Voices from couples trying to conceive - their view on fertility treatments in Singapore.
Fertility treatment is a medical intervention that aims to help people with difficulty conceiving a child naturally.
It can involve various methods, such as medications, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Fertility treatment can offer hope and solutions for many people who dream of having a family, but it can also be a challenging and stressful journey.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects one in six people of reproductive age worldwide. Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
Infertility can have many causes, such as hormonal imbalances, tubal blockages, uterine abnormalities, ovarian disorders, or sperm problems. Sometimes, the cause remains unknown.
And before one can tackle the problem of infertility, one must deal with the frustration of getting that information.
I Love Children did two focus group discussions with couples actively trying to conceive recently. The focus groups aim to gather their general views on fertility treatments available and support in Singapore.
What Couples Are Experiencing
Misinformation - There is a lot of misinformation and myths about fertility treatment on the internet and in the media, which can confuse and mislead people. Given the brink of desperation, it is common for people to try whatever they can. There are urban myths that lifting your legs in the air for 20 minutes after having sex or doing it missionary style is the only way to conceive.
Insufficient information - There are instances where doctors do not provide sufficient information to couples. Couples cited that their doctor did not advise on what supplements they would need to aid them, nor did they make any recommendation of brands of supplements. Hence couples would have to research independently to find out what is required and look at the brands available.
Contradicting information - Some advice from doctors may contradict the information that is available out there. A focus group participant shared that her doctor advised her to get pregnant first and remove the fibroid afterwards. But many medical briefs show that one should remove the fibroid before getting pregnant. The advice put couples in a massive dilemma on what to do next.
Lack of urgency - Ageism puts serious couples in a problem when they genuinely wish to seek help to improve the situation as early as possible. A couple was told to “just keep trying naturally” since they were under 30.
Why didn’t it work? - Communication / Information Overload - Couples seeking fertility treatments often face a lot of information and different options, making it hard for them to compare and choose the best one for them. Doctors may also struggle to explain the benefits and risks of each option clearly and realistically. Moreover, couples may have other concerns they are reluctant to express, such as cost, time, etc. Fertility treatments are expensive and time-consuming and can strain a regular family’s budget.
Emotional Stress - Most couples start their fertility journey with optimism and hope, but they soon realise it is difficult. They may encounter multiple failures and disappointments, affecting their mental and emotional well-being. The biological clock may also pressure them, especially older couples with less time to conceive. The long waiting time at public clinics can add to their frustration and anxiety.
What Couples Felt Could Be Improved
Are there things that could be done better?
According to the same group of couples, the answer is a resounding YES!
Support group - A support group can help couples learn from each other’s experiences. Support groups are gatherings of people who share a common challenge and offer each other emotional and practical help. They can help you feel less lonely, reduce distress, talk openly, improve coping skills, stay motivated, gain empowerment, and improve your understanding of your situation. Knowing that other people are on the same journey may help alleviate any sense of helplessness and loneliness on this trying journey.
Single source of truth - To set up a dedicated platform to provide a single source of accurate information by providing access to credible, reliable information that can help couples with their research to help make informed decisions on their fertility journey, as many were overwhelmed/confused with information from various sources.
More empathy - Given the emotional trauma, couples will appreciate more empathetic doctors who can help them get to the root of the problem as soon as possible. Doctors can recommend more detailed tests so couples can take the next course of action without unnecessary delay.
Better government support - Given Singapore's current low fertility rate (TFR), it would make sense for the government to provide more support for couples willing to help raise the nation’s low TFR. This could include extending support to private hospitals. This may help reduce the waiting time, especially for couples whose time is not on their side. Fertility health check packages could be made available in public hospitals and also to lift or reduce the limit couples can tap from their Medisave.
Conclusion
Fertility treatment can offer hope for people struggling to conceive, but it can also be a challenging and emotional journey. The lack of information, misinformation, and poor support can add to the already stressful situation.
The focus group discussion with the couples trying to conceive in Singapore highlighted some areas for improvement, such as providing better information, more empathy from doctors, and better government support.
Fertility and fertility treatment are sensitive topics that many couples avoid discussing openly. This can make them feel isolated and ashamed of their situation. To help them cope better, removing the stigma and creating a more supportive environment are necessary. One way to do this is to provide a single source of credible information that can educate and empower them about their options and rights.
Another way is to connect them with local support groups that can offer emotional and practical support from people who understand their challenges. However, there is a lack of awareness and willingness among couples to access these resources, which limits their benefits.
Ultimately, improving access to fertility treatments and support can help alleviate the emotional and financial burden for couples trying to start a family.
