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Archive for Fertility Specials

How do habits like smoking and drinking affect fertility?

Create Date : 17 Apr 2012

In males, smoking negatively affects sperm production. It results in a fall in sperm quantity as well as quality. In females, smoking results in a delay in conception. The constituents of cigarette smoke have been found to damage the eggs or reduce fertilisation, and even cause miscarriages and other pregnancy complications. There is emerging evidence of the adverse effects of passive smoking on reproduction; hence, all forms of smoking are detrimental to fertility.

This fertility special is contributed by the NUH Women’s Centre, National University Hospital. Please visit www.nuhgynae.com.sg to read more.

Do prolonged periods of stress affect conception?

Create Date : 17 Apr 2012

Psychological stress may reduce female reproductive performance. There is, however, a lack of clear consensus as to the definition and measurement of ‘psychological stress'. This makes the nature and strength of any association between stress and conception questionable.

This fertility special is contributed by the NUH Women’s Centre, National University Hospital. Please visit www.nuhgynae.com.sg to read more.

Is infertility hereditary?

Create Date : 17 Apr 2012

Infertility may be passed on to their offspring in a small proportion of men and women.

Among males, genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome or microdeletion in AFZ (azoospermia factor C) may be hereditary.

While in the past these men were permanently infertile, with the advancement in artificial reproductive techniques, men with azoospermia, a medical condition of a male not having any measurable level of sperm in his semen, may now become fathers. However, the infertility may still be passed on to the next generation.

Other conditions like cystic fibrosis may also cause infertility.

Among females, polycystic ovarian syndrome, which is an important cause of infertility, may be genetically inherited in some families.

This fertility special is contributed by the NUH Women’s Centre, National University Hospital. Please visit www.nuhgynae.com.sg to read more.

Does taking birth control pills over a prolonged period of time affect your fertility? How long does it take for normal ovulation to resume?

Create Date : 17 Apr 2012

Recent studies have suggested that the usage of contraceptive methods, e.g. birth control pills for more than two years, may cause a transient delay in subsequent fertility and the time taken to conceive. There may be a delay in conception of about three to four months and this is probably due to a slight delay in the resumption of normal ovulation. However, there is no long-standing impact on fertility.

This fertility special is contributed by the NUH Women’s Centre, National University Hospital. Please visit www.nuhgynae.com.sg to read more.

What is the optimum age for a woman to conceive?

Create Date : 17 Apr 2012

Studies have shown that women aged between 20 to 25 years old have the highest chance of spontaneous conception.

This fertility special is contributed by the NUH Women’s Centre, National University Hospital. Please visit www.nuhgynae.com.sg to read more.

What causes Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction (ED)? Can it be treated?

Create Date : 08 Jun 2012

ED is a fairly common condition in Singapore; many men suffer in silence as they are too embarrassed to seek help.

Click here to find out more!

Dr Peter Chew is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital and Chairman of aLife Ltd. Please visit www.alife.org.sg to read more.

Would my wife’s thyroid affect fertility?

Create Date : 08 Jun 2012

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ which manufactures hormones to help regulate the growth and metabolism of the body. Untreated thyroid diseases can affect fertility.

Click here to learn more!

Dr Peter Chew is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital and Chairman of aLife Ltd. Please visit www.alife.org.sg to read more.

Does sleep position after sex affect the pregnancy rate?

Create Date : 08 Jun 2012

Sleep position after sex does not affect pregnancy rate. However, certain positions during sex may increase the chances of conception.

Click here to learn more!

Dr Peter Chew is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital and Chairman of aLife Ltd. Please visit www.alife.org.sg to read more.

What food is good for increasing sperm in guys? Is Viagra/Tongkat Ali good and does it help?

Create Date : 08 Jun 2012

Viagra and Tongkat Ali are meant for erectile dysfunction and not for improving sperm count.

Please click here to read more about the causes and how to improve low sperm count.

Dr Peter Chew is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital and Chairman of aLife Ltd, www.alife.org.sg.

What are some tips to maintain sexual interest after a child has come along?

Create Date : 08 Jun 2012

A new baby is very demanding of time and energy, causing a decline in the interest for sex.

Please click here for some tips for couples to maintain sexual interest.

Dr Peter Chew is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital and Chairman of aLife Ltd, www.alife.org.sg.

When are the most fertile days in a woman’s menstrual cycle to try to conceive?

Create Date : 08 Jun 2012

The fertile period can be predicted if a woman's menstrual cycle is regular at 28 days, else other methods may have to be used.

Please click here to read more on this FAQ.

Dr Peter Chew is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital and Chairman of aLife Ltd, www.alife.org.sg.

How accurate are Nuchal Translucency tests and other scans?

Create Date : 08 Jun 2012

A screening test using ultrasound for the back of the baby’s neck can indicate higher risks of the baby suffering from genetic abnormalities.

Please click here to read more.

Dr Peter Chew is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital and Chairman of aLife Ltd, www.alife.org.sg.

Trying to Conceive, Negative Test Results on the DIY Pregnancy Test but have a Delayed Period?

Create Date : 08 Jun 2012

There are many reasons for a delayed period; it is a symptom, not a disease. It can get difficult trying to balance our careers with our personal lives.

Please click here to read more.

Dr Peter Chew is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital and Chairman of aLife Ltd, www.alife.org.sg.

Can women get pregnant while still breastfeeding?

Create Date : 08 Jun 2012

Ovulation may occur in mothers who are still breastfeeding. High levels of prolactin are produced due to suckling which can inhibit ovulation but not 100% completely.

Please click here to read more on this FAQ.

Dr Peter Chew is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital and Chairman of aLife Ltd, www.alife.org.sg.

01: When Do I Report To The Hospital?

Create Date : 19 Nov 2012

When you experience any of the symptoms of labour, such as abdominal pain (due to uterine contractions) that is progressively more frequent and lasting longer each time, bloody vaginal discharge or leakage of amniotic fluid. You should also report to the hospital if you experience a significant decrease of fetal movement over the last 24 hours or sudden cessation of fetal movement over the last 12 hours.

This fertility special is contributed by the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. To read more please visit www.kkh.com.sg/HealthPedia.

02: What Items Should I Bring?

Create Date : 19 Nov 2012

The documents which you have to bring include your spouse’s and your NRIC/Employment Pass/Work Permit/Social or Dependent Pass/Passport and admission form. You may also bring a change of clothes for you and your baby to be used upon discharge and your personal toiletries. You will be provided with clothing and other necessary accessories during your admission. Please remove any jewellery and valuable possessions before coming to the hospital.

This fertility special is contributed by the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. To read more please visit www.kkh.com.sg/HealthPedia.

03: Who Will Attend To Me First?

Create Date : 19 Nov 2012

Upon arrival at the Delivery Suite, you will be attended to by the doctor-on-duty and the nurse-on-duty. The doctor-on-duty will determine whether you are in active labour, early labour or not in labour. Based on the diagnosis, he will either admit you to the Delivery Suite / antenatal ward, or advise you to return home.

This fertility special is contributed by the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. To read more please visit www.kkh.com.sg/HealthPedia.

04: When Will My Obstetrician Attend To Me?

Create Date : 27 Nov 2012

When you are admitted to the Delivery Suite, the doctor-on-duty will inform your obstetrician of your admission. Your obstetrician will see you personally as soon as he can. Meanwhile, the team at the Delivery Suite will review your progress regularly and keep you obstetrician informed.

This fertility special is contributed by the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. To read more please visit www.kkh.com.sg/HealthPedia.

05: Will My Obstetrician Deliver My Baby?

Create Date : 04 Dec 2012

Your obstetrician will try his or her best to attend to your delivery and is committed to deliver most of the pregnant patients who have booked him or her. However, there may occasionally be situations when he or she is not able to deliver your baby personally. These reasons may be that he or she is:

Attending to another emergency
Performing surgery In the Operating Theatre
On leave
Is unwell

In such cases, your obstetrician will try to arrange for another specialist to attend to you. Sometimes the baby may be delivered too quickly before the arrival of the obstetrician. In such a case, the nurse in the Delivery Suite will attend to your delivery first. All the nurses in the Delivery Suite are trained to perform a vaginal delivery. Upon arrival, your obstetrician will manage the 3rd stage of labour (delivery of the placenta and repair the episiotomy wound).

This fertility special is contributed by the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. To read more please visit www.kkh.com.sg/HealthPedia.

06: What Determines If I Will Go Through A Vaginal Delivery?

Create Date : 11 Dec 2012

In most cases, we expect a vaginal delivery. There is, however, a 10% chance that you may end up delivering your baby by emergency caesarean section. The reasons may be:

There is non-reassuring fetal status arising during the course of labour. A fetal monitor attached to your abdomen will monitor the fetal heart rate pattern and detect any fetal heart rate abnormalities.
There is failure to progress in terms of cervical dilation and descent of the fetal head. The team of doctors in the Delivery Suite will monitor the labour progress by regular vaginal examination of your cervix and your baby's presenting part. In most cases, the failure to progress is often difficult to predict before labour starts.

This fertility special is contributed by the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. To read more please visit www.kkh.com.sg/HealthPedia.

07: When Do I Need An Assisted Vaginal Delivery?

Create Date : 18 Dec 2012

Assisted vaginal delivery may be performed by the Obstetrician using a Forceps instrument or a Vacuum Suction device. These instruments are used to assist the delivery of the baby in the 2nd stage of labour. An Assisted Vaginal Delivery may be required when your baby fails to be delivered after prolonged pushing efforts. Sometimes it is also used when there is malrotation of the baby's head.

This fertility special is contributed by the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. To read more please visit www.kkh.com.sg/HealthPedia.

08: How Do I Ask For Pain Relief?

Create Date : 24 Dec 2012

There are 3 available forms of Pain Relief. The doctor-on-duty will order the muscular injection of Pethidine (a painkiller) for you in the early stages of labour. In later stages of labour, the nurse will provide you with Entonox (a pain relief gas). Both methods will achieve up to 60% relief of labour pain. If you desire a more complete pain relief, the anaesthetist will give epidural anaesthesia upon request. The anaesthetist will discuss and obtain consent from you before administering the epidural.

This fertility special is contributed by the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. To read more please visit www.kkh.com.sg/HealthPedia.

09: Can My Husband Stay With Me Throughout My Labour?

Create Date : 31 Dec 2012

Yes, we encourage your husband to be with you so that he can provide you with the moral
support.

This fertility special is contributed by the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. To read more please visit www.kkh.com.sg/HealthPedia.

10: What Are The Possible Complications Of A Vaginal Delivery?

Create Date : 07 Jan 2013

Occasionally, complications arise from a natural vaginal delivery. In most cases, it is difficult to predict which cases will be complicated. The Obstetrician and the medical team on duty are trained to be vigilant of the occurrence of these complications and to prevent
complications from worsening. These complications include:

Excessive bleeding due to failure of your uterus to contract. Intravenous infusion of a drug called oxytocin is often required and you are expected to stay in the Delivery Suite for a longer period of time after delivery to allow the medical team to monitor you closely.
Retained placenta due to failure of your placenta to separate and leading to part or whole of the placenta being retained in the uterus after delivery of the baby. In such cases, the placenta may have to be manually removed by the doctor. This procedure, called manual removal of placenta or digital removal of the placenta and may be performed either in Delivery Suite or in the Operating Theatre under anaesthesia.
Delayed profuse per vaginal bleeding 1 - 2 weeks after delivery due to retained remnants of placental tissue. After the delivery, the placenta is normally carefully inspected to ensure its completeness. However, it is well documented that despite such a precautionary measure, small remnants of placenta tissue, or sometimes an extra lobe of placenta, may be present and remain undetected until bleeding occurs a few days to a few weeks after delivery. A minor surgical procedure called evacuation of uterus is required to remove these retained remnant placental tissue.
Episiotomy wound breakdown. This may occur unexpectedly. It usually happens because of poor tissue healing resulting from infection. Poor suturing technique is rarely a cause.

This fertility special is contributed by the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. To read more please visit www.kkh.com.sg/HealthPedia.