The fertilised egg is transferred to the woman’s uterus with the hope of establishing a successful pregnancy. IVF may be used to overcome female infertility caused by problems with the fallopian tubes, making in vitro fertilisation possible. It may also assist in male infertility, and in other cases of unexplained infertility or when all other approaches to fertility have failed.
When should you consider IVF?
IVF may be an option if you have been diagnosed with:
- Unexplained fertility problems.
- Abnormalities of your uterus or fallopian tubes.
- A very low sperm count or no sperm in your ejaculate.
- A genetic disorder.
- Endometriosis.
- Previous tubal ligation (ligation reversal may be an option instead of IVF).
How much does IVF cost?
The cost may also vary by clinic, geographic location, and everything that is needed for the procedure. IVF is an expensive procedure, and it doesn’t work for everyone.
It is also good to note that multiple births may occur with IVF.
Click here for a list of TOP Fertility Clinics in South Africa.
How do you prepare for IVF?
To prepare for IVF, you take fertility medications to prompt your ovaries to produce several mature eggs for fertilisation. Then, your eggs are collected and placed with sperm in an incubator. The resulting embryos are screened for abnormalities and then transferred to your uterus through your cervix during a nonsurgical procedure done under ultrasound guidance.
Once fertilisation has been confirmed, one or more embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus. Often, some embryos are frozen for future use if the IVF cycle is not successful or if pregnancy does not result from the first transfer.
If you have any questions about IVF, talk with your doctor.
How does IVF work?
In general terms, here’s how it works: You take medication that stimulates your ovaries to develop multiple eggs. The eggs are removed from your body and combined with sperm in a lab, to help the sperm fertilise the eggs. Then the fertilised egg (embryo) or eggs are transferred to a sterile container and put back into your body. Sometimes more than one embryo is transferred.
Once completed, an embryo transfer takes only a few minutes. Once the embryos are inside you, nature takes over.
Which medical aid covers IVF in South Africa?
The Assisted Reproductive Therapy Benefit provides cover for a defined list of female infertility procedures and treatments up to a Rand limit of R110 000 for each person, each year, subject to specific rules, says Discovery.
You may also wish to read: IVF In South Africa
