For couples who are unable to conceive naturally, there are artificial conception methods which may help you to fulfil your dream of becoming parents. These include methods such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).

However, IVF treatment is emotionally and physically draining, and should only be considered as a last resort. It is also very costly. One IVF cycle costs between $7,000 and $14,000 – and some couples will need more than one try, while others may not succeed at all.

Since September 2008, the government has introduced an assisted reproduction treatment subsidy that co-funds half of IVF treatment at public hospitals, capped at $3,000 per fresh cycle and up to a maximum of three fresh cycles.

You can also use Medisave to pay for part of the treatment. However, do note that this subsidy is only for women below the age of 40, as the success rate of IVF drops drastically with age. Women less than 40 years of age also reported a lower miscarriage and cancellation rate.

To sum up, the chances of pregnancy decreases with age and couples should give themselves more time to try for a baby. For a couple experiencing difficulties in conceiving, the journey to parenthood may be filled with obstacles. But as any couple who has gone through the process to eventually succeed in conceiving a child, the efforts are well worth it.