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Doctors have developed the following changes to improve the the odds for couples undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF)
Transferring Fewer Embryos
Although Ministry Of Health guidelines stipulate that up to three embryos can be transferred to the mother's womb, doctors are moving towards two.
Professor P.C. Wong of the National University Hospital (NUH) said that multiple pregnancies increase women's risk of delivering premature babies, which in turn swells the medical bill and ramps up anxiety for the expectant parents. It also elevates the risk of developmental problems for the babies.
Testing For Genetic Disease
Singapore General Hospital and NUH are testing embryos by running tests to spot genetic disorders (like thalassemia) ahead of planting them in the woman's womb. Cells from embryos are tested and embryos which test negative are implanted, hence the nickname "designer babies".
Modifying The Drugs
Dr Cheng Li Chang, the medical director at Thomson Fertility Centre, has modified the drugs given to women to stimulate egg production.
He said studies have shown that women whose ovaries have been over-stimulated to ripen eggs develop Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, a serious medical condition. Tweaking the drugs they take has cut the number of cases of this.
Updating The Technology
Hospitals are using more advanced technology to make IVF more seamless. For example, ultrasound-guided embryo transplants now ensure that embryos are placed in ideal locations in the womb.
In NUH, embryos are also grown in the laboratory for up to six days, up from two before, to raise the chances of successful implants.
Women who can need drugs to stimulate egg development now use pre-filled "pen" injections instead of traditional syringes, which makes it more convenient for them.
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