IVF IN THE UNITED STATES (II)

According to a 2006 survey by the Genetics and Public Policy Center at John Hopkins University, there are 415 ivf clinics in the United States.

Faced with such a daunting number, anyone considering ivf treatment in the US can certainly do with careful guidance because the choice of clinic plays a large, if not most important part in determining the final outcome of fertility treatment. In fact it is the belief of Rhonda Levy, that had she been well informed (at the time of her own ivf treatment) as to the choices she had, she would have achieved conception in the very first cycle of her ivf treatment. She has this to say:

"Although I was finally the mother I so desperately longed to be, I could not erase the horror of our long struggle from my thoughts. What troubled me most was the naiveté of my early assumption that I could place my faith in my physicians to guide me through the maze. I now understood that I had been handicapped because I did not know what I did not know: that there was an enormous disparity between the best and worst of the more than 400 fertility clinics in the United States, and that the vast majority offered low or only average odds for success with assisted reproduction. Unless a couple had the good fortune to find themselves in treatment at a superior clinic, they would be more likely to spend more time, more money, and to suffer significantly greater heartache than necessary. Reproductive medicine had become one of the most lucrative industries in medical history and its landscape was littered with dangerous landmines."
PLEASE CLICK BELOW TO READ HER FULL STORY:

http://www.rhondalevy.com/mystory.htm

IVF IN THE UNITED STATES

SOURCE: ANSWERS.GOOGLE.COM
United States

The Costs According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine: the average cost of an IVF cycle in the U.S. is $ 12,400. “This price will vary depending on where you live, the amount of medications you're required to take, the number of IVF cycles you undergo, and the amount your insurance company will pay toward the procedure. You should thoroughly investigate your insurance company's coverage of IVF and ask for a written statement of your benefits. Although some states have enacted laws requiring insurance companies to cover at least some of the costs of infertility treatment, many states haven't.” “Also be aware that some carriers will pay for infertility drugs and monitoring, but not for the cost of IVF or other artificial reproductive technology. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association publishes a booklet called the "Infertility Insurance Advisor," which provides tips on reviewing your insurance benefits contract.”RESOLVE's website is at www.resolve.org. Success Rates “Success rates for IVF vary depending on a number of factors,including the reason for infertility, where you're having the procedure done, and your age. The CDC compile national statistics forall assisted reproductive technology procedures performed in the U.S.The statistics group together all procedures that constitute assisted reproduction technology (ART), including IVF, GIFT and ZIFT, although IVF is by far the most common.” The most recent report from 2000 found: “Successful pregnancy was achieved in 30.7% of all cycles. About 69% of the cycles carried out did not produce a pregnancy. Less than 1% of all cycles resulted in an ectopic pregnancy. About 11% of these pregnancies involved multiple fetuses. About 83% of pregnancies resulted in a live birth. About 17% of pregnancies resulted in miscarriage, induced abortion, or a stillbirth.”

IVF IN THE UNITED KINGDOM (II) DR.TARANISSI'S ARGC

THE medical establishment doesn’t much like Mohammed Taranissi. He’s not too keen on them, either.
Depending on which side of the debate you’re on, he is seen as either a maverick or a miracle worker.
But the founder of London’s Assisted Reproduction And Gynaecology Centre is happy to be judged by his record.
He says 10,000 of his patients have had babies after having treatment at his clinic.

RAIDS ON HIS CLINICS

E PETITIONS FOR HIM SOURCE: IPETITIONS.COM

Tricia Mullen:
I found Mr T and his team to be highly professional, never was i pushed into taking unwanted treatments. Regarding IVIG I was informed this was a theory based treatment and that currently there was no research to back up this treatment, i consented to the treatment. I believe Mr T's stats speak for themselves. I do not believe Mr T cherry pick patients whilst having my treatment i met other ladies (patients) who had previously had many failed cycles at other clinics and Mr T did not turn them away as if they were a bad bet they received all there treatment at the upper wimpole clinic like me. I thank Mr T and his team for my lovely 8 week old daughter.

Anonymous:
I am due to start treatment at the ARGC next week. I made this decision after weeks and weeks of my own investigations.

KIRSTEN LANG:
I have written a rather large complaint to BBC tonight saying exactly what I think of their " witch hunt " and their unbalanced reports. To say I am disgusted is an understatement and it's not good for my blood pressure as I'm 7 months pregnant thanks to Mr. T and his team. 5 years of trying unsuccessfully and 1st time with ARGC... We're all with you.

Anonymous:
I have only ever heard positive things about Mr T. He has brought joy to many in helping to create their special miracles. Long may he keep up the good work.

Simon Bone:
Well, Robert Winston has sunk to a new low ... disgusting (& very bad acting). Thank you Mr T for my son.

ann turner:
I was very happy with my treatment at argc Thanks to mr Taranissi I have a wonderful son

robina bashir:
I am appalled and disgusted at this biased programme,the majority of us have had experiences at other clinics who happily took our money with no result. i am sitting here with my 1 week old baby tonight thank you Mr T.

CARMELA SIDERAS:
THIS IS A DISGRACE MR T SHOULD BE GIVEN HELP NOT HOUNDED. PURE WITCH HUNT. ARE THEY GOING TO INVESTIGATE THE OTHER CLINICS WHO OFFER THE SAME TREATMENTS?

R Phillips:
I only wish my consultant was as forward thinking and dedicated as Mr Taranissi appears to be.

Anonymous:
I am apalled by the biased editing of tonight's Panarama programme. Having had 4 failed cycles at a previous clinic where the treatment is 'one size fits all' the treatment offered by ARGC is tremendous with twice daily tests & different drugs to adapt to your particular circumstances. I know that anyone who has had treatment at anywhere other than ARGC & then gone to ARGC will fully endorse my views. This programme simply portrays the deep jealousy of other fertility experts who cannot come even close the the ARGC stats & stop at no lengths to cause scandal & attempt to ruin Mr Taranasi's reputation. Anybody who has any comprehension of the pain & suffering of not only infertility, but being at the hands of a poor, second rate provincial clinic, will simply dismiss this programme as utter nonsence & will continue to seek the treatment of a dedicated team who provide patients with a real chance of allowing their dream of becoming mothers to become true. If the programme really seeks to uncover the scandalous state of IVF treatment in the UK, the perhaps their time would be better spent carrying out a serious investigation of regional IVF centres, that at best deliver a 22% success rate, whilst relieving their patients of £4,000 per cycle. I would politely suggest that if there is any inappropriate treatment it is carried out in these clinics. It is also worth noting that at least 1 member of your 'impartial' panel has a vested interest in 1 such clinic

Sarah Murrin:
I chose the ARGC because the HFEA advertised the high success rates, not the clinic itself! I was given a registration pack, which clearly asks for a referral from your GP (you can't just walk in off the street as Panorama suggest). I am starting treatment at the end of the month as I have gone through monitoring and I am happy with the clinic. They offered me the immune blood test which I decided not to have, but they didn't force the issue.

Katie Conway:
Mr. T fufilled my dream of becoming a mother. Never at anytime did I find Mr. T or any staff at the ARGC unprofessional or unsupportive.

Anonymous:
Those that fling accusations at Mr Taranissi should remember that it wasn't so long ago that IVF was also unproven - where would we be today if they had listened to the sceptics? Once again, this country does its' damndest to quash innovation, for the sake of a few shocking headlines. We have had two failed ICSI cycles at one of the top five UK clinics where everything appeared to run smoothly, but still they failed. With dual infertility including PCOS and anti-sperm antibodies, surely it's not inconceivable to consider a potential immunological issue? Don't criticise unless you can explain results of over 55% - ARGC has been the top clinic in the UK since 1995 - he must be doing something right! As for using ARGC - we will still do so - I am far more likely to belive the testimonials of thos couples who have finally been successful at ARGC after numerous unsuccessful treatments elsewhere. Why no investigation into the clinics who offer hope, take our money but don't get the results?

Marie:
Thank you Mr T for Matthew (age 2 - first IVF) and another due in May. You never misled me or suggested anything other than "normal" ICSI (my husband has absence of the vas deferens) and have treated my husband and I with respect over the years. We are forever grateful to you.

Nikki Leimer:
Without Mr Taranissi I wouldn't be sitting here looking at my little girl playing happily with her toys. He gave us a chance that no other doctor in this country could or would do - he helped us professionally, emotionally and financially with our treatment - he is a truly wonderful man.

Cheryl Popham:
The biased, unjust, totally one sided programme only confounded my respect and trust for Mr Taranissi and his team.

Karen Randall:
I didn't recognise the description of Mr T or ARGC in Panorama's programme. It seems to me that the other IVF 'professionals' were themselves lacking in integrity. Had Prof Winston forgotten that he featured the ARGC doing successful IViG in his recent documentary 'A Child against the Odds'? The ARGC is the best. That is the problem - it causes jealousy and suspicion. Mr T gave me a 1% chance of getting pregnant but left it to my husband and I to decide if 1% was worth it for us. He treated us as intelligent adults able to make that decision. Just as he treated the 26 year old as an adult in the programme last night. If she had been trying for 12 months and preferred to go for treatment then that's HER choice. We don't all want to wait 2 years to see if it happens naturally, and it is disingenuous of the professionals to suggest that GPs don't refer to ACU Departments after a year because I know they do! And when you get there what happens? They talk about chlomid, IUI, HSGs, laparoscopies, hysteroscopies and IVF. Just as ARGC did. Good for ARGC for allowing us patients the right to make our own decisions. I thank god we didn't have endless counselling and ethics committee hoops to jump through - infertility is bad enough without the paternalism that goes with it so often. Not least from the likes of Prof Winston et al. The ARGC didn't help me have a baby - I did that via surogacy in the end - but they did help me explore all avenues that I wanted to and they helped me move on and away from IVF at the right time for me. THANK YOU for that! I hope they keep on doing what they do best - helping people have babies in the most successful way available. Yes, that costs money. Yes it's worth it.

Anonymous:
Dr Taranissi and his team have been nothing short of dedicated and professional. They have performed miracles and brought lots of joys to many families who have been trying for a baby. My husband and I were successful in our first attempt at IVF and we were never once coerced at any point and were given lots of time to make our decision.

ALLISON RYDER:
The treatment I recieved by Mr Taranissi and the whole team at the ARGC was exceptional compared to my previous experiences when I have felt exploited both emotionally and finacially (my own personal opinion). I was never given any additional treatments or investigations that were not necessary and the Clinic did everything possible to reduce costs (allowing me to buy drugs daily to avoid waste). The programme was biased no comparisions have been made with other IVF clinics. I will not hestitate to have a further cycle under his care and will continue to recommend the ARGC.

Ruth Heaffey:
I am sitting here with my 7 week old daughter next to me, thanks to Mr Taranissi. I took steroids and had ivig and maybe I wouldnt have her if I hadnt have made the decision to go through with those things. I am glad I did. No one made me, it was my choice, Mr Taranissi offered me a way to have my dream - her name is Grace Rose - and I will always be in support of him. He may be the richest doctor in england, but is he off on holiday all the time spending that money - no - everyday he is at work 24/7 - 365 days a year - that says it all about his commitment. Ruth Heaffey

victoria perratt:
The panorama programme and the BBC should be ashamed at the quality of its investigative journalism.

Lucy McCabe:
I had 4 treatments at another clinic that did not work. 2 years later (and older) Mr T got me pregnant 1st time. It is other fertility clinics, with Docs that barely spend 2 days a week in their clinic, that are ripping patients of by putting them through the same production line time after time. Shame on the HFEA for raiding the clinic on the day of the Panorama program - do they not think that IVF couples go through enough pain. What have the HFEA done for me? How about asking other clinics why their success rates are so appallingly low, how come they have so many instances of OHSS etc etc Finally I hope that the image of the other so called experts on last nights program - gigglying like bulllying school children round a table at Mr T efforts - will come to haunt them

Anna Franklin:
As an IVF patient although not at ARGC I was incensed by the one-sided reporting of the Panorama. It made the assumption that we are all vunerable, ill informed idiots who need protecting, whereas the majority are intellingent, educated individuals capable of making their own decision. The proof of Mr Taranassi's hard work and dedication is the thousands of babies born to women who had almost lost hope of ever being a mother. Unless you have experienced the pain of infertility first hand, please do not try to decide for me what is best.

Louise Holden:
I am disgusted by the biased programme aired by panorama last night that offended the very delicacy of my nature. I am seething that a show normally held with high regard would tarnish not only itself by twisting it lies and using a panel of jealous ridden so called experts to destroy the man who has completed so many peoples lives. I honestly feel that because of his high results a pack of bitter not as successfull jackals are trying to drag him down.

Joanna Murphy:
I am upset and angry at the way in which both the HFEA and the BBC have bullied Mr. Taranissi. I feel it is a case of him being a victim of his own success, which is as a result of hard work and dedication and nothing else. He is a tall poppy who stands out and people are jealous of his success. As a patient of his I am so sad that he may not be able to continue to help couples achieve their dreams as he did with me.

arlene anderson:
there are two other clinics ranked top by hfea,why aren they investigated as they offer the same controversial treatment. this is a travesty. ask the patients what they tink if Mr T is tobe sut down.

Simi Treanor:
This clinic really tailor makes each individual treatment for each patient. They are a hard work and dedicated team. Why are they being portrayed as result fixing money grabbing people. It is simply not true.

Charlotte Nicholl:
ARGC is still most definitely on my list of options for future treatment. Get some additional help to sort your administration and the licencing problems out, so you can concentrate on doing what you do best - making dreams come true.

Anonymous:
Mr T and his ARGC team are amazingly dedicated, and the work they do to help couples like us is second to none. This was a total stitch-up and the BBC should be ashamed of itself.

Anonymous:
Mr T has our support 100%. We can't believe that the media are doing this and trying to close such a great and successful clinic down that has made so many couples dreams come true.

Anonymous:
I am deeply upset about the way Mr T has been treated and potrayed by the BBC. This is a man who has made the dreams of many women come true - women who have been to a number of fertility clinincs in Endland and have failed. This reeks of irresponsible journalism (I am surprised at the BBC producing something like this) and professional jealousy. Could it also be that he is a succesful non-english doctor?!

Anonymous:
Even though I have had 3 failed ICSI cycles at ARGC, I cannot praise Mr T highly enough for his dedication and hard work. There are things at the clinic that could do with changing, but the panorama program was totally biased and focussed on the perceived negatives. What about all the hard work and good the clinic does ? What about an investigation into the HFEA and what value they really add ? What other countries have such a strict regulatory body that ties the hands of the expert and the paying patient and charges them for the privilege ? Its no wonder the UK's success rates are amongst the lowest. Another example of bureaucrats and ignorance getting in the way of science and people's happiness.

Catherine Steele:
Without this clinic hundreds of women would never have achieved their dream of having a child. Thank you to Mr T and all your team for our beautiful daughter conceived during our first attempt at IVF. The BBC and the HFEA should be ashamed of themselves for their handling of this matter.

Ersilia Franklin:
I think its disgusting how the BBC have percieved Mr Taranissi. He is a wonderful man and is totally dedicated to his patients. He works 365 days a year from 7am till late what other doctor would be as dedicated as him.

Louise Archer:
This sort of biased, sensationalist and unfair programming is outrageous. It is certainly not in the public interest of ARGC patients and staff. To see such a sensitive and complex issue as IVF handled in this brutal, simplistic and unfair way is frankly irresponsible and cruel. After the BBC and HfEA have got their 30 minutes of sensational airtime, it will be the patients and staff who are left with the pain of struggling on in even more difficult circumstances. As if it wasn't tough enough for us already.

Hanne Berit Boffey:
Having used another clinic earlier, it was an enormous positive change to be treated by the ARGC. The investigation and monitoring prior to and follow-up during treatment to optimise outcome of the cycle is brilliant, and I believe their success is as much due to this as anything else.

Anonymous:
Feel Panorama programme grossly unfair and biased - think there are a few hidden agendas between certain individuals. Personally owe the birth of my beautiful 3 year old son to Mr Taranissi. Will defend him and his procedures to the hilt.

Anonymous:
I am 100% behind Mr T, and fully support his team of very dedicated workers. Please stay strong and keep going you are doing a wonderful job !

IVF IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

SOURCE: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4572377.stm
Fertility success gulf revealed

Fertility treatment success rates vary widely from clinic to clinic, according to the first comprehensive guide to be published on services in the UK.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority's publication on 85 clinics shows the average success rate for IVF for women under 35 to be just 27.6%.

But some centres achieve more than twice this rate.
HFEA chairwoman Suzi Leather said the guide aimed to help couples struggling to conceive to make informed choices.

She said many felt "left in the dark" about the treatment choices available to them at what could be a "difficult and emotional" time.

She said: "With one in seven people having some difficulty conceiving - almost 3.5m people across the UK - there is clearly a need for straightforward, independent information about infertility, its causes and the treatment options.

"Our guide is designed to cut through the jargon and complex science behind hi-tech fertility treatments to explain the causes of infertility, the possible treatments available and then give detailed information to let people make informed choices about the options available for them."

GPs lack information
Ms Leather said two out of five GPs had told the HFEA that they did not have enough information about fertility services.

"With treatment costing many thousands of pounds, it is right that the people paying for the treatment - the individual or the NHS - should get a proper sense of what they are paying for," she said.

The guide breaks down individual results according to the age of the women treated, showing success rates to be higher for younger women.
And Ms Leather pointed out that clinics specialising in treating younger women would be more likely to achieve high levels of success.

But she added that this alone could not account for the wide differences in success levels between clinics.

She told BBC News it was most likely that some clinics were simply "better" at delivering treatment, with more highly skilled embryologists.

Among the more successful clinics is London's Assisted Reproduction and Gynaecology Centre, which has a 59% success rate among women under 35 undergoing IVF using fresh eggs.

The guide reveals the most common age for women receiving IVF treatment to be 35.

It also indicates that 8,800 babies (1.5% of all births) are now born every year by IVF, 3,650 every year are born by intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and many more thorough other assisted reproductive technology (ART).

The guide is available as an online, interactive version which allows patients to enter their details and receive tailored information about services and treatments in their area.

Infertility Network UK, a support group, said many people were still unable to access NHS treatment despite guidelines published last year which called for patients to be offered at least one full IVF cycle on the NHS.

Thus it was important that comprehensive information was available to help patients make the right choice for them.

Professor Alison Murdoch, of the British Fertility Society, said: "More and more couples are now coming to fertility clinics and many clinics take on couples who have really quite difficult fertility problems, which may be reflected in individual clinics' performance indicators.

"Infertility is a common medical condition, and the important challenge for the NHS now is to expand the level of fertility treatment available to those unable to have children through natural conception." Shadow Health
Secretary Andrew Lansley accused the government of ignoring guidelines to redress the restricted availability of fertility services.

HOW THE CLINICS FARED
IVF cycles resulting in live births
Clinic
NHS/Private
Live birth rates (%)


Assisted Reproduction and Gynaecology Centre, London
Both (NHS/Private)
58.5%

Woking Nuffield Hospital
Private
48.1 %

Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Gateshead
Both (NHS/Private)
43.4 %

Essex Fertility Centre, Buckhurst Hill
Private
39.5 %

UCH, London
Private
38.5%

Cromwell IVF and Fertility Centre, Swansea
Private
36.4%

Leicester Fertility Centre
Both (NHS/Private)
17.5 %

Cromwell IVF and Fertility Centre, London
Private
17.0 %

Brentwood Fertility Centre, Essex
Private
14.9%

Esperance Private Hospital, Eastbourne
Both (NHS/Private)
14.0%

St Mary's Hospital, Manchester
NHS
13.2 %

Willow Suite, Thames Valley Nuffield Hospital, Slough
Private
10.3 %

Source: HFEA (2005)

IVF IN ASIA: INDIA

The cost of medical care in India is very low when compared to that in many western countries. India has a vast reservoir of skilled doctors. Many of them have proved their mettle in the US and UK and returned to India to work in hospitals here. The caliber of other doctors practicing in India is high.

IVF IN AFRICA: SOUTH AFRICA (II)

PREGNANCYMD.ORG INFERTILITY SPECIALISTS

*Cape Fertility Clinic
Newlands Surgical Clinic
Suite 204
Main Road
Claremont, 7700
Tel: +27 21 674 2081 or 674 2088
Fax: +27 21 671 2709

e-mail: wisheyl@iafrica.com
Dr K Wiswedel
Dr S Heylen
*Centre for assisted Reproduction and Embryology
Westville Hospital
Suite 2 & 8
Spine Road
Westville
Durban
Tel: +27 31 265 1066
Fax: +21 31 265 1067

e-mail: anrika@iafrica.com
Dr Anil Ramdeo
Chelmsford Medical Centre
St Augustines Hospital
107 Chelmsford Road
Berea 4001
Durban
Tel: +27 31 202 7563
Fax: +27 31 201 7720

e-mail: jhansen@ispace.co.za
Dr J N Hansen
Femina Clinic
1st Floor
460 Belvedere Road
Arcadia
Pretoria
Tel: +27 12 323 6993
Fax: +27 12 323 6993

e-mail: pentz@gedi.co.za
Dr J Pentz
Groote Schuur Hospital Fertility Unit
Maternity Wing
Anzio Road
Observatory, 7925
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 404 6027
Fax: +27 21 448 6921
Dr S Dyer
Gynomed Clinic
Wilgeheuwel Hospital
Suite 11, Amplifier Road
Radiokop, Roodepoort
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 794 1941 or 794 2408
Fax: +21 11 794 2987

e-mail: lindeque@gynomed.co.za
Dr H Lindeque
Dr K Groenewald
Dr Labaschagne
Dr Potgeiter
Medfem Clinic
1st Floor
Cnr. Peter Place & Nursery Road
Bryanston 2021
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 463 2244
Fax: +27 11 463 1875

e-mail: medfem@medfem.co.za
Dr J van Schouwenberg
Dr J van Rensberg
Dr A Rodreguiz
Nordica Fertility Centre
PRETORIA EAST HOSPITAL
Room 12
Garsfontein Drive
Morletta Park
Tel: +27 12 998 8854/5
Fax: +27 12 998 8856

e-mail: fertinor@mweb.co.za
Dr M Trouw
Nordica Fertility Centre
LENMED
Suites C14-16, Lenmed Clinic
Marlin Ave
Ext 9 Lenasia
Tel: +27 11 852 1454
Fax: +27 11 852 1455
Dr M I Cassim
Nordica Fertility Centre
BRENTHURST CLINIC
West Wing, Upper Level
4 Parklane Parktown
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 484 5119 or 484 5168
Fax: + 27 11 484 5180

e-mail: info@nordicafertilityclinics.co.za
Dr M I Cassim
Pan Lab Fertility Clinic
Panarama Medi Clinic
Room 118
Rothchild Boulevard
Parow, 7500
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 930 4433
Fax: +27 21 930 8348

e-mail: rvs@mweb.co.za
Dr T De Villiers
Dr V Hulme
Park Lane Infertility Centre
11 Park Lane cnr Junction Ave
2nd Floor
Park Town
Johannesburg
Dr Alan Adno
Tel: +27 11 642 4961/2/3
Fax: +27 11 642 4908
Dr Herman Netshidvhan
Tel: +27 11 480 4143
Fax: +27 11 480 4316
Port Elizabeth Fertility Clinic
The Stables
St Georges Hospital
Port Elizabeth
Tel: +27 41 374 1134
Fax: +27 41 373 8541

e-mail: pdal@iafrica.com
Dr P Dalmeyer
Pretoria Academic Fertility Unit
Maternity Ward
Private Bag X169
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 12 354 6209
Fax: + 27 12 354 6093

e-mail: chuyser@medic.up.ac.za
Dr Liz Radloff
TYGERBERG REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY UNIT
3rd Floor
Tygerberg Hospital
Durbanville
Cape Towm
Tel: +27 21 938 4446
Fax: +27 21 933 3084

e-mail: tfk@gerga.sun.ac.za
Prof. T Kruger
Dr J P van der Merwe
UNIVERSITY OF THE ORANGE FREE STATE, DPT OF OBSTETRICS &
GYNAECOLOGY, IVF
PO Box 11484
Universitas
9521 Bloemfontein
Tel: + 27 51 405 3444
Fax: +27 51 444 0299
Prof P Wessels
Dr J Nortje
VITALAB
Linksfield Park Clinic 12th Avenue Linksfield West Orangegrove
Johannesburg Tel: + 27 11 640 5049
Fax: +27 11 640 4092

e-mail: info@vitalab.co.za
Dr M Jacobson
Dr L Gobetz
Dr W Kuchenbecker
WILGERS CLINIC
Room 10, Medi Centre
Lynwood Road
Willows
Pretoria
Tel: +27 12 807 0232
Fax: +27 12 807 29 37
Dr C Niemandt

IVF IN AFRICA: SOUTH AFRICA

Frustrated with the high cost of medical care and by insurance companies that don't cover elective procedures such as IVF, medically savvy consumers are driving a new trend known as medical tourism. The total price of an overseas treatment—with airfare, accommodations, and even a few days of vacation tacked on (IVF SAFARI) is often far less than the procedure by itself would cost in Britain and the United States.

SOUTH AFRICA'S IVF CLINICS:

*Vitalab Fertility Clinic
Dr. Volschenk, Dr. Jacobsen, Dr. Gobetz
59 Rivonia Rd, Monrningside,
JohannesburgTelephone: +27 (011) 640-5049
Website: www.vitalab.com

*Bio Art Fertility Centre
Dr. M. Cassim, Dr Dasoo
Telephone: +27 (011) 484-5168
Website: www.bioartfertility.co.za

*Brenthurst Clinic West
4 Park Lane, Parktown, Johannesburg.

*Medfem Clinic
Dr. A. Rodriques, Dr. J van Schouwenburg, Dr. J van Rensburg
1 Nursery St,
Peter Place, Bryanston, Johannesburg
Telephone: +27 (011) 463-2244
Website: www.medfem.com

*Gynomed Clinic
Dr. Giesteira, Dr. Labuschagne, Dr. Lindeque, Dr. Potgieter, Dr. Schulz Wilgeheuwel Hospital,
Suite 11, Amplifier Rd, Radiokop, RoodepoortTelephone: +27 (011) 796-1100
Website:www.gynomed.co.za

*Sandton Fertility Clinic
Dr. Mohammed, Dr. Faesen
173 Rivonia Rd, Rochester Place, D Block, Ground Floor, Johannesburg
Telephone:+27 (011) 883-1776
Website: www.sandtonfertility.co.za

*Pretoria East Fertility Clinic
Dr Joubert, Dr Trouw
Pretoria East Hospital,
Room 19, 1st Floor
Medical Centre , Garsfontein Rd,
Pretoria East
Telephone:+27 (012) 883-8854

*Genesis Reproductive Centre
Dr. Pentz, Dr. de Bruin
Kloof Hospital,
Room 111 Jochemus Street,
Erasmus Kloof, Pretoria
Telephone:+27 (012) 367-4363

INDEPENDENT SPECIALISTS
Dr. Van Der Wat Parklane Clinic
11 Park Lane Cnr,
Junction Ave 2nd Floor,
Park Town,
Johannesburg
Telephone: +27 (011) 484-3700

Dr. G. Dempers
Femina Clinic
460 Belvedere Rd,
Arcadia,
Pretoria
Telephone: +27 (012) 323-4011

Dr. Niemandt
Wilgers Clinic
Room 10, Medi Centre,
Lynwood Rd, Willows,
Pretoria
Telephone: +27 (012) 807-0232

KWA-ZULU NATAL
CLINICS
*C.A.R.E. (Centre for assisted reproduction and endocrinology)
Dr. Ramdeo
21 Jan Hofmeyer Street,
Westville, Durban
Telephone: +27 (031) 267-7920,
Website: www.careclinic.co.za

*Nordica Fertility Clinic
Dr. Barnard, Dr Naidoo
607 Kingsway,
Athlone Park, Durban
Telephone: +27 (031) 904-2592

*LIFE Centre
Dr. La Grange, Dr. Thompson, Dr. Morris
74 Rockdale ,
Westville, Durban
Telephone: +27 (031) 267-5870
Website: www.lifecentre.co.za

INDEPENDENT SPECIALISTS
Dr. Hansen, Mr. Ernest Gabriel
082 411 7325
St Augustines Hospital
107 Chelmsford Rd,
Berea, Durban
Telephone: +27 (031) 202-7563

Cape Town, already rated as one of the top holiday venues in the world, is becoming a preferred destination for bargain babies - where infertile couples can have treatment and go home pregnant at a fraction of the price it would cost elsewhere.

Local fertility clinics say they provide quality service equivalent to anything offered abroad, but at far more affordable rates.

Klaus Wiswedel of the Cape Fertility Clinic in Newlands said "Lots of overseas couples come here because our clinics have the same professionalism and quality of service as in the US and the UK."He said the Cape Fertility Clinic did around 20 procedures a month and that the city's clinics were substantially cheaper than those in Britain and the US.
Cape Town clinics that offer egg donation procedures are Tygerberg Fertility Clinic and the Cape Fertility Clinic in Newlands which is also home to the country's biggest sperm bank.
o This article was originally published on page 1 of Saturday Argus on August 20, 2005
THE CAPE
CLINICS
*Cape Fertility Clinic
Dr. K Wiswedel, Dr. S Heylen
Library Square, 2nd Floor,
Wilderness Rd, Clairemont
Telephone: +27 (021) 674-2088
e-mail: wisheyl@iafrica.com
Website: www.capefertility-clinic.co.za

*Grootte Schuur Fertility Unit
Dr. Dyer, Dr Matebse (consulting), Dr. Matjila (consulting)Groote Schuur Hospital, Andrology Department, Maternity Centre F Floor, Anzio Rd, Observatory
Telephone: +27 (021) 404-6027

*Pan Lab Fertility Clinic
Dr. De Villiers, Dr. HumeTelephone: +27 (021) 930-4433

*Panorama Medi Clinic Room 118, Rothchild Boulevard, Parow
*Tygerberg Infertility ClinicDr. Kruger, Dr. Van Der Merwe, Dr. Siebert

Telephone: +27 (021) 531-6999
*Drs Avitas Inc. Vincent Palloti Hospital, Park Street, Pinelands
*Fertility & Wellness Centre Port ElizabethDr. Dalmeyer, Dr. Kriel, Dr. Botha St Georges Hospital, Medical Suites, Ground Floor, The Stables, Port Elizabeth
Telephone: +27 (041) 374-8942

IVF IN AFRICA: NIGERIA

There are about a dozen ivf clinics in Nigeria, mostly located in Lagos, the nation's commercial centre. Nigerians no longer have to travel abroad for ivf treatment and they save on airfare and accomodation whilst receiving more cost effective first class treatment. In fact, a number of Nigerians resident overseas have taken advantage of its lower cost in the country by going to Nigeria for some treatment cycles and returning to their overseas bases afterwards.

A LIST OF IVF CLINICS IN NIGERIA

* Bridge Clinic
Plot 1397A Tiamiyu Savage Street,
Victoria Island, Lagos.
Tel: 01-2623268 ; 2610686
Email: bridge@om.metrong.com ; info@thebridgeclinic.com
Website: www.thebridgeclinic.com
Medical Director: Dr. Richardson A. Ajayi

Port Harcourt Center
41A Evo Road,
G.R.A Phase II
Port Harcourt.
Tel: (084) 465 003 – 5

* Hope Valley Fertility Clinic
261, Etim Inyang Crescent,
Victoria Island, Lagos.
Tel: 01-4618989 ; 08033069466
Email: thehopevalleyclinic@hyperia.com
Website: www.thehopevalleyclinic.com
Medical Director: Dr. Olugbenga Ogunkoya

Portharcourt Center
17B Ahaimakara Road,
Transamadi Industrial Layout Road,
Portharcourt.
Tel: 084: 578956 ; 08037048134 ; 08033069466

* Medical Art Center
Lofom House
21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way
P.O.Box 5747,
Ikeja,
Lagos
Tel: 01-4971970
Email: mart@infoweb.abs.net
Website: www.medicalartcenter.com
Medical Director: Professor Oladapo Ashiru

* M & M Hospital
The Fertility and IVF Center
10 Ngozi Avenue / 127 Faulks Road,
Aba, Abia State.
Tel: +234-82-227-798 ; 08033240452
Email: drprosper@mmfertilityhospital.com
Website: www.mmfertilityhospital.com
Medical Director: Dr. Prosper Ikechukwu Igboeli

*National Hospital Abuja
Plot 132, Central Business District,
(Phase II)
Garki, Abuja
Email: info@nationalhospitalabuja.net
Website: www.nationalhospitalabuja.net
Chief Medical Director: Dr. Olusegun Ajuwon
Tel: 08033495146

* Nisa Premier Hospital
Plot 618, Alex Ekwueme Way,
Jabi, Wuse, Abuja
Telephone: 08035967303
Website: www.nordica.org/nisa-hospital
Medical Director: Dr.Ibrahim Wada

* Nordica Fertility Centre
106/108 Norman Williams Street,
South West Ikoyi,
Lagos.
Email: info@nordicalagos.com ; yomiajayi@nordicalagos.com
Website: www.nordicalagos.com
Medical Director: Dr. Abayomi Ajayi

* Omni Advanced Fertility Center
18 Boyle Street,
Onikan, Lagos.
Telephone: 01-2630304 ; 01-2646304
Email: info@ivflagos.org
Website: www.ivflagos.org
Medical Director: Professor Osato Giwa-Osagie

* Roding Medical Centre
29B Olabode George Street,
Off Ajose Adeogun Street,
Victoria Island,
Lagos.
Telephone: 01- 2626169 ; 26226170
Medical Director: Dr. Adewunmi Adeyemi Bero

* St. Ives Specialist Hospital : IVF & Fertility Unit
4, Mojidi Street,
Off Toyin Street,
Ikeja, Lagos.
Telephone: 01-8974878
Email: info@stivesng.com
Website: www.stivesng.com
Medical Director: Dr. Tunde Okewale