IVF Cost

Three days after I sent my letter requesting information on the IVF cost, IVF success rate and IVF procedure to Selim Senoz at the JenePOL Women’s health and IVF Center in Turkey I received the reply below.

I have added the approximate US$ prices in red.

This is a great response, all questions answered directly and fully, the only thing is that there is no indication as to the cost of the fertility drugs – which we all know can add a significant amount to the cost! Even though, I still think this should be one for my shortlist.

The wesite, found here, only has a map on it, but you can get more information by emailing Selim Senoz at selim.senoz@kadindogum.com.

What is the current success rate for your clinic? (preferably by age as I know that the success rate will be much lower for somebody of my age)

The pregnancy rate is around 25-30%, the clinical pregnancy rate 20-25% – take away baby rate (delivery rate) is pretty low – about 10%

The chance does very much depend on the number of oocytes produced.  If she has less than 4 oocytes, the chance is almost ZERO.  Therefore it is very difficult to decide someone’s chance.  History of infertility, if there are previous IVF trials, the outcome of those procedures are very important

 

How many cycles do you perform per year at the clinic?

250-300 cycles per year

 

What is the maximum age that you treat?

Usually after 45 we do not accept patients for IVF.  However, if we believe that she can produce more than 5 oocytes, we can try our chances.  One patient at 47 years old produced 15 oocytes and tried one cycle recently.  She had nice embryos, but did not get pregnant in her first trial.

 

Are there any fertility conditions that you will not treat?

I did not understand this question.  If there is chance and the patients are willing to try, we accept them.  If there is no gamet, then we encourage the patients for donation programs.

What is your embryo transfer policy? How many embryos will you replace at one time?

This depends on the previous trial, patient’s history, religious believes etc.  Usually we transfer 2-3 embryos.  If the patient is older than 40 and she declare that she will accept fetosit (elimination one or more fetuses around 10 wks of pregnancy) we may transfer more than 3.  There is no strict policy.  We make a decision with each couple separately.

 

What is the basic cost of the IVF treatment?

1800 Euro (approx. US$2,451) excluding fertility drugs.

 

What additional costs would / could be incurred?

Nothing. If embryo freezing needed, 300 Euros (approx. US$409) for freezing and for the first year.

 

What happens to the costs if the cycle has to be abandoned?

If cycle is canceled before the oocyte pickup, no charge.

If no oocyte is retrieved after an oocyte pickup procedure is done (under general anesthesia), 450 Euro (approx. US$613) is charged.

If no fertilisation occurs and embryo transfer cannot be done, 1000 Euro (approx. US$1362) is charged.

How long would I need to be in Turkey for?

If we have all your data and start your drugs with the help of your local doctor, everything can be done in less than a week.  Otherwise, we have to see you on the first day of your cycle and everything usually takes 2 wks.

Who deals with the logistics of flights and accommodation?

If you like we can help you arranging everything.  However, you have to tell us what kind of hotels you like etc.  It is upto you.

 

How is the pre-treatment carried out?

If we have your medical history, we can decide the ovulation induction protocol.  For example, if you have already tried high doses of gonadotropins and still got 1-2 oocytes, the best thing is donation program. However, we have some patients who got pregnant with low dose of drugs, sometimes with natural cycle (no gonadotropins at all) after retrieving only one oocytes per cycle.  However, this does not suit you. This regimen needs to live near the clinic because sometimes after all follow-up, we have to cancel the cycle because of premature ovulation.

 

How do I get medication?

If you are here, we provide the drugs too.

 

How will I be monitored?

In some cases, we use the local gynecologist willing to help us.  In most cases we do the monitoring.  Usually we have to see the patient 2-4 times before the oocyte pickup.

 

How will I know that I am not being under / over stimulated?

When we see you, I will make a guess about how many eggs you will produce.  If you do around that number, the dose means O.K.  The higher dose does not mean  the more oocyte.  Especially POOR RESPONDER patients produce the same number of oocytes with low or very high doses.

 

If I have a problem whilst in the UK who would I go to?

You won’t have a problem after embryo transfer.  If you have problems, it will be related to pregnancy.  You will consult with your local doctors.  There are some possible problems after an embryo transfer: The infection, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).  These are predictable.  At the age of 43, the OHSS is rarely a problem.  You cannot produce that many follicles and a very high estradiol.

 

Is the clinic registered with any regulatory body?

Yes, our clinic is registered with the Ministry of Health.