The Fertility Frontier | Dialogue with a Doctor: The O&G Specialist Clinic Founder and Medical Director Dr Loh Seong Feei

The O&G Specialist Clinic Founder and Medical Director Dr Loh Seong Feei

Dr Loh Seong Feei, Founder and Medical Director of The O&G Specialist Clinic

A Pioneer in Fertility Care

Before the recorder is even switched on and the formal questions begin, what strikes one most about Dr Loh Seong Feei is not his formidable résumé or decades of clinical experience, but his unhurried attentiveness.

Dr Loh has a formidable résumé indeed. Widely recognised as a pioneer in fertility care in Singapore, he is one of the founding doctors of the IVF unit at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH). He was the Medical Director at KKH and played a pivotal role in establishing KKIVF at Singapore’s leading women’s and children’s hospital.

Over his decades-long career, he has remained at the forefront of fertility treatments in Singapore.

Dr Loh Seong Feei at The O&G Specialist Clinic, a fertility and women’s health centre in Singapore.

Calm, Attentive and Reassuring

In our brief exchange prior to the interview, Dr Loh listened with the same focus one imagines he gives his patients – thoughtful, present, and quietly reassuring.

There is no rush to impress and no clinical detachment. Instead, there is a quiet attentiveness and a willingness to respond helpfully. Dr Loh speaks with the calm confidence of someone who has walked alongside countless couples through some of the most emotionally fraught chapters of their lives.

Dr Loh’s demeanour reflects a rare balance. He is a scientist deeply committed to innovation, yet also a clinician grounded in empathy.

As he shares small anecdotes about patients who refused to give up, and about how fertility medicine has evolved far beyond numbers and protocols, it becomes clear that his work is driven as much by human stories as by data.

To him, fertility is never abstract. It is personal, nuanced, and deeply intertwined with hope.

That ethos carries seamlessly into the conversation that follows. From his early motivations to the frontiers of reproductive medicine, Dr Loh speaks candidly about progress and the responsibility of guiding patients with honesty and compassion.

A Career in Reproductive Medicine

Good morning, Dr Loh. Thank you so much for hosting us. Let us begin by looking at your career as an obstetrics and gynaecologist specialising in fertility care. What inspired you to specialise in fertility and reproductive medicine?

Dr Loh Seong Feei:
Thank you for coming to my clinic for this interview.

Let me recall. My journey into fertility and reproductive medicine began years ago when I was a young gynaecologist deciding on sub-specialisation. I met an infertile couple who had endured multiple miscarriages.

Seeing their resilience and the transformative power of assisted reproductive technologies like IVF ignited something in me. At that point, I realised that it isn’t just about science; it is about restoring hope and building families.

This became the key motivation for me.

Founder and Medical Director Dr Loh Seong Feei demonstrating minimally invasive women’s health treatment.

Continuing to Pioneer Fertility Care

What motivates you to continue pioneering in this field, even after decades of experience?

LSF:
I have been in fertility care for over two decades now. What keeps me pioneering is the ever-evolving nature of reproductive medicine and the profound stories of my patients.

Many couples experience unique hardships and emotional turmoil during fertility treatment. Each case teaches me something new.

The motivation also comes from seeing barriers broken. This may be helping a couple in their 40s conceive after years of trying, or advancing treatments for conditions like PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, and low ovarian reserves that affect many Singaporean women.

Globally, infertility rates are rising due to lifestyle factors. Locally, with our ageing population, there is also a pressing need for accessible and innovative care.

Pioneering means staying at the forefront through research and collaboration, ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey.

Ultimately, what inspires me daily is the privilege of partnering with patients on their unique paths to parenthood.

A Patient-Centred Approach

How would you describe your approach to patient care?

LSF:
My approach is deeply patient-centred. I blend empathy with evidence-based medicine and state-of-the-art minimally invasive reproductive surgery to create tailored paths to parenthood.

I start by listening. It is important to understand not just the medical history of my patients, but also the emotional, cultural, and lifestyle factors unique to each individual or couple.

In Singapore’s fast-paced environment, where stress can impact fertility, I incorporate holistic elements such as nutrition counselling, psychological support, and mindfulness techniques alongside advanced treatments like IUI or IVF.

Collaboration is key. I work with a team of endocrinologists, counsellors, and geneticists to ensure comprehensive care.

Ultimately, it is about empowering my patients with knowledge, setting realistic expectations, and celebrating every step — big or small — toward their family goals.

The O&G Specialist Clinic Founder and Medical Director Dr Loh Seong Feei at his Singapore women’s health clinic.

When Patients Face Repeated Fertility Challenges

How would you approach patients who have failed to conceive after multiple tries?

LSF:
For patients who have faced repeated conception failures, my first step is always empathy. Infertility can feel isolating, and it is important to validate the frustration and grief that many patients experience.

We then begin with a thorough review of previous treatments. This may include reassessing diagnostics or incorporating advanced testing such as genetic screening or endometrial receptivity analysis.

If standard IVF cycles have not worked, we may explore personalised protocols. These can include adjusting hormone regimens or considering adjunct therapies like acupuncture.

We may also explore alternatives such as reproductive surgery to improve natural fertility. Newer approaches like intra-ovarian platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are also being studied.

I recently saw a patient who had two failed IVF cycles and low ovarian reserves. Her first IVF cycle at another clinic produced only four oocytes, with no fertilisation. She also had an endometriotic cyst and a fibroid.

I performed minimally invasive surgery to remove both the cyst and fibroid. I also performed intra-ovarian PRP to help activate dormant follicles and improve egg quality.

She later conceived and delivered a healthy baby girl.

A few months after her first delivery, she began trying again. After one year without success, she returned to the clinic requesting another PRP treatment.

Four months after the procedure, she conceived again.

Throughout situations like these, psychological support is also important. Counselling and support groups can help patients cope emotionally.

The goal is hope grounded in realism.

Dr Loh Seong Feei performing ultrasound-guided gynaecological procedure at The O&G Specialist Clinic.

New Developments in Fertility Medicine

Are there any recent developments or trends in fertility that you find particularly exciting?

LSF:
I am particularly excited about the legislation allowing egg freezing in Singapore.

Almost daily, we see older patients with low ovarian reserves and a reduced chance of conceiving. Egg freezing at a younger age allows women to preserve healthier eggs until they are ready to start a family.

For many patients, this legislation is very welcome news.

I am also excited about the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in embryo selection during IVF. Tools such as time-lapse imaging combined with AI algorithms can help predict embryo viability more accurately.

Another promising development is pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. This helps identify chromosomally abnormal embryos and can reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Research into ovarian rejuvenation using platelet-rich plasma or stem cells is also ongoing. These developments are exciting because they move fertility treatment toward more precise and patient-friendly science.

Research and Innovation

Are there areas of research or innovation that you are exploring?

LSF:
I am currently exploring the regenerative potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for patients with poor prognosis. This includes those with premature ovarian insufficiency or low ovarian reserve.

Recent studies suggest PRP may stimulate follicular development, boost angiogenesis, and improve implantation rates.

At the same time, I continue refining reproductive surgery techniques. These include minimally invasive approaches such as hysteroscopic adhesiolysis and laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis.

Looking ahead, I hope to integrate artificial intelligence into these areas. Predictive models may help us better understand surgical outcomes and treatment success.

Founder and Medical Director Dr Loh Seong Feei at The O&G Specialist Clinic, Singapore.

The Future of Fertility Care in Singapore

How do you see fertility care evolving in Singapore over the next 5–10 years?

LSF:
Over the next decade, fertility care in Singapore will likely become more personalised and more technology-driven.

Artificial intelligence and genetic testing may become routine in IVF treatments. At the same time, newer treatments such as PRP therapy may gain wider acceptance.

Minimally invasive reproductive surgery will also continue to advance, making procedures safer and recovery faster.

The elective egg freezing programme will likely become more widely accepted as well. This will empower more Singaporeans to plan their families while reducing stigma around infertility.

A Bridge Between Science and Dreams

If you could describe your work in one sentence, what would it be?

LSF:
I would say that I am a bridge between cutting-edge science, state-of-the-art reproductive surgery, and people’s dreams — helping hopeful parents turn fertility challenges into joyful family stories.

Dr Loh Seong Feei at The O&G Specialist Clinic reception in Singapore.

Clearing Up Misunderstandings About Fertility

What is one common misunderstanding that patients or the public have about fertility that you would like to clarify?

LSF:
One common misunderstanding is that infertility is rare or solely a woman’s issue. In reality, infertility affects one in six couples globally.

In about 40% of cases, male factors are involved.

Another misconception is that infertility in poor prognosis cases — such as advanced age or low ovarian reserve — is untreatable.

This is not always true. Newer treatments such as PRP therapy and improved reproductive surgery techniques are opening new possibilities for patients.

Early evaluation and personalised care can make a significant difference.

Life Beyond Medicine

Outside of medicine, what inspires you or helps you stay grounded?

LSF:
Outside my practice, my family plays an important role. Spending time with my children and grandchildren reminds me why I do this work.

I also enjoy skiing and gardening. Watching flowers bloom in my garden or fish swimming in my pond brings me peace.

Skiing, on the other hand, clears my mind and helps me return to work refreshed.

Reading historical biographies also inspires me. Many of these stories show how persistence can lead to breakthroughs.

These activities help me stay balanced so I can bring fresh energy to my patients every day. PRIME

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