In Vitro fertilisation (IVF) is the most commonly used of the assisted reproductive technologies (ART). IVF literally means “fertilisation in glass” (referring to the test tube, which is where the term “test tube baby” comes from).
During IVF, eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilised in the laboratory with sperm. After a few days, the fertilised eggs (embryos) are transferred to the female patient’s womb to develop and grow.
Aevitas fertility specialist’
Professor Thinus Kruger
and his team’s research and treatment resulted in the birth of South Africa and Africa’s first “test tube” (IVF) baby in 1984. This event opened a new era in reproductive medicine in Southern Africa.
Treatment Process
Our team of fertility specialists and nursing sisters will work with you to plan your treatment cycle.
For Women
Step 1: Hormone treatment
Hormone treatment is used to boost the development of several follicles containing eggs. With more fertilised eggs, there may be a greater selection of embryos.
Step 2: Ultrasound scan
Your ovaries will be monitored by vaginal ultrasound scan on certain days of your cycle. Blood tests may also be required. Regular ultrasound scans monitor the progress, as well as the response of your ovaries.
Step 3: Hormone injection
You will receive a final hormone injection about 36 hours before the eggs are retrieved. This injection triggers the final maturation of the eggs.
Step 4: Egg retrieval
Egg retrieval takes place in the privacy of our own day theatre. The eggs are retrieved under ultrasound guidance under deep sedation, administered by an anaesthetist. After the procedure, you will be offered a cup of tea and a sandwich before you go home.
Step 5: Fertilisation
The sperm are introduced to the eggs by being placed in an incubator so that fertilisation can occur overnight. The procedure is performed by an embryologist (scientist) in our IVF laboratory.
Step 6: Record fertilisation
The embryologist monitors the eggs to record fertilisation as well as embryo development.
Step 7: Embryo transfer
Embryo transfer into the uterus is usually done on the third to fifth day after the eggs have been retrieved. The optimum day for embryo transfer is determined according to the number and quality of the embryos. One or more embryos are transferred into the female partner’s womb. No sedation is needed for this procedure, which is similar to
Artificial Insemination (AI)
or to having a cervical smear taken. A fine catheter is gently threaded into the cervix and the embryo is placed in the cavity of the uterus. Ultrasound is used to confirm the placement of the catheter.
Step 8: Pregnancy test
A pregnancy test by means of a blood sample is done on the 10th day after embryo transfer to confirm the outcome.
Number of visits to clinic: 5 – 7 per cycle.
For Men
On the same day that the eggs are collected, you will be asked to produce a fresh sample of sperm using one of our private facilities. The sperm is then washed, the healthiest and most active sperm are selected.
Donor sperm and donor eggs
IVF /
ICSI
can also be performed using donor egg or sperm if indicated. Aevitas has a great selection of
sperm donors and
egg donors
. Patients also have the option of making use of
fresh or frozen donor eggs
.
IVF is recommended for:
- If other treatments such as
Artificial Insemination (AI)
have been unsuccessful.
- Male sub-fertility (
ICSI
is recommended in more severe cases of male infertility).
- Unexplained infertility.
- Lesbian couples where one partner donates eggs to the other partner.
Treatment cost:
The approximate cost of IVF is R 63 500 (this excludes the cost of medication during treatment, which can range between R 10 000 - R 15 000).
Additional costs that could apply includes: donor eggs, donor sperm and freezing of additional embryos.
As each patient or couples' treatment plan is individualised, a formal quote can be obtained from Aevitas' accounts department prior to starting treatment.