TL;DR:
- Struggling to conceive? See a gynaecologist early for faster answers.
- Fertility hurdles like ovulation issues or blocked tubes can often be treated.
- From medications to referrals, the right support boosts your chances of starting a family.
Trying to start or grow your family can be one of life’s most exciting journeys, but when conception doesn’t happen as quickly as expected, it can also be an emotional rollercoaster. If you’ve been trying to conceive for some time without success, or simply want to ensure everything is on track, a gynaecologist can be your first and most supportive point of contact.
From diagnosing potential issues to recommending treatments and offering reassurance along the way, gynaecologists in Singapore can provide the right guidance to help you take the next step towards parenthood.
When Should You See a Gynaecologist for Fertility Issues?
It’s perfectly normal for conception to take a few months, but if you’ve been trying for longer without success, it may be worth speaking to a gynaecologist to rule out any underlying issues.
Here’s a general guide:
Under 35 years old: If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months or more without success, it’s time to book a consultation.
35 years and older: Fertility naturally declines with age, so seek advice after six months of trying. Early consultation with a gynaecologist can improve your chances by identifying and addressing issues sooner.
Existing health concerns: If you have conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid problems, or irregular menstrual cycles, consider seeing a specialist earlier.
Concerning symptoms: Persistent pelvic pain, heavy or unusual bleeding, or a history of pelvic infections or surgery should prompt a visit sooner rather than later.
Even if you’re not actively trying yet but want to plan your pregnancy, a preconception check-up can be helpful. A gynaecologist can assess your overall reproductive health, identify potential barriers to fertility early, and recommend ways to optimise your chances of conceiving when you’re ready.
Early support means gaining clarity and control over your fertility journey. Thinking of taking that first step? Contact us at Pacific Healthcare Specialist Centre – Women’s Clinic in Singapore to book a consultation with a gynaecologist for a fertility assessment.
What to Expect During a Fertility Consultation
Visiting a gynaecologist for fertility concerns isn’t as daunting as it might seem. Your first consultation is usually a friendly and fact-finding session. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns, whether they’re medical or emotional. Here’s what typically happens:
- A detailed chat about your health and history: Your menstrual patterns, previous pregnancies, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors all should be discussed.
- A physical check (if needed): A pelvic exam may be performed to assess your reproductive health.
- Relevant tests: Blood work to check hormone levels, an ultrasound scan, and a semen analysis for your partner may be suggested.
- A personalised discussion: Based on your results, your gynaecologist will outline potential reasons for difficulty conceiving and suggest next steps.
Common Fertility Problems Diagnosed by Gynaecologists
Gynaecologists help diagnose a variety of conditions that can affect fertility in women. Some of the most common include:
Ovulation Issues
Regular ovulation is key to natural conception — it’s the process where an egg is released each month for potential fertilisation. If ovulation is irregular or absent, the window of opportunity to conceive becomes unpredictable or even non-existent. This is known as anovulation (no ovulation) or oligo-ovulation (infrequent ovulation).
Several factors can cause this, but two of the most common are:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal condition that disrupts normal ovulation by causing an imbalance in reproductive hormones. Women with PCOS may experience irregular or absent periods, excess hair growth, or multiple small ovarian follicles.
- Thyroid Disorders: Both overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid conditions can interfere with ovulation by affecting the body’s hormonal balance.
Other contributors include high stress levels, significant weight changes, premature ovarian insufficiency, or excessive exercise. Fortunately, many ovulation issues can be addressed through medication, lifestyle adjustments, or targeted fertility treatments.
Tubal Blockages
The fallopian tubes play a crucial role in conception as they’re the pathway that allows the sperm to meet the egg. When one or both tubes are blocked or damaged, natural fertilisation becomes challenging or impossible.
Common causes include:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Often resulting from untreated infections.
- Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery: Adhesions (scar tissue) can form and obstruct the tubes.
- Endometriosis-related scarring: Tissue growth outside the uterus can affect the tubes (See more below).
Treatment may involve minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopy to clear the blockage or, in some cases, proceeding with assisted reproductive techniques like in vitro fertilisation (IVF), which bypasses the tubes altogether.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects roughly one in 10 women of reproductive age, yet it’s often underdiagnosed. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining.
This misplaced tissue responds to hormonal changes every month, causing painful periods, inflammation, and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions). Over time, these effects can distort the pelvic anatomy, affect the quality of eggs, interfere with their release, and create an inflammatory environment that makes fertilisation and implantation more difficult.
Treatment ranges from medication to manage symptoms to laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial deposits, which can improve fertility outcomes for some women.
Uterine Abnormalities
The uterus is where an embryo implants and grows, so any structural irregularities can impact fertility or pregnancy. These include:
- Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths that can distort the uterine cavity or interfere with implantation.
- Polyps: Small, soft tissue growths that may cause irregular bleeding or create a hostile environment for implantation.
- Congenital anomalies: Conditions like a septate uterus (a partition within the womb) can increase miscarriage risk.
Many uterine abnormalities can be diagnosed with imaging, such as ultrasound scan and corrected via minimally invasive procedures, such as hysteroscopic surgery.
Unexplained Infertility
Sometimes, no clear cause of infertility is found after standard tests, which is called unexplained infertility. While this can feel discouraging, it does not mean conception is impossible. Many couples in this category go on to conceive naturally or with low-intensity treatments.
Fertility Treatments Offered by Gynaecologists in Singapore
Ovulation Induction
If your cycles are irregular or you’re not ovulating at all, ovulation induction can help stimulate your ovaries to release eggs more predictably. This is often done using medications such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid) or Letrozole to stimulate ovulation. Ovulation induction is usually one of the first-line treatments recommended for women with PCOS, mild hormonal imbalances, or unexplained infertility.
Timed Intercourse Guidance
Sometimes, the solution is as simple as getting the timing right. Your doctor may use tools like ovulation tracking, hormone tests, or ultrasound scans to determine your most fertile days. They will then guide you and your partner on when to have intercourse to maximise the chances of conception.
This approach is particularly helpful for couples who have been trying without knowing their optimal fertility window, or for those with otherwise normal fertility profiles who simply need better timing.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI is a relatively low-intervention fertility procedure that can boost the chances of pregnancy when timing and sperm placement are critical factors. During the procedure, your partner’s sperm (or donor sperm, if applicable) is washed, concentrated, and then placed directly into your uterus around the time of ovulation.
This shortens the distance sperm need to travel and ensures they are at the right place at the right time. IUI is often recommended for couples with mild male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or cervical mucus issues.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
When structural issues affect fertility, minimally invasive procedures may be performed including:
- Laparoscopy: involves inserting a thin camera through a small incision in the abdomen to diagnose and treat problems like endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, or blocked fallopian tubes.
- Hysteroscopy: uses a slender scope inserted through the cervix to look inside the uterus, allowing the removal of polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue that may hinder implantation.
These techniques are less invasive than traditional surgery, often allowing for quicker recovery and better preservation of fertility.
Specialist Referral
Not every fertility challenge can be resolved with first-line treatments alone. If your situation requires further steps, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICS), your gynaecologist will guide you through the next steps and refer you to a reputable fertility centre.
Emotional Support During the Fertility Journey
It’s no secret that fertility challenges can be emotionally draining. From monthly disappointment to well-meaning but awkward questions from others, the pressure can take its toll.
Many gynaecologists recognise that fertility challenges are not just a physical experience but an emotional one too. To help you cope, they often provide clear and realistic timelines so you know what to expect at each stage and can manage your hopes more effectively.
Fertility challenges are not only medical but also emotional. Many gynaecologists in Singapore provide referrals to professional counsellors and support groups.
Choosing the Right Gynaecologist in Singapore for Fertility Care
Choosing the right gynaecologist for fertility care is about more than just medical qualifications; it’s also about finding someone you can trust and feel at ease with. Experience in fertility investigations and treatments is, of course, essential, but so is their ability to listen to your concerns and guide you through sensitive conversations with empathy.
A supportive and communicative gynaecologist who respects your questions and keeps you informed can make a world of difference when navigating something as personal as fertility care.
Consult a Gynaecologist in Singapore
Trying to conceive without success can leave you with countless questions and uncertainties. What’s really going on? What are your options? A fertility consultation with a gynaecologist can give you the diagnostic clarity and personalised treatment strategies you need to move forward with confidence.
At Pacific Healthcare Specialist Centre – Women’s Clinic, we believe every fertility journey deserves compassion, respect, and personalised attention. Our team is here to listen, guide, and support you at every stage, from your first consultation to fertility treatments if needed. Book your fertility consultation today.
