Endometriosis
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes infertility.
What symptoms should I look out for?
Common symptoms include severe menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, heavy bleeding, and difficulty conceiving.
How is endometriosis diagnosed at Thomson Fertility?
We use advanced ultrasound-based imaging—an effective, cost-friendly alternative to MRI—combined with a comprehensive clinical assessment.
What treatments are available?
Our services include medication management, minimally invasive surgery, fertility preservation, and assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.
Can endometriosis affect my chances of getting pregnant?
Yes, endometriosis can interfere with fertility. Our team provides tailored fertility care to maximise your chances of conception.
Do you offer support after surgery or treatment?
Yes. We provide rehabilitation programmes, pelvic physiotherapy, and emotional support through our collaboration with myEndosis.
Assisted Reproductive Technology
What are the chances of getting pregnant after ART?
Success rates range from 47–75% depending on age and individual health. Couples under 35 generally have higher success rates.
How long should I wait to confirm pregnancy after treatment?
Around 14 days after completing a cycle. Doctors confirm with clinical tests.
How does egg retrieval work? Will I need time off work?
Egg retrieval is a 30-minute outpatient procedure with local anaesthesia. Best to take the day off, but most return to normal duties within 24 hours.
Can we have sex during an ART cycle?
Generally advised to avoid due to risks of multiple pregnancies. Always consult your doctor.
Do both partners need treatment?
Not always. Sometimes only one partner has an issue; in other cases, both may need support.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Is IUI painful?
Most women find IUI painless, though mild cramping may occur.
Can sperm fall out after IUI?
No. Once sperm is placed inside the uterus, it cannot fall out. Any discharge you notice is just cervical mucus.
How many IUI sessions will I need?
Some couples conceive in the first cycle, but most require 3–6 cycles.
When does implantation happen?
Typically around 7 days after ovulation and IUI.
Can I return to normal activities after IUI?
Yes, you can return to light daily activities immediately. Avoid heavy exercise until advised by your doctor.
What if IUI doesn’t work?
If several IUI cycles are unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend IVF, which offers higher success rates of up to 75% in eligible cases.
Can I improve my chances with IUI?
Yes — follow a balanced diet, maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid medications that affect fertility, and take fertility drugs only as prescribed.
Minimal Stimulation IVF (Mini IVF)
What is the main difference between Mini IVF and conventional IVF?
Mini IVF uses fewer fertility medications and lower doses, meaning your body produces fewer eggs each cycle. Conventional IVF uses stronger medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs.
Is Mini IVF safer than standard IVF?
Yes. Mini IVF reduces the risk of side effects such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) because the ovaries are less stimulated.
Does Mini IVF have lower success rates?
Mini IVF can be effective, but because fewer eggs are retrieved, there may be fewer embryos available. This sometimes means more cycles are needed to achieve pregnancy compared to conventional IVF.
Who is a good candidate for Mini IVF?
Women who cannot tolerate strong fertility medications, those who have had OHSS before, or couples who prefer a gentler and less invasive fertility treatment.
Is Mini IVF cheaper than IVF?
In some cases, Mini IVF can cost less because fewer medications are used. However, if multiple cycles are needed, the overall cost may be similar to standard IVF.
In Vitro Fertilisation
How long does an IVF cycle take?
About 4–6 weeks, depending on your response to medications.
Does IVF hurt?
Most patients only experience mild discomfort during injections and bloating. Egg retrieval is done under sedation and is painless.
Do I need bed rest after IVF?
A few days of rest is recommended, but strict bed rest does not improve pregnancy chances.
What lifestyle changes can help IVF success?
Eat a balanced diet, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and stay positive.
Which IVF clinic has the highest success rates in Malaysia?
TMC Fertility is a pioneer in IVF, with among the highest success rates in Asia (65%–75%), supported by experienced fertility specialists and advanced lab facilities.
In Vitro Activation
Is IVA the same as IVF?
No. IVF uses eggs that are already mature, while IVA helps dormant eggs grow by activating ovarian tissue before IVF-like fertilisation steps.
Who benefits the most from IVA?
Women with POI or very low ovarian reserve who are otherwise unable to produce eggs for IVF.
Is the IVA procedure painful?
IVA is performed under anaesthesia with minimally invasive laparoscopy, so patients experience little to no pain. Some mild abdominal discomfort is normal after surgery.
Can IVA guarantee pregnancy?
No fertility treatment can guarantee pregnancy. IVA is still relatively new, and success rates are lower than conventional IVF, but it offers a chance where previously there was none.
Can I use my own eggs with IVA?
Yes, IVA enables the use of your own eggs rather than relying on donor eggs, which is a key advantage of this method.
Blastocyst Culture & Transfer
What is the difference between Day 3 and Day 5 embryo transfers?
Day 3 embryos have around 8–10 cells, while Day 5 blastocysts contain 70–100 cells and are more developed, improving the chances of implantation.
Does blastocyst transfer guarantee pregnancy?
No, but it increases the likelihood of success by transferring embryos that have shown stronger development.
How many blastocysts are usually transferred?
Typically one or two, to balance success rates with reducing the risk of multiple pregnancies.
Is blastocyst culture suitable for all IVF patients?
Not always. It is most beneficial for patients who produce multiple embryos. If only a few embryos are available, your doctor may recommend transferring them earlier.
Is the procedure painful?
No, the transfer is a simple and painless procedure that does not require anaesthesia.
Frozen Embryo Transfer
Is FET safer than fresh transfer?
Yes. Since hormone levels return to normal before transfer, FET may reduce risks such as OHSS and create a healthier environment for pregnancy.
How long can embryos remain frozen?
Embryos can be frozen safely for many years without affecting their quality.
Is the procedure painful?
No. FET is a quick and painless process performed without anaesthesia.
How soon after IVF can I do an FET?
You may choose to wait until your body has fully recovered from IVF, or delay for personal reasons. Your doctor will guide you on the optimal timing.
What are the chances of success with FET?
Success rates vary by age, health, and embryo quality. At advanced centres, FET success rates are on par with — or sometimes higher than — fresh transfers.
ICSI
How is ICSI different from IVF?
In IVF, sperm are placed with the egg and fertilisation occurs naturally. In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg, bypassing natural barriers.
Does ICSI increase the chance of twins or triplets?
No. The number of embryos transferred to the uterus determines the risk of multiple pregnancies, not the use of ICSI.
Is ICSI painful?
No. ICSI is performed on the eggs in the lab. For the patient, the process feels the same as a regular IVF cycle.
Is ICSI safe for the baby?
Yes. Millions of babies have been born worldwide through ICSI. While there may be slightly increased risks in specific cases, most ICSI pregnancies are healthy and safe.
Do all IVF patients need ICSI?
Not necessarily. ICSI is mainly used for couples with severe male infertility or fertilisation issues. For others, conventional IVF may be sufficient.
Surgical Sperm Retrieval
Is surgical sperm retrieval painful?
No, the procedures are performed under local anaesthesia or sedation, so discomfort is minimal. Some mild soreness may occur after the procedure.
How long does recovery take?
Most men recover within a few days and can return to normal activities quickly.
Will I need multiple procedures?
In many cases, enough sperm can be retrieved and frozen for use in future IVF/ICSI cycles. However, repeat procedures may be necessary if no viable sperm are found.
Which procedure is right for me – MESA, PESA, or TESE?
The choice depends on your diagnosis. MESA and PESA are usually used for blockages, while TESE is performed if sperm production is severely low. Your doctor will recommend the most suitable option.
Can sperm retrieved surgically be used for natural conception?
No. The sperm obtained is usually in very small numbers and lacks motility to achieve natural fertilisation. It is specifically used for assisted reproduction methods such as ICSI.