How TCM Helps to Reduce Costs and Improve Results of IVF

17 Oct 2024

By: Yi TCM Admin

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments have provided many families with an opportunity to overcome infertility and become proud, happy parents. While assisted reproductive technology (ART), like IVF treatments, has seen many success stories over the years, there are still challenges some families are facing, especially as IVF’s success rate is still relatively low while its associated costs for all its treatments and therapies can be costly long-term.

Overcoming these hurdles can prove to be difficult, especially for families who may not have the means to afford IVF treatment costs. To support their journey towards parenthood, many couples have sought out traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments and techniques to help improve their odds at fertilisation while keeping their medical expenses low. Various studies have already noted TCM’s complementary role in improving the success rate of IVF treatments.

How Much Does IVF Cost in Singapore?

In Singapore, IVF treatment costs vary from hospital to hospital. The average price range in public hospitals typically falls between $11,000 and $16,000 for a single cycle; for private hospitals, the average is between $13,000 and $20,000. The cost accounts for:

Fertility checks, including blood tests and physical examinations, to look for underlying medical conditions that might cause complications (i.e., infertility).
Hormone injections to stimulate ovulation.
Egg retrieval.
The fertilisation process by embryologists.
Embryo transfer to the uterus.

It is generally a good idea to set aside a little extra as a safety net, but you can also use your Medisave benefits. Note that you are still subject to the following limits:

1st Cycle – $6,000
2nd Cycle – $5,000
3rd and subsequent Cycles – $4,000
To prevent depleting your MediSave account, you are limited to a lifetime MediSave withdrawal limit of $15,000 per patient.

If you plan to receive IVF treatments from a public hospital, you can also enjoy the benefits of government-sponsored co-funding, which covers up to 75 per cent (subject to a dollar cap) of the treatment cost. That can help cover most of your treatment, giving you much-needed financial relief to start a family.

It is common for couples to pay for most of the IVF expenses out-of-pocket to avoid using up all their Medisave benefits. Take the time to discuss with your partner how you can balance your IVF treatment expenses with your Medisave benefits. It may also be a good idea to think about financial planning if you intend to conceive via IVF treatments.

How Does TCM Complement IVF Treatments?

Various factors can affect our chances of conception through IVF treatments, some entirely within our control (such as our lifestyle, including our diet), while others are not (like the effects of ageing). Taking care of your health can help to improve the odds of conceiving with IVF treatments, but studies have found that TCM therapies have contributed to complementing successful IVF treatments; the increasing number of couples looking to TCM as part of complementing IVF treatments has also attested to its growing awareness and efficacy in allowing women to conceive.

But how exactly do TCM techniques and treatments complement IVF treatments?

Improve Physical Health

TCM has always sought to address the underlying causes of illnesses, taking a holistic approach to healthcare that treats these root causes and improves overall well-being. This approach contrasts substantially with Western medicine’s systemic view of treating symptoms as they arise; TCM constantly strives to enhance your physical well-being with specific therapies that help rejuvenate your whole body. In turn, this helps address particular health issues you may be having.

These principles guide TCM’s complementary role in supporting your IVF treatments. A qualified TCM practitioner will carefully examine your body using their senses, looking for specific concerns and then addressing them with a targeted treatment plan, thereby improving your overall health throughout your IVF journey. To be more specific, they can help to:

Enhance your organ functions.
Promote a healthy reproductive system.
Alleviate stress by relaxing the body.
Manage any ailments that are impairing your well-being.

Regulate Blood and Qi Flow

TCM emphasises the importance of regular blood and Qi flow throughout your body. In TCM’s view, Qi is the vital energy that flows through your body and is responsible for your overall well-being. Most of the ailments we suffer are due to an imbalance or blockage to the flow of Qi through the meridians across our body. Healthy blood circulation is also essential to TCM as it nourishes the body with nutrients for optimal functioning.

By keeping the body in harmony with uninterrupted blood and Qi flow, many bodily functions will be able to perform at their best, ensuring that health is in check while also optimising reproductive system to improve the odds of conception. In fact, healthy blood and Qi flow are frequently attributed to helping the reproductive system stay in good shape throughout your IVF treatment.

Improve Odds of Fertilisation

In enhancing your physical health, TCM also improves the odds of fertilisation with its positive effects on the reproductive system. Not only can it improve the quantity of quality of eggs created in the ovaries, but it can also help improve the quality of sperm in men as well, as part of men’s fertility treatments in conjunction with your joint TCM and IVF treatments.

Part of the reason this is possible is because it helps to nurture a healthier, stronger reproductive system, including:

Optimising the womb environment to allow better embryo implantation.
Improve the thickness of the uterine lining.
Nourish eggs and sperm with healthy blood flow, enhancing their quality.
Minimise the risks of inflammation, stress, and other harmful conditions affecting the reproductive system.
Regulates hormone production, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.

Minimise Side Effects from IVF Treatment

IVF treatments can cause any number of changes to your body, and it can be pretty overwhelming as you go through hormonal changes, mood swings, and occasional bouts of bloating, hot flashes, and other side effects. Thankfully, TCM techniques can help remedy this by promoting your well-being through targeted treatments. Part of that includes promoting spleen and kidney functions to promote fluid metabolism and alleviate the discomfort you experience throughout the IVF treatment period.

Reduce Treatment and Medication Costs

With TCM therapies helping to improve your overall health and improve your chances at conception, your body (and, more importantly, your reproductive system) should be in much better shape to undergo a successful IVF cycle with minimal difficulties. You have a better chance of successful implantation while also having little to no side effects that could complicate the conception/fertilisation process.

All that means fewer visits for additional cycles, check-ups, medications, or follow-up treatments, allowing you to save money on repeat trips to treat complications or a (potentially stressful) second cycle.

Starting your complementary TCM treatments early can significantly improve your chances of conception. However, you can still begin TCM treatment even when you have already started IVF treatments; your practitioner will help you schedule sessions in line with your IVF treatments.

How TCM Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Can Help with IVF

TCM treatments are typically prescribed three months before IVF treatments, as your practitioner needs to examine your overall health to recommend suitable TCM treatments to start you with. Doing so also gives your body sufficient time to prepare for the IVF treatments, especially in improving its resilience throughout the IVF procedure. Once you do begin IVF treatments, TCM therapies will continue at differing frequencies to facilitate your well-being, especially in minimising side effects or complications you may experience along the way.

Acupuncture and herbal remedies derived from traditional herbs are typically recommended to complement your IVF treatments.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves using small, sterile needles carefully inserted into your skin at specific acupuncture points (acupoints). This is said to help stimulate the central nervous system and release chemicals that promote the body’s natural healing abilities, and lead to much-improved physical and emotional well-being. Acupuncture also targets acupoints that help improve the flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, thereby ensuring the optimal functioning of your internal organs, especially the reproductive organs.

Acupuncture also serves an essential role in supporting your IVF treatments.

Before starting IVF treatments, acupuncture can help relax your physical and emotional states while also priming your body’s well-being in preparation for IVF.
Once IVF treatments start, acupuncture supports your well-being and helps you fend off any side effects you might experience. For example, it can help your liver improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, enhancing the quality of follicles and thickening the uterine lining.
Even after IVF treatments are complete, acupuncture can continue to improve your health by nourishing your womb, minimising the risks of a miscarriage, and ensuring a safe, complication-free pregnancy.
Acupuncture can still support your pregnancy by alleviating morning sickness symptoms and addressing other complications that arise during pregnancy. It also helps prepare your body for the physical stresses of pregnancy, ensuring a smooth delivery and even facilitating a smoother postnatal recovery process.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal medications are prescribed after consulting a licensed TCM physician tailored to your needs. They will take the time to understand your constitution and healthcare needs to restore the body’s imbalances and improve your physical (and reproductive) health. The herbal remedies prescribed aim to enhance your well-being, help strengthen your resilience to IVF’s side effects, and even promote relaxation to minimise the stress and anxiety you might feel during the IVF treatment process.

Comparing the Costs of IVF and TCM Treatments

Below is a general breakdown of costs for both IVF (private and public hospitals) and TCM treatments. Note that the indicated fees are based on prevailing average estimates and may vary between facilities (prices listed as of August 2024).

Below, you will also find a general cost breakdown for IVF performed at any of the three public hospitals in Singapore. Much like the above table, these are only prevailing average estimates (prices listed as of August 2024) and may vary with time:

Changing Lifestyle Habits For Your Fertility

While TCM has shown promising results in supporting IVF treatments and leading to better outcomes in successful pregnancies, you must also make various lifestyle adjustments to ensure that the outcome of IVF treatments goes well. Avoiding unhealthy habits and foods that are harmful to the body can significantly improve your odds while maintaining your current health. You can always ask your practitioner for further advice if you have any uncertainties.

Cut down on sweets and junk food; cut them out entirely from your diet if possible.
Avoid consuming too much fatty, salty, or any other unhealthy foods.
Quit smoking and alcohol consumption.
Cut down on cold foods and drinks.
Minimise or eliminate caffeine from your diet.
Be sure to get sufficient sleep every day.
Regularly exercise within your limits; avoid overexerting yourself.
Take occasional breaks if you are feeling stressed or anxious.

Support Your IVF Treatments with Yi TCM’s Support

At Yi TCM, we prioritise your well-being above all else. We provide holistic health care through Eastern and Western medical knowledge, including supporting your fertility and journey to parenthood. Reach out to us today to learn more about how our highly qualified practitioners can help provide much-needed relief and therapeutic support to help you on your journey to becoming a loving parent!