IVF Fertility Journey in Malaysia: From Infertility to Pregnancy

Key Takeaways

• Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples worldwide, and IVF offers a proven solution for many.
• Fertility rates in Malaysia are declining, making IVF more relevant than ever.
• Monash IVF KPJ Johor combines global expertise and local care, offering world-class fertility services across Southeast Asia.
• The IVF journey includes four key stages: consultation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, and embryo transfer.
• Fertility specialists customise your treatment plan, using options like ICSI and PGT to improve outcomes.
• Success depends on choosing the right clinic—advanced labs, experienced doctors, and emotional support matter.

According to the World Health Organization, infertility affects 1 in 6 couples globally, presenting both emotional and medical challenges. In Malaysia, many people are now choosing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) as a trusted fertility solution. 

Understanding the IVF process—what to expect at each stage—can alleviate uncertainty and build confidence during this journey. This guide walks you through IVF in Malaysia, including the care available from leading centres like Monash IVF KPJ Johor.

Preparing for IVF: Understanding the Journey Ahead

When your fertility specialist recommends IVF as part of your treatment plan, it’s important to consider the broader trends affecting fertility in Malaysia. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reports that the country recorded only 93,500 live births in Q1 2025, the lowest number ever recorded and an 11.5% drop from the previous year. 
According to a regional review published in Human Reproduction, up to 15% of couples in the Asia-Pacific region face infertility, with male-factor issues and PCOS increasingly recognised as key contributors.

With the total fertility rate remaining below the replacement level of 2.1 in most states, IVF is becoming an increasingly relevant path for many couples who hope to start a family.

Our Story Began with the First IVF Pregnancy

Monash IVF made history in 1973 by achieving the world’s first IVF pregnancy and again in 1980 with Australia’s first IVF baby—the third globally. Today, Monash IVF continues this groundbreaking legacy through its KPJ Johor Fertility Centre. Located in Johor Bahru, the centre serves patients across Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia, integrating international experience with exceptional local care.

What is IVF? Understanding the Process in Malaysia

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a medical procedure in which a woman’s egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body, in a laboratory setting. The fertilised egg (embryo) is later transferred into the uterus, with the goal of achieving pregnancy.

• Egg retrieval is done via a transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle.
  
• Sperm collection is usually performed through masturbation or prepared using donor sperm, depending on the couple’s needs.
  

Fertilisation is done in a lab by combining egg and sperm under controlled conditions.

Steps in the IVF Journey

Understanding each phase of the IVF process can help you feel more informed and prepared. Here’s a simplified overview of what to expect.

Step 1: Fertility Consultation and Ovarian Stimulation

The journey begins with a detailed consultation and fertility assessment. Your specialist will evaluate your health, explain your options, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Next, you’ll begin ovarian stimulation. Over 7–14 days, hormone injections help your body produce multiple eggs. You’ll attend several monitoring appointments to track follicle growth and determine the best time for egg collection.

Step 2: Egg Retrieval and Fertilisation

Once your eggs are ready, they’re collected through a minor procedure performed under sedation. On the same day, a sperm sample is prepared—either from a partner or donor.

In the lab, the eggs and sperm are combined for fertilisation. If needed, a technique called ICSI may be used to enhance fertilisation, especially in cases of male-factor infertility.

Step 3: Embryo Development and Transfer

Fertilised eggs (embryos) are monitored for 3–5 days until they reach the blastocyst stage. The healthiest embryos are selected for transfer into the uterus. Any remaining good-quality embryos may be frozen for future use.

The embryo transfer is a quick and painless procedure that doesn’t require anaesthesia.

Step 4: The Two-Week Wait and Pregnancy Testing

After the embryo transfer, there’s a 10–14 day waiting period before a pregnancy test can confirm if implantation was successful. This phase is often filled with anticipation and emotional ups and downs.

Your fertility team will schedule a blood test (beta-hCG) to determine pregnancy. During this time, emotional support—from your partner, loved ones, or a fertility counsellor—can make a big difference.

How Fertility Doctors in Malaysia Shape Your IVF Journey

Every IVF journey is unique. Fertility doctors in Malaysia critically shape your treatment—assessing factors like age, ovarian reserve, and reproductive history. They personalize care: recommending protocols such as ICSI, PGT, or FET as needed. Their expertise ensures continuous monitoring, clear communication, and adaptive adjustments throughout the entire cycle for the best possible outcomes.

Why Choosing the Right Fertility Centre Matters

Selecting a fertility centre with cutting-edge technology, clinical experience, and emotional support significantly influences IVF results. Institutions like Monash IVF KPJ Johor deliver:

• Advancements such as ICSI, PGT-A, and embryology lab-on-site (RTAC-certified)
  
• Comprehensive support—from counselling to follow-ups
  
• A legacy grounded in IVF milestones and patient satisfaction
  

These factors bring trust and assurance into an emotionally charged process.

Ready to take the next step? Reach out to our fertility team and start your journey with confidence.

Citations and References:

World Health Organization. 1 in 6 People Globally Affected by Infertility. April 4, 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2023-1-in-6-people-globally-affected-by-infertility 

Department of Statistics Malaysia. Malaysia Records Fewest Births Ever. The Star. May 14, 2025. Available at: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/05/14/interactive-malaysia-records-fewest-births-ever 

Boivin J, Bunting L, Collins JA, Nygren KG. International Estimates of Infertility Prevalence and Treatment-Seeking: Potential Need and Demand for Infertility Medical Care. June 2007. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article-abstract/22/6/1506/609340?redirectedFrom=fulltext