After almost a year here in Singapore, I consulted a urologist in one of the prominent urology and fertility center based in Mt. Elizabeth Hospital in Orchard Road. We did not expect it but it turned out that the doctor we went is one of the most notable fertility expert not only here in Singapore but also internationally. And of course, when in comes to medical field, a better credential means a higher fee.
After the usual check and interview, the doctor decided that he needed additional information. I had an ultrasound on my testicles which was later found as normal. In the words of the doctor, “You have a perfect testes!”. I had a sigh of relief and even the blood test is normal.
Of course, we also showed the doctor my past results and in the end and seeing that I had low sperm count in one of the tests while I have border line in the other, he recommended the following.
- Thrice-a-week swimming
- Vitamin Supplement
- User of boxer shorts (or none at all, yay!)
- Exercise and be active
I’ll be back after 3 months and may undergo additional tests. My wife needs to be checked also so that in case I’ll still have low sperm count, we’ll check the possibility of IUI and IVF. IVF is very expensive so I’m hoping the IUI will do. It’s simpler as what they’ll do is to simply inject my semen on my wife’s woumb. But that depends on the work-up.
And here’s the story behind the story.
It was VEERRYYYYYYYY EXPENSIVE!!! Damn so expensive here!
Here’s the breakdown of what we paid
First Consultation
- CONSULTATION (FIRST)—————SGD100.00
- LAB TEST (BLOOD)——————–SGD120.00
- ULTRASOUND————————-SGD220.50
- GST(7%)——————————SGD30.84
- TOTAL——————————–SGD471.34
Second Consultation
- CONSULTATION (REPEAT)————————SGD68.00
- EXSATIVA CAPLETS 812MG(FOOD SUPPLEMENT)-SGD168.00
- GST(7%)—————————————SGD15.96
- TOTAL—————————————-SGD243.96
The grand total is SGD715.30. Take note that our budget is only $150. On the first visit, we had to sacrifice the money that is set for payment for the credit card. That’s $320 on top of the $150 in cash that I had. What’s left on my atm is $130 which is set for payment for phone bills and the rest is for my allowance.
On the second visit, I only have $120 already. I said to myself that that would be enough as the consultation would only be $80 and probably medicine would only cost me $30. But to make sure, I asked my wife to transfer the money alloted for payment for utilities, cable and internet. You know, just to be sure. And when the bill came, my guess is wrong as it was more than twice my guess. So I asked the nurse to try my credit card which expectedly failed. With that, I again used my ATM(debit) card. What was left is only around $7 in the ATM(which I wouldn’t be able to withdraw) and two $2 bills. And since I am running late already, I took a cab going to the office. I took a gamble and paid via credit card ($17) and it was approved.
Damn!
And here’s anothe funny thing. The OB-GYNE wanted to see my wife to check her also. The OB-GYNE is the partner of my eurologist and he endorsed our case to her. You what I said? I told her, “Uhmnn… I think she’s not available for the rest of the month, we’ll check first and will email you later.” We never did or at least, not yet.
And so I ended up withdrawing all the money left in the bank. What I have there right now is $0.67. Haha. But Google will be sending our cheque next week so rescue is coming.