Dr Cathryn Chan is an obstetrician, gynaecologist and IVF clinician with over 30 years of experience in reproductive medicine and infertility, practising within SMG Women’s Health. She was previously part of the IVF team at the Centre for Assisted Reproduction (CARE) at Singapore General Hospital and is an accredited IVF clinician. Her clinical interests include egg freezing, fertility preservation, ovulatory disorders, PCOS and tubal factor infertility.
Clinical focus
Egg freezing and fertility preservation.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS, MRCOG (UK), as publicly listed.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: SMG Women's Health (see our clinic listing) — Novena
Getting to the clinic
Dr Cathryn Chan practises within SMG Women’s Health in the Novena area, Singapore’s main private medical district. The most convenient public-transport option is the MRT to Novena station (NS20) on the North-South Line, which sits beside the Novena medical cluster. From the station, the surrounding medical buildings are a short, largely sheltered walk, and the area is well served by taxis and ride-hailing.
- By MRT: alight at Novena (NS20); the medical buildings are within a short walk.
- By bus: a number of routes serve Novena and Thomson Road, with stops near the medical centres.
- By car or taxi: the Novena medical buildings have drop-off points and paid parking, and taxi or ride-hailing pick-up is straightforward.
As SMG Women’s Health operates at more than one location, confirm the exact address of your appointment with the clinic before travelling.
What egg freezing and fertility preservation covers
Fertility preservation is about keeping open the option of having a biological child in the future. Egg freezing, also called oocyte cryopreservation, is a central part of this. Eggs are collected after a course of hormonal stimulation and then frozen for later use. Fertility preservation is relevant for people who wish to defer parenthood, and for those whose fertility may be affected by medical treatment or particular health conditions.
- Egg freezing, including assessment of suitability and ovarian reserve.
- Embryo freezing for couples who wish to preserve fertility together.
- Assessment and management of ovulatory disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Evaluation of tubal-factor and other causes of infertility.
- In-vitro fertilisation and related assisted-reproduction techniques where appropriate.
An important part of fertility preservation is honest discussion of what the process can and cannot promise. The number and quality of eggs collected, and a person’s age at the time of freezing, all influence the realistic chances of a future pregnancy. A good consultation sets these expectations clearly so that decisions are well informed.
What to expect at a consultation
A first consultation usually opens with a detailed history covering your menstrual cycle, general and reproductive health, any previous pregnancies or treatment, and your reasons for considering fertility preservation. The specialist will discuss your goals and timeline. An ultrasound scan is commonly performed to look at the ovaries and count the follicles, and blood tests may be arranged to assess ovarian reserve and hormone levels.
The specialist will then explain what the process of egg or embryo freezing involves, from hormonal stimulation and monitoring through to egg collection, along with realistic expectations based on your assessment. Where a condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome or another fertility issue is identified, this is discussed too, and the options are set out so that you can decide on the best path.
Preparing for your appointment
Helpful items to bring include:
- Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous scans, blood results and any earlier fertility investigations.
- A current list of medications and supplements, including dosages.
- Dates of recent menstrual cycles, or a cycle-tracking record if you keep one.
- A written list of questions, including any concerns about timing, the process and future use of frozen eggs or embryos.
After your consultation and follow-up
If you decide to proceed with egg or embryo freezing, the specialist will arrange the treatment cycle, which involves a period of monitoring with scans and blood tests before egg collection. Reports and results are reviewed with you so you understand the outcome of each step. Frozen eggs or embryos are stored for future use, and the clinic will explain the storage arrangements.
Continuity of care is helpful, as you may return in future when you are ready to use stored eggs or embryos. You are always entitled to a second opinion. After egg collection, seek urgent help if you develop severe abdominal pain, marked bloating, breathlessness or significant discomfort, as these may indicate ovarian hyperstimulation, an uncommon but recognised complication.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private clinician, an appointment can usually be made without a referral, although a GP or polyclinic letter may help with subsidies at public clinics. For eligible assisted-reproduction treatment, MediSave may be used within set withdrawal limits, and MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan may apply to certain approved procedures; consultations and storage fees are generally out of pocket. As costs and storage charges vary, confirm them directly with the clinic.
Common questions
At what age should I consider egg freezing?
Generally, freezing eggs at a younger age tends to yield more and better-quality eggs, but the right time depends on your circumstances. A consultation with ovarian-reserve testing helps you weigh the decision.
Does egg freezing guarantee a future pregnancy?
No. It preserves an option, but it does not guarantee a pregnancy later. The realistic chances depend on factors such as your age and the number and quality of eggs frozen.
What does the egg-freezing process involve?
It typically involves a course of hormonal injections to stimulate the ovaries, monitoring with scans and blood tests, and then a short procedure to collect the eggs, which are frozen and stored.
Can frozen eggs be stored long-term?
Frozen eggs can be stored for future use, and the clinic will explain its storage arrangements and any applicable conditions. Confirm the specifics with the clinic.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of fertility & reproductive medicine specialists in Singapore and our shortlist of fertility clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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