF treatment, couples can significantly increase their chances of success. Additionally, IVF treatment can improve the chances of success for patients with advanced age, ovulatory disorder, genetic abnormalities, and unexplained infertility.
Zora Health matches patients with IVF providers and provides personalised care and support throughout.
IVF might be suitable for you if you have the following condition:
- Endometriosis
A condition where the endometrial tissue, which lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside of the uterus and can attach to other organs in the abdominal cavity, such as the ovaries and Fallopian tubes. This tissue outside the uterus can cause inflammation and scarring, leading to infertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) can be an effective treatment option for women with endometriosis. It bypasses the Fallopian tubes and directly fertilizes the eggs in the lab, allowing for successful pregnancy despite the condition. - Uterine fibroids
Fibroids are benign tumors in the uterus. They are common in women in their 30s and 40s. Fibroids can interfere with the implantation of the fertilized egg.
- Tubal disease or tubal ligation
If a patient has a tubal ligation, IVF treatment would be a good option since it bypasses the Fallopian tubes to achieve pregnancy.
- Severe male factor infertility
Below-average sperm concentration, weak movement of sperm (poor mobility), or abnormalities in sperm size and shape can make it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg. IVF is recommended for severe male factor infertility when the semen analysis shows insufficient healthy sperm to be successful with more basic treatment such as intrauterine insemination (IUI). In such cases, an advanced method of fertilization called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be performed in the lab. This procedure involves injecting a single healthy sperm directly into an egg to increase the chances of fertilization - Recurrent miscarriages
Defined as two or more consecutive clinical pregnancy losses before 20 weeks gestation. It’s also known as recurrent pregnancy loss. In diagnosing recurrent pregnancy loss, it’s important to consider clinical pregnancies rather than biochemical ones, as they are usually not included.
- Fertility preservation for cancer or other health conditions
If you’re about to start cancer treatment — such as radiation or chemotherapy — that could harm your fertility, IVF for fertility preservation may be an option. Women can have eggs harvested from their ovaries and frozen in an unfertilized state for later use. Or the eggs can be fertilized and frozen as embryos for future use.
Zora Health's IVF Package
- 30-minute initial consultation with Zora Health’s Care Advocate
- Fertility consultation with a specialist
- Hormone medications & injections for follicular stimulation
- 3x consultations (with bloodwork & ultrasound)
- Egg retrieval procedure (sedation included)
- Sperm collection and preparation
- Operating theatre and day ward charges
- Procedure planning, specialist procedure fees & anaesthetist fee
- Extra embryo storage for 1 year (Free!)
The Zora Difference
- Expert support
- Care advocate to advise you on global clinic options & what to look out for
- List of questions to ask your specialists
Other add-ons
We work with partners that offer special pricing for the following:
- TCM packages
- Exercise packages
- Massage packages
- Pre-natal yoga
Meal subscription plan
Just let us know what you are interested in and we will find you the right provider!
$12,000-$28,800*
* Pricing is an estimate. It varies by country, clinic, and final treatment plan determined by your fertility specialist. You may let us know if you have a preferred doctor.
Why work with Zora Health?
- Complimentary expert support throughout your journey
- Care advocate to advise you on global clinic options & what to look out for
- List of questions to ask your specialists
Transparent pricing
Flat price without hidden fees or surprise costs
Other add-ons
We work with partners that offer special pricing for the following:
- TCM packages
- Exercise packages
- Massage packages
- Pre-natal yoga
Meal subscription plan
Just let us know what you are interested in and we will find you the right provider!
The full IVF journey
Fertility Testing & Diagnosis
When considering fertility treatment, it's important to identify the underlying cause of infertility. Diagnostic testing can provide valuable insights and help determine each individual's most suitable course of action.
At Zora Health, we help to connect you with the right providers and clinics who will work with you to explore all available treatment options and recommend the best plan for your unique situation.
1
Care Coordination & Financial Consultation
The doctor and clinical team will review your medical history and determine your best treatment plan.
If IVF is recommended, you will be advised on the schedule, necessary medication, and how to prepare for the treatment process.
2
Pre-IVF Hormonal Preparation
Your care team may recommend using birth control pills. These pills can help synchronize follicle growth during ovarian stimulation and offer scheduling flexibility.
These pills can help to prepare your ovaries to respond better to hyperstimulation medicine and synchronize follicle growth during ovarian stimulation. It also offers scheduling flexibility for egg retrieval. This allows for a smoother and more manageable egg retrieval cycle.
In addition to starting birth control, they may perform additional tests and recommend lifestyle adjustments as needed.
3
Stimulating Egg Production
You will begin daily injections of the hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These are higher doses of natural hormones that replicate what your body produces to mature one egg. The goal is to stimulate the growth and development of multiple eggs to freeze more than your body would naturally produce.
Before you begin hormonal treatments, your care team will provide detailed medication administration instructions. You must follow these instructions carefully to ensure the medications are administered correctly and at the right time.
During this time, you must visit your specialist for regular monitoring appointments, including blood tests and ultrasounds to ensure your follicles are growing properly and to adjust medication dosage if necessary.
It's important to note that while fertility drugs are generally safe, they do carry some risks, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies, and ectopic pregnancy. To minimise these risks, your care team will monitor you closely throughout the hormonal stimulation stage.
4
Ovulation, Trigger Injection and Egg Retrieval
At the end of the stimulation period, when your eggs are mature and ready for retrieval, you'll receive a hormone injection to induce ovulation. This injection helps the eggs mature and prepares the body for egg retrieval.
After 12-48 hours of receiving the final injection, you will return to the clinic for the egg retrieval procedure. An anesthesiologist administers IV sedation to ensure that you are comfortable. The specialists then gently and carefully remove the eggs in a procedure that typically lasts 15-60 minutes.
Following the procedure, you can rest comfortably in the recovery room until you are ready to go home. As you will be under anaesthesia, it is recommended that someone is available to bring you home. This is the only day recommended to take the day off work.
5
Sperm Collection & Processing
After ejaculation, laboratory specialists will carefully analyze and process the ejaculated semen sample to isolate healthy, motile sperm. This process involves removing unwanted plasma, mucus, debris, and dead sperm from the semen to yield the best quality sperm for fertilisation. They will take every step necessary to ensure that the sperm used in the IVF process is of the highest quality in order to maximise the chances of a successful fertilisation.
6
IVF Process & Monitoring: Egg Fertilisation
Before fertilisation, only mature oocytes are selected for injection with a single sperm through the process of pulse-driven Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). This technique combines oocyte and sperm to facilitate the fertilization process. You will be informed of the results of fertilisation by the clinic.
The clinic lab specialists closely monitor the embryos as they develop and provide updates on their progression. Embryos are typically evaluated on days three and five after fertilization to assess their quality and ensure only the healthiest ones are transferred.
7
Embryo Transfer
After ICSI, the injected oocytes are cultured in a culture system. Fertilised oocytes may develop into embryos and blastocysts in the next 3 to 5 days. The development of the embryos can be monitored closely and is beneficial to the embryos as it allows close monitoring of their development without disrupting their optimal environment.
Your fertility doctor will assess your suitability for fresh embryo transfer. Fresh embryo transfer is usually done on the 3rd or 5th day after Ovum Pick-Up (OPU). The embryo(s) is/are transferred directly into the womb using a thin catheter. This process is generally quick and painless. The remaining freezable high-quality grade embryos are frozen and stored for future frozen embryo transfer.
8
Pregnancy Testing & Monitoring
Following the embryo transfer, you will be provided with medications that support the early stages of pregnancy. After approximately two weeks, you will take a pregnancy test.
Assuming a positive outcome, you will be well on your way towards building your family. In the event of a negative result, a follow-up visit will be scheduled to discuss your options.
9
Embryo Vitrification
After an implantation attempt, any remaining high-quality embryos can be preserved for future use through vitrification, a specialized method for freezing eggs and embryos that minimizes cell damage. The vitrification process involves removing water from the eggs or embryos and replacing it with an "antifreeze" solution before rapidly cooling them to very low temperatures. This rapid freezing helps prevent the formation of damaging ice crystals, ensuring the safe preservation of the eggs or embryos for future use.
*The frozen embryo transfer process is similar to a fresh embryo transfer but with an additional thawing process.
10
As seen in
You deserve the best.
That's why we are here to support you - from first consultation to egg storage to pregnancy.
1
Introductory call with Zora Health care advocate
Let us get to know you better to advise you on the process, costs and regulations. Or any questions that you might have!
2
Flexibility to choose your own doctor or ours
We understand how important it is to find a doctor you are comfortable with. Our team will make appropriate specialist and clinic recommendations accordingly. We will also provide you with a list of questions to ask so that you are fully prepared and maximise your consultation.
3
Fertility tests & review
Your specialist will review your goals, medical history and perform necessary tests. We will schedule a review and discuss your proposed fertility plan.
4
Start egg freezing without worry
Our team will be supporting you throughout your journey.
FAQs
What lifestyle factors can affect fertility or IVF success for women?
Your lifestyle and environment can have an impact on your fertility. Research consistently shows that numerous lifestyle factors can affect fertility in women, men, or both, including but not limited to:
- Nutrition, weight, sleep quality and exercise
- Physical and psychological stress
- Environmental and occupational exposures
- Cigarette smoking
- Substance and drug use and abuse
- Alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Medications
For instance, research has found that:
- Obesity is linked to lower sperm count and quality in men
- Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who have obesity can greatly improve their chances of ovulation and pregnancy by losing 5% of body weight
- Being underweight is linked to ovarian dysfunction and infertility in women
- Strenuous physical labour and taking multiple medications can reduce sperm count in males
- Excessive exercise can affect ovulation and fertility in women
- Using body-building medications or androgens can affect sperm formation
- Substance use, including smoking tobacco, using other tobacco products, marijuana use, heavy drinking, and using illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine, can reduce fertility in both men and women
- High blood pressure can change the shape of sperm, thereby reducing fertility
- Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause infertility in females and males. Those who have to undergo these types of treatments may want to consider fertility preservation.
Lifestyle factors are modifiable habits and ways of life that can greatly influence overall health and well-being, including fertility.
How long is the IVF process?
In IVF, the egg and sperm are fused in a laboratory dish - which is why the treatment is called "in glass" - and are closely monitored throughout the fertilisation process. The resulting fertilised eggs develop into embryos over three to five days. Subsequently, the quality of the embryo is assessed for transfer, freezing, or further culturing and development.
The IVF process for women typically commences several weeks earlier. It is not a single treatment but a sequence of procedures that generally lasts 6 to 8 weeks, from initial consultation to transfer.
Though each patient follows a similar path, each individual's body reacts differently at each stage.
Do I need to take time off work for IVF?
All IVF and egg freezing appointments are outpatient procedures, which means you won't need to stay overnight at the clinics.
You'll need to take some time off for your egg retrieval during the treatment. However, you can choose whether or not to take time off work for other appointments or procedures as necessary.
We offer appointment scheduling to accommodate your busy schedule.
What are some of the side effects that I may experience?
DURING STIMULATION
- Skin changes
Some patients may experience skin changes due to hormonal shifts caused by fertility medications. Acne breakouts are the most common skin changes; others may experience dryness and flakiness. Although it is unpredictable how one's skin will react during the treatment cycle, there are simple steps you can take to prevent or manage such changes. Choosing a gentle, oil-free facial cleanser and moisturiser suited to your skin type is advisable before embarking on an IVF or egg freezing cycle.
- Bloating and Constipation
Bloating is a common side effect of treatment, which can affect one's appetite due to the limited abdominal space occupied by the ovaries and bloating. Constipation is also a typical bowel change during fertility treatment and is often associated with elevated progesterone levels, which occur after ovulation, egg retrieval, and during pregnancy.
- Weight Gain
Weight gain during fertility treatment is normal due to stress, hormone fluctuations, and bloating. Despite being common, weight gain may still lead to elevated stress, and one should seek ways to manage it.
- Headaches
Headaches can also occur during treatment, especially in patients who frequently experience headaches or migraines. Hormonal changes in the body typically trigger these headaches.
AFTER RETRIEVAL
- Soreness
After the egg-freezing cycle ends, menstrual cycles should return to normal, and any soreness from the egg retrieval should subside within a few days. You may feel some pain upon waking up, such as vaginal soreness or abdominal cramping, similar to period pains. However, such side effects typically last a few days after the procedure. Most women can resume their regular activities, including work, the day after the procedure, although taking a few days off to recuperate is also acceptable.
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
In rare cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may occur if the egg freezing medications stimulate the ovaries excessively. This condition results in swollen, enlarged ovaries and the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. While the chances of OHSS or other egg-freezing severe side effects are minimal, medical professionals monitor patients for signs of such complications throughout the process. If any severe side effects are detected, the doctor will take immediate steps to prevent them.
My friends reccommended me a doctor but he/she is not in your network Can I still use your services?
Yes, you have the flexibility to choose your own doctor, as Zora works with all doctors and clinics. You may choose your preferred doctor or one from our partner clinics and hospitals. We offer local and overseas options.
Just let us know your preferred doctor and we will contact and discuss with them.
What is ICSI?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) commonly employs the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique, which involves the injection of a sperm cell directly into the centre of an egg to increase the chances of fertilisation.