To increase the chances of conception to a 100 percent, among couples undergoing fertility treatment, University of Adelaide researchers have come up with a new formula.
To increase the chances of conception to a 100 percent, among couples undergoing fertility treatment, University of Adelaide researchers have come up with a new formula.
They claim that their technique can improve embryo implantation rates significantly, and reduce pregnancy complications in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The researchers say that they have applied it in a study on mice, which provided proof-of-concept that the treatment doubles pregnancy rates. Associate Professor Claire Roberts, who led the study, has revealed that he has received 294,750 dollars in from the Federal Government for showing that the treatment is safe, and that it improves pregnancy outcome and postnatal health in offspring.
"Assuming our success, the concept will be taken to the next stage in human trials with the help of the University's commercial partner for this technology, MediCult," Roberts says. The researcher says considers the funding to be a major breakthrough for those couples who are either infertile or suffer from recurrent miscarriages. "Assisted reproductive technologies provide some hope for these couples, but they have a relatively poor success rate with only 15-40 per cent of embryo transfers resulting in ongoing pregnancies, depending on maternal age," Roberts says. "Fertility in women declines significantly with age, and so too does the success of ART. Since women are delaying childbearing, ART is increasingly required to make couples' desire to have children a reality.
Currently, two-three per cent of the 250,000 annual births in Australia are a result of ART and this number is expected to rise," Roberts adds.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
NATURAL IVF
For an ivf cycle, a woman’s body is practically bombarded by powerful drugs; first to shut down her ovaries (down regulation), and then other drugs to stimulate them to produce more eggs(FSH), and yet another drug to trigger ovulation (HCG). Women react to these drugs in different ways and one (costs aside), may understandably be wary of subjecting the body to them. The effects of long term use of these drugs (necessary when one has to repeat treatment cycles) can be worrisome and is still being studied.
NATURAL CYCLE IVF is definitely worth considering. In effect, you get the best of both worlds. For this procedure, it is the single egg produced in a woman’s normal cycle that is inseminated. Also known as no or low stimulation IVF, it is an invitro fertilisation procedure which uses no artificial fertility drugs, or very low dose ones.
Why Would I Want To Have IVF Without Fertility Drugs?
For some couples, the choice is financial. It is done at a fraction of the cost of standard IVF, so it may be their only chance at treatment. Some people prefer to try this method before moving on to traditional IVF.
For others, the choice may be medical. They may be contraindicated to fertility drugs (for instance, with a previous history of ovarian cancer or depression) or they may have reacted badly to a course of fertility drugs before. Women who have suffered with ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome may be offered this type of treatment as the syndrome is very serious and can be life-threatening so it may not be safe for them to continue with standard IVF.
Some couples just don't like drugs and prefer a more natural approach to infertility.
A point to note is that because of the improvement in the embryo culture technology, we are now at a point where even one egg gives a reasonable chance of success – about 15% per cycle. Therefore, in women who do not wish to use fertility medications, cannot afford fertility medications, or who do not produce many eggs even when they use fertility medications – Natural Cycle IVF is a logical and often successful alternative. Given that the success is 15% per attempt, it has been the experience of many centers that with several cycles of Natural IVF, one can achieve the same success rate of one cycle of stimulated IVF (45%).
Indeed, a study published in Europe’s leading reproductive medicine journal, Human Reproduction*, has found that for the majority of women the chances of pregnancy are just as good if doctors rely on the woman’s natural menstrual cycle.
The researchers’ view is that, in 60% to 70% of cases, a series of treatment cycles without using ovarian stimulation would be safer, less stressful and mean fewer multiple births. It also costs only a fifth of the price of current practice and would bring IVF within the reach of more childless couples worldwide and enable countries that state-fund IVF to help more women.
Dr Geeta Nargund and colleagues reached their conclusion following a study of 181 treatments in 52 women at the Assisted Conception Unit at King’s College Hospital, London. All the women had treatment based around their natural menstrual cycles.
They were found to have the same chance of having a baby after an average of three to four cycles of treatment as women undergoing conventional drug-stimulated treatment – about a third (32% as against 34%).
The first test-tube baby – born in 1978 in England – was the result of normal menstrual cycle IVF treatment, but the practice was pretty well abandoned with the onset of extensive use of hormonal drugs to stimulate the ovaries into producing more eggs per cycle. This new study is the first to establish that basing treatment on a woman’s natural cycle can achieve comparable results with those of drug-stimulated cycles.
Dr Nargund, who now directs the fertility centre at St. George’s Hospital, London, said: "We’ve demonstrated that it is an effective and potentially cost-effective option for certain groups. With a trend now to reducing the number of embryos transferred, our study must open the debate as to whether a series of natural cycle treatments should become a mainstream conception technique for female infertility."
MORE ADVANTAGES OF NATURAL CYCLE IVF
Natural cycle IVF has several advantages over stimulated cycle IVF:
*Natural cycle IVF utilizes the body's normal ovulation process
*There are no expensive hormones to buy and fewer injections with natural cycle IVF.
*Natural cycle IVF may be repeated month after month, if necessary.
The cumulative pregnancy rate from three months of natural cycle IVF is over 50%
*At Olympia Women's Health, the cost of three cycles of natural cycle IVF is less than the cost of one stimulated cycle.
DISADVANTAGES
*usually, there is only one follicle... one chance for an egg.
*one may not be able to retrieve the egg
*the egg may fail to fertilize
*the fertilized egg may not develop into an embryo
How is Natural IVF done? – Timing is Everything
There are 2 ways to determine follicle maturity.
*Ultrasound determines follicular diameter.
*The Estradiol and/or the start of the LH (luteinizing hormone) surge.
Ultrasound studies are done daily several days before ovulation is expected and when the follicle size reaches 16-18mm and/or the LH begins to rise, the retrieval is planned shortly afterwards. Interestingly, indomethacin (50mg 3 times daily with food) has been used by some clinicians once the follicle reaches maturity to help prevent collapse of the sac before the time of aspiration. In summary, Natural Cycle IVF is a useful and logical technique for selective patients.
The cost for Natural Cycle IVF is around $1800.
This includes the following:
cycle monitoring
office visits
all ultrasounds
all lab work (Estradiol, LH, Progesterone and your first pregnancy test)
the retrieval
anesthesia fee
cryopreservation fee
WOMEN SUITED FOR NATURAL IVF CYCLES
The women most suited are those with reasonably regular menstrual cycles who ovulate normally but who have problems with their fallopian tubes, or those couples where the reason for the infertility is inexplicable. It would not be suitable for women who don’t ovulate or who have very erratic menstrual cycles and probably also not for couples undergoing ICSI (the injection of a single sperm into the egg), although research into its feasibility for ICSI is to be carried out.
NATURAL CYCLE IVF is definitely worth considering. In effect, you get the best of both worlds. For this procedure, it is the single egg produced in a woman’s normal cycle that is inseminated. Also known as no or low stimulation IVF, it is an invitro fertilisation procedure which uses no artificial fertility drugs, or very low dose ones.
Why Would I Want To Have IVF Without Fertility Drugs?
For some couples, the choice is financial. It is done at a fraction of the cost of standard IVF, so it may be their only chance at treatment. Some people prefer to try this method before moving on to traditional IVF.
For others, the choice may be medical. They may be contraindicated to fertility drugs (for instance, with a previous history of ovarian cancer or depression) or they may have reacted badly to a course of fertility drugs before. Women who have suffered with ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome may be offered this type of treatment as the syndrome is very serious and can be life-threatening so it may not be safe for them to continue with standard IVF.
Some couples just don't like drugs and prefer a more natural approach to infertility.
A point to note is that because of the improvement in the embryo culture technology, we are now at a point where even one egg gives a reasonable chance of success – about 15% per cycle. Therefore, in women who do not wish to use fertility medications, cannot afford fertility medications, or who do not produce many eggs even when they use fertility medications – Natural Cycle IVF is a logical and often successful alternative. Given that the success is 15% per attempt, it has been the experience of many centers that with several cycles of Natural IVF, one can achieve the same success rate of one cycle of stimulated IVF (45%).
Indeed, a study published in Europe’s leading reproductive medicine journal, Human Reproduction*, has found that for the majority of women the chances of pregnancy are just as good if doctors rely on the woman’s natural menstrual cycle.
The researchers’ view is that, in 60% to 70% of cases, a series of treatment cycles without using ovarian stimulation would be safer, less stressful and mean fewer multiple births. It also costs only a fifth of the price of current practice and would bring IVF within the reach of more childless couples worldwide and enable countries that state-fund IVF to help more women.
Dr Geeta Nargund and colleagues reached their conclusion following a study of 181 treatments in 52 women at the Assisted Conception Unit at King’s College Hospital, London. All the women had treatment based around their natural menstrual cycles.
They were found to have the same chance of having a baby after an average of three to four cycles of treatment as women undergoing conventional drug-stimulated treatment – about a third (32% as against 34%).
The first test-tube baby – born in 1978 in England – was the result of normal menstrual cycle IVF treatment, but the practice was pretty well abandoned with the onset of extensive use of hormonal drugs to stimulate the ovaries into producing more eggs per cycle. This new study is the first to establish that basing treatment on a woman’s natural cycle can achieve comparable results with those of drug-stimulated cycles.
Dr Nargund, who now directs the fertility centre at St. George’s Hospital, London, said: "We’ve demonstrated that it is an effective and potentially cost-effective option for certain groups. With a trend now to reducing the number of embryos transferred, our study must open the debate as to whether a series of natural cycle treatments should become a mainstream conception technique for female infertility."
MORE ADVANTAGES OF NATURAL CYCLE IVF
Natural cycle IVF has several advantages over stimulated cycle IVF:
*Natural cycle IVF utilizes the body's normal ovulation process
*There are no expensive hormones to buy and fewer injections with natural cycle IVF.
*Natural cycle IVF may be repeated month after month, if necessary.
The cumulative pregnancy rate from three months of natural cycle IVF is over 50%
*At Olympia Women's Health, the cost of three cycles of natural cycle IVF is less than the cost of one stimulated cycle.
DISADVANTAGES
*usually, there is only one follicle... one chance for an egg.
*one may not be able to retrieve the egg
*the egg may fail to fertilize
*the fertilized egg may not develop into an embryo
How is Natural IVF done? – Timing is Everything
There are 2 ways to determine follicle maturity.
*Ultrasound determines follicular diameter.
*The Estradiol and/or the start of the LH (luteinizing hormone) surge.
Ultrasound studies are done daily several days before ovulation is expected and when the follicle size reaches 16-18mm and/or the LH begins to rise, the retrieval is planned shortly afterwards. Interestingly, indomethacin (50mg 3 times daily with food) has been used by some clinicians once the follicle reaches maturity to help prevent collapse of the sac before the time of aspiration. In summary, Natural Cycle IVF is a useful and logical technique for selective patients.
The cost for Natural Cycle IVF is around $1800.
This includes the following:
cycle monitoring
office visits
all ultrasounds
all lab work (Estradiol, LH, Progesterone and your first pregnancy test)
the retrieval
anesthesia fee
cryopreservation fee
WOMEN SUITED FOR NATURAL IVF CYCLES
The women most suited are those with reasonably regular menstrual cycles who ovulate normally but who have problems with their fallopian tubes, or those couples where the reason for the infertility is inexplicable. It would not be suitable for women who don’t ovulate or who have very erratic menstrual cycles and probably also not for couples undergoing ICSI (the injection of a single sperm into the egg), although research into its feasibility for ICSI is to be carried out.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
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:
Friday, February 15, 2008
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.”
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 !
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)
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
*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
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
Sunday, December 30, 2007
SEX BOOSTS IVF CHANCES
SEX BOOSTS IVF CHANCES
Couples who have sex at or around the time an IVF embryo is implanted have more chance of becoming pregnant, say researchers.
However, a UK expert says that the tiny risk of the womb expelling the new embryo after sex would lead him not to recommend it immediately after IVF.
The study, reported in New Scientist magazine, was carried out at Adelaide University, where scientists checked the progress of more than 1,000 embryo transfers.
Half the women involved were asked to have sex in the days around the transfer, half told to avoid it. CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE AT: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/1058408.stm
Couples who have sex at or around the time an IVF embryo is implanted have more chance of becoming pregnant, say researchers.
However, a UK expert says that the tiny risk of the womb expelling the new embryo after sex would lead him not to recommend it immediately after IVF.
The study, reported in New Scientist magazine, was carried out at Adelaide University, where scientists checked the progress of more than 1,000 embryo transfers.
Half the women involved were asked to have sex in the days around the transfer, half told to avoid it. CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE AT: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/1058408.stm
IMMUNE SYSTEM AND IVF FAILURE
IMMUNE TREATMENT ‘CUTS IVF FAILURES’
Suppressing the immune systems of women who suffer recurrent miscarriage may be able to allow many more to give birth.
The technique may also help those who suffer repeated IVF failures, or who cannot get pregnant, without an obvious reason why.
A leading US expert is presenting the results of his first, small scale study into a therapy at a UK conference on Monday, and these suggest it could be a highly successful approach - even among older patients.
Many thousands of women have unexplained infertility, suffer recurrent miscarriages, or cannot succeed with IVF, despite their young age and apparently good health.
Professor Alan Beer from Chicago Medical School, says that, in some cases, the problem may be an immune system which turns on the newly-implanted embryo and destroys it.
Although the father's genetic material is present in the embryo and on the surface of the placenta, the mother's body does not reject it.
However, in some cases, there is strong evidence that this process goes wrong.
Test and treat
He believes he has developed both a test for those women who are at risk - and a potential treatment to counter the problem.
Professor Beer concentrated on women who have suffered recurrent IVF failures, in which implanted fertilised embryos do not produce a successful pregnancy.
He found that seven out of ten women with three IVF failures had higher than normal levels of a chemical called tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha).
This is a product of a type of immune system cell called a natural killer cell, and is responsible for damage to tissues in "autoimmune" diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.
Professor Beer's theory is that the immune system is also attacking the embryo in women with recurrent miscarriage, saying that the body was treating the embryo "like a cancer".
Existing drugs
There are existing medications used to reduce levels of TNF alpha in the body - but these are currently only licensed to treat established auto-immune disorders.
In trials involving 100 patient who had all suffered repeated IVF failures, he found that 78% of those under 35 years old managed to become pregnant.
Even a significant proportion of those aged 40 and above managed to get pregnant this way.
The treatment has so far produced 80 live births.
Professor Beer said: "It's like when you find the correct area code and you connect the telephone call - these healthily infertile women proved to me that their bodies were made to have babies.
"The breakthrough was to find what component of the immune system was doing the killing - and then reduce that component to normal levels."
'Astonishing'
Dr Simon Thornton, from Nottingham's Care in the Park clinic, said: "A third of our patients have an unexplained infertility.
"Professor Beer suggests that an abnormally active immune system is blocking pregnancy or acting to stop it from developing.
He has shown astonishing success rates in patients who would have otherwise had very very low success rates.
"At present, we use IVF as a treatment for many patients who have unexplained infertility - but this may be a much more straightforward treatment to allow them to have a perfectly successful pregnancy."
Dr Mohammed Taranissi, from the Assisted Reproduction and Gynaecology Centre, told the BBC that the results, although small-scale, were "impressive".
He said: "It's something we have suspected for a long time.
"Now we have to see whether we can apply a drug which has been developed for another problem for infertility problems."
SOURCE: BBC NEWS
Suppressing the immune systems of women who suffer recurrent miscarriage may be able to allow many more to give birth.
The technique may also help those who suffer repeated IVF failures, or who cannot get pregnant, without an obvious reason why.
A leading US expert is presenting the results of his first, small scale study into a therapy at a UK conference on Monday, and these suggest it could be a highly successful approach - even among older patients.
Many thousands of women have unexplained infertility, suffer recurrent miscarriages, or cannot succeed with IVF, despite their young age and apparently good health.
Professor Alan Beer from Chicago Medical School, says that, in some cases, the problem may be an immune system which turns on the newly-implanted embryo and destroys it.
Although the father's genetic material is present in the embryo and on the surface of the placenta, the mother's body does not reject it.
However, in some cases, there is strong evidence that this process goes wrong.
Test and treat
He believes he has developed both a test for those women who are at risk - and a potential treatment to counter the problem.
Professor Beer concentrated on women who have suffered recurrent IVF failures, in which implanted fertilised embryos do not produce a successful pregnancy.
He found that seven out of ten women with three IVF failures had higher than normal levels of a chemical called tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha).
This is a product of a type of immune system cell called a natural killer cell, and is responsible for damage to tissues in "autoimmune" diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.
Professor Beer's theory is that the immune system is also attacking the embryo in women with recurrent miscarriage, saying that the body was treating the embryo "like a cancer".
Existing drugs
There are existing medications used to reduce levels of TNF alpha in the body - but these are currently only licensed to treat established auto-immune disorders.
In trials involving 100 patient who had all suffered repeated IVF failures, he found that 78% of those under 35 years old managed to become pregnant.
Even a significant proportion of those aged 40 and above managed to get pregnant this way.
The treatment has so far produced 80 live births.
Professor Beer said: "It's like when you find the correct area code and you connect the telephone call - these healthily infertile women proved to me that their bodies were made to have babies.
"The breakthrough was to find what component of the immune system was doing the killing - and then reduce that component to normal levels."
'Astonishing'
Dr Simon Thornton, from Nottingham's Care in the Park clinic, said: "A third of our patients have an unexplained infertility.
"Professor Beer suggests that an abnormally active immune system is blocking pregnancy or acting to stop it from developing.
He has shown astonishing success rates in patients who would have otherwise had very very low success rates.
"At present, we use IVF as a treatment for many patients who have unexplained infertility - but this may be a much more straightforward treatment to allow them to have a perfectly successful pregnancy."
Dr Mohammed Taranissi, from the Assisted Reproduction and Gynaecology Centre, told the BBC that the results, although small-scale, were "impressive".
He said: "It's something we have suspected for a long time.
"Now we have to see whether we can apply a drug which has been developed for another problem for infertility problems."
SOURCE: BBC NEWS
IVF FOR OLDER WOMEN SOARS
More than 20 babies a year are being born to women aged over 50 through IVF treatment, according to the latest official figures.
A total of 24 women out of 96 aged over 50 who were treated at British fertility clinics in 2002 succesfully gave birth.
Between 1992 and 2002 the number of births to women aged 45 to 49 has increased from 15 to 106, and the number of those over 50 has increased by 24 times. Over the decade the total number of births through IVF has trebled: from 2,360 to 7,740.
The figures were released by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority amid controversy over Patricia Rashbrook, 63, who announced last week that she was seven months pregnant. Dr Rashbrook conceived the baby boy using a donor egg obtained in Russia and sperm from her husband John, 61. The NHS refuses to treat women over the age of 39 but there is no legal limit for the 85 private clinics. TO READ FULL ARTICLE, CLICK BELOW: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8122-2170649,00.html
A total of 24 women out of 96 aged over 50 who were treated at British fertility clinics in 2002 succesfully gave birth.
Between 1992 and 2002 the number of births to women aged 45 to 49 has increased from 15 to 106, and the number of those over 50 has increased by 24 times. Over the decade the total number of births through IVF has trebled: from 2,360 to 7,740.
The figures were released by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority amid controversy over Patricia Rashbrook, 63, who announced last week that she was seven months pregnant. Dr Rashbrook conceived the baby boy using a donor egg obtained in Russia and sperm from her husband John, 61. The NHS refuses to treat women over the age of 39 but there is no legal limit for the 85 private clinics. TO READ FULL ARTICLE, CLICK BELOW: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8122-2170649,00.html
Friday, December 28, 2007
DEALING WITH IVF FAILURE
DEALING WITH IVF FAILURE
Couples who undergo IVF treatment usually have very high expectations. There is a subconscious reluctance to admit that they might very well be among the unsuccessfully treated patients although it is still clear that failure is more likely than success.
IVF is an expensive and stressful experience which increases our expectations of the process. Expectations of success are considerably higher than the success rates quoted at their initial consultation.
The endpoint of IVF treatment, which is the transfer of two or sometimes three embryos into the uterus, is not the same as a pregnancy. There is a waiting period of about two weeks after the embryo transfer before it can be determined whether the woman has achieved pregnancy. This further increases the frustration of the process.
A success rate of 25-30% means that the failure rate is 75-85%. No one likes to think about failure when embarking on a new venture. There are very few medical programmes where emotions are so highly charged and where the failure rate consistently exceeds the success rate.
Treatment can fail at any stage: ovarian stimulation, egg collection, fertilization, cleavage and implantation. All that IVF demands of the person – financial, emotional, fear coupled with courage and determination potentates failure.
Any woman who decides to make the financial outlay for IVF and subject herself to the inconvenience of injecting herself everyday for up to three or four weeks expects to get pregnant from the process and the disappointment of failure becomes much more acute.
Two of the most traumatic points of failure are failure in fertilization and the return of the menses, which results from a failure in implantation. There is a feeling of isolation, confusion and helplessness and you ask, “what went wrong?”
Sometimes, one never really knows why it has failed despite the ‘good’ prognosis (relatively young age, normal uterus, high quality embryos transferred) but it is helpful to discuss with the doctor and embryologist who saw the embryos and can give an assessment. The unexplained situation is always the most difficult to bear. Failure is often easier to bear when we can pinpoint a reason for that failure.
A review of the treatment cycle by looking at the ways in which a couple responded to the drug stimulation: number of eggs collected, semen issues, fertilization and the grading of the embryos, etc., may give some clues as to how to adjust a repeat treatment.
After experiencing a failure, there is often considerable merit in delaying the decision to undergo a repeat cycle treatment.
If you have had more than one failed IVF, consider changing clinics, especially if your doctor doesn’t have a change in protocol planned.
Remember that all cycles are not alike. Using the exact same protocol on another attempt even at the same clinic can lead to different results. (Rachel Browne)
References:
‘The Bridge Clinic’s ‘Fertility Update’ September 2005 Vol No 3
‘Birthright,’ August 2005
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I DO IVF?
It is difficult to determine how many treatment cycles any particular couple will require to conceive a pregnancy. Some couples achieve a pregnancy after one cycle, some after two, some after three but most couples without major problems will conceive within four to five cycles. Three major factors are the low pregnancy rate, cost and the emotional stress associated with the treatment. It is very important for couples to receive the appropriate level of counseling and information before so as to manage their expectations before embarking on IVF treatment.
Couples who undergo IVF treatment usually have very high expectations. There is a subconscious reluctance to admit that they might very well be among the unsuccessfully treated patients although it is still clear that failure is more likely than success.
IVF is an expensive and stressful experience which increases our expectations of the process. Expectations of success are considerably higher than the success rates quoted at their initial consultation.
The endpoint of IVF treatment, which is the transfer of two or sometimes three embryos into the uterus, is not the same as a pregnancy. There is a waiting period of about two weeks after the embryo transfer before it can be determined whether the woman has achieved pregnancy. This further increases the frustration of the process.
A success rate of 25-30% means that the failure rate is 75-85%. No one likes to think about failure when embarking on a new venture. There are very few medical programmes where emotions are so highly charged and where the failure rate consistently exceeds the success rate.
Treatment can fail at any stage: ovarian stimulation, egg collection, fertilization, cleavage and implantation. All that IVF demands of the person – financial, emotional, fear coupled with courage and determination potentates failure.
Any woman who decides to make the financial outlay for IVF and subject herself to the inconvenience of injecting herself everyday for up to three or four weeks expects to get pregnant from the process and the disappointment of failure becomes much more acute.
Two of the most traumatic points of failure are failure in fertilization and the return of the menses, which results from a failure in implantation. There is a feeling of isolation, confusion and helplessness and you ask, “what went wrong?”
Sometimes, one never really knows why it has failed despite the ‘good’ prognosis (relatively young age, normal uterus, high quality embryos transferred) but it is helpful to discuss with the doctor and embryologist who saw the embryos and can give an assessment. The unexplained situation is always the most difficult to bear. Failure is often easier to bear when we can pinpoint a reason for that failure.
A review of the treatment cycle by looking at the ways in which a couple responded to the drug stimulation: number of eggs collected, semen issues, fertilization and the grading of the embryos, etc., may give some clues as to how to adjust a repeat treatment.
After experiencing a failure, there is often considerable merit in delaying the decision to undergo a repeat cycle treatment.
If you have had more than one failed IVF, consider changing clinics, especially if your doctor doesn’t have a change in protocol planned.
Remember that all cycles are not alike. Using the exact same protocol on another attempt even at the same clinic can lead to different results. (Rachel Browne)
References:
‘The Bridge Clinic’s ‘Fertility Update’ September 2005 Vol No 3
‘Birthright,’ August 2005
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I DO IVF?
It is difficult to determine how many treatment cycles any particular couple will require to conceive a pregnancy. Some couples achieve a pregnancy after one cycle, some after two, some after three but most couples without major problems will conceive within four to five cycles. Three major factors are the low pregnancy rate, cost and the emotional stress associated with the treatment. It is very important for couples to receive the appropriate level of counseling and information before so as to manage their expectations before embarking on IVF treatment.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
IVF SUCCESS TIPS AND HINTS
The IVF process is expensive and stressful and tips and hints that can improve the chances of its working are shared here. Rachel Browne has a comprehensive, useful list:
The main IVF hint is to pamper yourself! An IVF cycle is a very stressful thing and anything that helps you through it without harming a potential baby is okay!Decide ahead of time where and how you want to get news each day for how much medication to take, etc. This is especially important on the big days of finding out about fertilization and pregnancy test. Those days can be tough if things don't go well! You might want your partner or a good friend around!
Rest is very important, even before transfer. All those developing eggs are taking up a lot of space and energy.
Try to get to know the people who are treating you so you aren't just another patient.
It may help to make a friend or two who is at the clinic for IVF, too.
Bring a book, magazine, or hand-held game with you to appointments. You might be there for awhile.
Make sure they do a mock transfer prior to the actual embryo transfer. This is not fun, but it is necessary that they know the depth of your uterus so they know where to put the embryos.
Do whatever it is you need to do to make this manageable for you. (Naps, backrubs, favorite foods, etc. Be very good to yourself during this time.)
Small amounts of alcohol will probably not adversely affect you or your eggs, but caffeine has been shown to affect fertility, even in small amounts, so try to avoid it.
Buy a good, up-to-date fertility book and try to find out as much as you can about the IVF process beforehand. There are always new advances, so try to keep up with the changes in techniques.
Always ask your RE a lot of questions about your progress, what the numbers mean, etc. That is what they are there for! Also, you should be able to get copies of anything in your file (like your follicle growth and E2 test results and fertilization report). The more knowledgeable you are, the more likely they are to openly share information and take time to explain.
It can be very comforting to find someone, either in cyberspace or in person, that is in a similar situation (factor, cycle) that you can share stories and progress with.
Try to keep a very flexible schedule the week before the pregnancy test. Some people start their periods early and are stuck somewhere where they cannot just be alone and grieve.
Start taking a prenatal vitamin prior to your cycle. At the minimum, you should take 400mcg of folic acid daily for three months before conception to reduce neural tube defects such as spina bifida. The FDA suggests 800 mcg during pregnancy, so it is best to look for a prenatal with that amount.
Some clinics believe that a diet that is high in protein and low in salt and potassium can help you avoid hyperstimulation. Gatorade is a poor choice of fluid to drink to prevent/control hyperstimulation because it contains large quantities of salt. Water or Pedialyte is best, in quantities recommended by your RE. At a certain stage of OHSS, too much fluid can be detrimental.
Remember that some people get very uncomfortable and even have a lot of pain as the ovaries are stimulated. This may get worse as the follicles ripen. Loose clothing may help.Don’t worry about your weight unless you are tracking it for hyperstimulation purposes. Unless you hyperstimulate, most of the weight gained during an IVF cycle usually disappears once your period starts and if you are lucky enough to get pregnant your weight won’t matter anyway!
If you are not taking birth control pills the cycle previous to your IVF, be sure to use birth control (no matter how ridiculous it may seem). Usually, you will start Lupron before you would know if you conceived or not and Lupron is very dangerous to a developing baby.
The extra fluid your developing follicles are taking up and being NPO before retrieval can sometimes cause constipation. Increasing your consumption of fiber and fluids as you approach egg retrieval may help alleviate this.
Don't talk to your partner too much about his role. This may cause him extra anxiety during an already stressful time and the extra stress can aggravate the performance anxiety that men suffer on the day of retrieval.
If this is your first IVF, be conservative about the number of blastocysts or embryos you transfer, especially if they are of very good quality. You may find that fertilization was your big hurdle and now that is complete you are on your way!
If you have had more than one failed IVF, consider changing clinics, especially if your doctor doesn’t have a change in protocol planned.
Remember that all cycles are not alike. Using the exact same protocol on another attempt even at the same clinic can lead to different results.
Some clinics use medications to prevent embryo rejection (low dose corticosteroids, etc.) which may help your chances of success. Check with your clinic to see if they think it would make a difference for you.
Always repeat the directions for medication to the nurse and get your E2 level. If something seems wrong or unclear, ask for clarification.Prior to the stimulation part of your cycle, make sure you and your partner discuss how many embryos or blastocysts you plan to transfer. (While remembering that your plan may have to change because of circumstances of the IVF!) If you think you will have extra embryos beyond what you want to transfer to avoid high order multiple risk, decide whether you will freeze them or discard them. Decide whether you would consider selective reduction. These are not things to discuss under pressure right before transfer!
The main IVF hint is to pamper yourself! An IVF cycle is a very stressful thing and anything that helps you through it without harming a potential baby is okay!Decide ahead of time where and how you want to get news each day for how much medication to take, etc. This is especially important on the big days of finding out about fertilization and pregnancy test. Those days can be tough if things don't go well! You might want your partner or a good friend around!
Rest is very important, even before transfer. All those developing eggs are taking up a lot of space and energy.
Try to get to know the people who are treating you so you aren't just another patient.
It may help to make a friend or two who is at the clinic for IVF, too.
Bring a book, magazine, or hand-held game with you to appointments. You might be there for awhile.
Make sure they do a mock transfer prior to the actual embryo transfer. This is not fun, but it is necessary that they know the depth of your uterus so they know where to put the embryos.
Do whatever it is you need to do to make this manageable for you. (Naps, backrubs, favorite foods, etc. Be very good to yourself during this time.)
Small amounts of alcohol will probably not adversely affect you or your eggs, but caffeine has been shown to affect fertility, even in small amounts, so try to avoid it.
Buy a good, up-to-date fertility book and try to find out as much as you can about the IVF process beforehand. There are always new advances, so try to keep up with the changes in techniques.
Always ask your RE a lot of questions about your progress, what the numbers mean, etc. That is what they are there for! Also, you should be able to get copies of anything in your file (like your follicle growth and E2 test results and fertilization report). The more knowledgeable you are, the more likely they are to openly share information and take time to explain.
It can be very comforting to find someone, either in cyberspace or in person, that is in a similar situation (factor, cycle) that you can share stories and progress with.
Try to keep a very flexible schedule the week before the pregnancy test. Some people start their periods early and are stuck somewhere where they cannot just be alone and grieve.
Start taking a prenatal vitamin prior to your cycle. At the minimum, you should take 400mcg of folic acid daily for three months before conception to reduce neural tube defects such as spina bifida. The FDA suggests 800 mcg during pregnancy, so it is best to look for a prenatal with that amount.
Some clinics believe that a diet that is high in protein and low in salt and potassium can help you avoid hyperstimulation. Gatorade is a poor choice of fluid to drink to prevent/control hyperstimulation because it contains large quantities of salt. Water or Pedialyte is best, in quantities recommended by your RE. At a certain stage of OHSS, too much fluid can be detrimental.
Remember that some people get very uncomfortable and even have a lot of pain as the ovaries are stimulated. This may get worse as the follicles ripen. Loose clothing may help.Don’t worry about your weight unless you are tracking it for hyperstimulation purposes. Unless you hyperstimulate, most of the weight gained during an IVF cycle usually disappears once your period starts and if you are lucky enough to get pregnant your weight won’t matter anyway!
If you are not taking birth control pills the cycle previous to your IVF, be sure to use birth control (no matter how ridiculous it may seem). Usually, you will start Lupron before you would know if you conceived or not and Lupron is very dangerous to a developing baby.
The extra fluid your developing follicles are taking up and being NPO before retrieval can sometimes cause constipation. Increasing your consumption of fiber and fluids as you approach egg retrieval may help alleviate this.
Don't talk to your partner too much about his role. This may cause him extra anxiety during an already stressful time and the extra stress can aggravate the performance anxiety that men suffer on the day of retrieval.
If this is your first IVF, be conservative about the number of blastocysts or embryos you transfer, especially if they are of very good quality. You may find that fertilization was your big hurdle and now that is complete you are on your way!
If you have had more than one failed IVF, consider changing clinics, especially if your doctor doesn’t have a change in protocol planned.
Remember that all cycles are not alike. Using the exact same protocol on another attempt even at the same clinic can lead to different results.
Some clinics use medications to prevent embryo rejection (low dose corticosteroids, etc.) which may help your chances of success. Check with your clinic to see if they think it would make a difference for you.
Always repeat the directions for medication to the nurse and get your E2 level. If something seems wrong or unclear, ask for clarification.Prior to the stimulation part of your cycle, make sure you and your partner discuss how many embryos or blastocysts you plan to transfer. (While remembering that your plan may have to change because of circumstances of the IVF!) If you think you will have extra embryos beyond what you want to transfer to avoid high order multiple risk, decide whether you will freeze them or discard them. Decide whether you would consider selective reduction. These are not things to discuss under pressure right before transfer!
SUPPORT & ENCOURAGEMENT FROM OTHERS UNDERGOING IVF TREATMENT
The IVF journey can be a lonely one. Especially in a situation where you cannot really tell other people that you are even receiving treatment. Many do not even understand the process and so you cannot confide in them. However you are not alone. There are forums and support groups online where you can share your fears and worries and get advice from others who have undergone IVF treatment. No matter how experienced or knowledgeable your doctors and nurses are, nothing beats the personal experience of ladies who have undergone the same treatment!
Please find below links to some IVF forums
http://www.ivfconnections.com/stories.htm
http://forums.fertilitycommunity.com/vitro-fertilization-ivf/262322-first-ivf-suggestions.html
http://www.sharedjourney.com/success_stories.html
Please find below links to some IVF forums
http://www.ivfconnections.com/stories.htm
http://forums.fertilitycommunity.com/vitro-fertilization-ivf/262322-first-ivf-suggestions.html
http://www.sharedjourney.com/success_stories.html
THE ABC OF IVF: A MORE DETAILED LOOK
THE ABC OF IVF
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TEST TUBE TREATMENT
WHEN TRYING FOR A BABY, HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT BEFORE I WORRY ABOUT NOT GETTING PREGNANT?
It is very difficult to be specific. One in five women falls pregnant within a month of starting to try.
After six months of having sex without contraception, seven out of ten women have conceived.
After a year, approximately 85 per cent of women will be pregnant and after two years the figure is 95 per cent.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TEST TUBE TREATMENT
WHEN TRYING FOR A BABY, HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT BEFORE I WORRY ABOUT NOT GETTING PREGNANT?
It is very difficult to be specific. One in five women falls pregnant within a month of starting to try.
After six months of having sex without contraception, seven out of ten women have conceived.
After a year, approximately 85 per cent of women will be pregnant and after two years the figure is 95 per cent.
FREE IVF TREATMENT
FREE IVF TREATMENT
The cost of a cycle of IVF treatment ranges between N500, 000 – 900,000.00, an amount out of the reach of many couples and unfortunately there is no government funding in Nigeria at the moment. However it is possible to benefit from free IVF treatment if you fall within certain criteria.
Free treatment is available to a woman who VOLUNTARILY shares some of her collected eggs with another infertile couple. The eggs will be shared only if the number of eggs you produce are sufficient so you do not lose out. However you are usually required to bear just the cost of the initial test/assessment that will indicate if you are suitable for the treatment.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND CRITERIA FOR FREE TREATMENT:
* You should be aged between 19 and 34.
* Weigh less than 85kg.
* Have regular menstrual cycles.
* Have 2 ovaries.
* Have had a maximum of 2 previous failed IVF attempts and not less than 6 collected eggs in each of these cycles.
* Have an FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) level of less than 9.0 when measured between day 2 and 6 of your natural menstrual cycle.
* Have an LH (Luteinizing Hormone) level of less than 10 when taken at the same time as above.
* Do not have significant fibroids or polycystic ovaries (PCO).
The cost of a cycle of IVF treatment ranges between N500, 000 – 900,000.00, an amount out of the reach of many couples and unfortunately there is no government funding in Nigeria at the moment. However it is possible to benefit from free IVF treatment if you fall within certain criteria.
Free treatment is available to a woman who VOLUNTARILY shares some of her collected eggs with another infertile couple. The eggs will be shared only if the number of eggs you produce are sufficient so you do not lose out. However you are usually required to bear just the cost of the initial test/assessment that will indicate if you are suitable for the treatment.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND CRITERIA FOR FREE TREATMENT:
* You should be aged between 19 and 34.
* Weigh less than 85kg.
* Have regular menstrual cycles.
* Have 2 ovaries.
* Have had a maximum of 2 previous failed IVF attempts and not less than 6 collected eggs in each of these cycles.
* Have an FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) level of less than 9.0 when measured between day 2 and 6 of your natural menstrual cycle.
* Have an LH (Luteinizing Hormone) level of less than 10 when taken at the same time as above.
* Do not have significant fibroids or polycystic ovaries (PCO).
Saturday, December 22, 2007
IVF CLINICS IN NIGERIA
You do not need to travel abroad for standard IVF treatment as it is now available in Nigeria at a fraction of what it would cost you abroad. You save on air fare and hotel bills and the success rates are comparable with that of clinics abroad. Plus, you are likely to get more suitable egg donors here at home, if you happen to need them.
The clinics below are listed alphabetically. There is as yet no independent official rating to verify any claims of success rates.
Plot 1397A Tiamiyu Savage Street,
Victoria Island, Lagos.
Tel: 01-2623268 ; 2610686
Email: info@thebridgeclinic.com
Website:( www.thebridgeclinic.com )
Medical Director: Dr. Richardson A. Ajayi
PortHarcourt Center
Bridge Clinic
41A Evo Road, G.R.A. Phase II, Port Harcourt
Tel: (084) 465 003 - 5
2. HOPE VALLEY FERTILITY CLINIC
261, Etim Inyang Crescent,
Victoria Island, Lagos.
Tel: 01-4618989 ; 08033069466
Email: thehopevalleyclinic@hyperia.com
Website:( http://www.thehopevalleyclinic.com/)
Portharcourt Center
17B Ahaimakara Road,
Transamadi Industrial Layout Road,
Portharcourt.
Tel: 084: 578956 ; 08037048134 ; 08033069466
3. 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:( http://www.medicalartcenter.com )
Medical Director: Professor Oladapo Ashiru
4. 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
5. NISA PREMIER HOSPITAL
Plot 618, Alex Ekwueme Way,
Jabi, Wuse, Abuja
Telephone: 08035967303
Website:( http://www.nordica.org/nisa-hospital )
Medical Director: Dr. Ibrahim Wada
6. NORDICA FERTILITY CENTER
Road 2, Plot A3 & 4, Victoria Garden City,
Ajah, Lekki, Lagos.
Email: info@nordicalagos.com ; yomiajayi@nordicalagos.com
Medical Director: Dr. Abayomi Ajayi
7. 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.
8. RODING MEDICAL CENTER
29B Olabode George Street,
Off Ajose Adeogun Street,
Victoria Island,
Lagos.
Telephone: 01- 2626169 ; 26226170
Medical Director: Dr. Adewunmi Adeyemi Bero
9. 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
Related links: http://www.mybabytestimony.blogspot.com
http://www.babyfertile.blogspot.com
http://www.naturalfertilityaids.blogspot.com
The clinics below are listed alphabetically. There is as yet no independent official rating to verify any claims of success rates.
*PLEASE CLICK IN THE BRACKETS TO VISIT THEM*
1. BRIDGE CLINICPlot 1397A Tiamiyu Savage Street,
Victoria Island, Lagos.
Tel: 01-2623268 ; 2610686
Email: info@thebridgeclinic.com
Website:( www.thebridgeclinic.com )
Medical Director: Dr. Richardson A. Ajayi
PortHarcourt Center
Bridge Clinic
41A Evo Road, G.R.A. Phase II, Port Harcourt
Tel: (084) 465 003 - 5
2. HOPE VALLEY FERTILITY CLINIC
261, Etim Inyang Crescent,
Victoria Island, Lagos.
Tel: 01-4618989 ; 08033069466
Email: thehopevalleyclinic@hyperia.com
Website:( http://www.thehopevalleyclinic.com/)
Medical Director: Dr. Ogunkoya
Portharcourt Center
17B Ahaimakara Road,
Transamadi Industrial Layout Road,
Portharcourt.
Tel: 084: 578956 ; 08037048134 ; 08033069466
3. 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:( http://www.medicalartcenter.com )
Medical Director: Professor Oladapo Ashiru
4. 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
5. NISA PREMIER HOSPITAL
Plot 618, Alex Ekwueme Way,
Jabi, Wuse, Abuja
Telephone: 08035967303
Website:( http://www.nordica.org/nisa-hospital )
Medical Director: Dr. Ibrahim Wada
6. NORDICA FERTILITY CENTER
Road 2, Plot A3 & 4, Victoria Garden City,
Ajah, Lekki, Lagos.
Email: info@nordicalagos.com ; yomiajayi@nordicalagos.com
Medical Director: Dr. Abayomi Ajayi
7. 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.
8. RODING MEDICAL CENTER
29B Olabode George Street,
Off Ajose Adeogun Street,
Victoria Island,
Lagos.
Telephone: 01- 2626169 ; 26226170
Medical Director: Dr. Adewunmi Adeyemi Bero
9. 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
Related links: http://www.mybabytestimony.blogspot.com
http://www.babyfertile.blogspot.com
http://www.naturalfertilityaids.blogspot.com
WHAT IS IN VITRO FERTILISATION - IVF?
IVF means in vitro fertilisation which means fertilisation 'in glass' or outside the body.
IVF is necessary where other methods of treatment of infertility have failed. Whatever the cause of the problem, it is usually because the the sperm and the eggs are not uniting to form an embryo. if there is a sperm problem and the treatment of the cause of the sperm problem has failed, then a couple may require assisted conception. If there is an egg problem and ovulation cannot be induced, the woman may require assisted conception. If she has a tube problem which cannot be treated by simple methods, she will need assisted conception.
THE PROCESS OF IVF: AN IVF CYCLE
STEP 1: OVARIAN STIMULATION AND MONITORING
In a normal cycle, a single egg is produced in the ovary every month. To maximize the chances of successful fertilisation with each IVF attempt, the woman is given drugs (menogon, puregon, pergonal, humegon, metrodin, etc) to produce a lot of eggs. The growth and development of the eggs is closely monitored by repeated ultrasound and or blood tests. Based on information obtained from these tests, it is determined when ovulation will take place. Release of eggs from the ovary is then achieved by administering an injection called HCG. The woman will then be ready for egg collection. The eggs are are collected using ultrasound to guide a needle into the ovaries.
STEP 2: EGG COLLECTION
This takes place 32 to 36 hours after the HCG injection. Egg collection is usually performed via a transvaginal route under local anaesthesia. Direct vision through ultrasound helps imaging helps to identify and retrieve eggs more accurately.
STEP 3: INCUBATION AND FERTILISATION
A few hours before egg collection, the man is asked to produce a semen sample which will be processed in the laboratory in order to enhance the chances of fertilisation. The sperm and eggs are then incubated in a specially designed laboratory incubator which functions at standard body temperature. Within 48 hours, fertilisation is expected to take place and cell division can then be seen.
When there is an associated sperm problem and there is a risk that the sperms may not be able to fertilise the eggs by themselves, the sperms are picked up and with special equipment called a micromanipulator, the sperm is injected into the egg. This is called Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
STEP FOUR: EMBRYO TRANSFER
Embryo Transfer is the procedure by which the fertilised eggs are returned to the womb. The embryos are placed in a special catheter and are transferred into the uterus. After the procedure, the woman is given a progesterone hormone - series of injections or vaginal suppositories which she inserts daily for two weeks. A pregnancy test is conducted two weeks after embryo transfer.
IVF is necessary where other methods of treatment of infertility have failed. Whatever the cause of the problem, it is usually because the the sperm and the eggs are not uniting to form an embryo. if there is a sperm problem and the treatment of the cause of the sperm problem has failed, then a couple may require assisted conception. If there is an egg problem and ovulation cannot be induced, the woman may require assisted conception. If she has a tube problem which cannot be treated by simple methods, she will need assisted conception.
THE PROCESS OF IVF: AN IVF CYCLE
STEP 1: OVARIAN STIMULATION AND MONITORING
In a normal cycle, a single egg is produced in the ovary every month. To maximize the chances of successful fertilisation with each IVF attempt, the woman is given drugs (menogon, puregon, pergonal, humegon, metrodin, etc) to produce a lot of eggs. The growth and development of the eggs is closely monitored by repeated ultrasound and or blood tests. Based on information obtained from these tests, it is determined when ovulation will take place. Release of eggs from the ovary is then achieved by administering an injection called HCG. The woman will then be ready for egg collection. The eggs are are collected using ultrasound to guide a needle into the ovaries.
STEP 2: EGG COLLECTION
This takes place 32 to 36 hours after the HCG injection. Egg collection is usually performed via a transvaginal route under local anaesthesia. Direct vision through ultrasound helps imaging helps to identify and retrieve eggs more accurately.
STEP 3: INCUBATION AND FERTILISATION
A few hours before egg collection, the man is asked to produce a semen sample which will be processed in the laboratory in order to enhance the chances of fertilisation. The sperm and eggs are then incubated in a specially designed laboratory incubator which functions at standard body temperature. Within 48 hours, fertilisation is expected to take place and cell division can then be seen.
When there is an associated sperm problem and there is a risk that the sperms may not be able to fertilise the eggs by themselves, the sperms are picked up and with special equipment called a micromanipulator, the sperm is injected into the egg. This is called Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
STEP FOUR: EMBRYO TRANSFER
Embryo Transfer is the procedure by which the fertilised eggs are returned to the womb. The embryos are placed in a special catheter and are transferred into the uterus. After the procedure, the woman is given a progesterone hormone - series of injections or vaginal suppositories which she inserts daily for two weeks. A pregnancy test is conducted two weeks after embryo transfer.
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