A quick reply to my letter requesting the IVF cost, IVF success rate and IVF procedure – the very next day, and a very thorough reply. Not only that but Dr. Chavez-Badiola is offering something that nobody else has mentioned – Mini-IVF – less drugs, less cost – what more could a gal want!!! I need to get on with the savings – but then again he has also pointed me in a direction where I may be able to make some money to be able to afford this!! I am buzzing!

This reply is a MUST READ, especially if, like me, age is not on your side.

Prices are already in US$. If you want to contact Dr. Chavez-Badiola the email address is a.chavez@badiolaconsultores.com. They don’t appear to have a website though.

I’ll stop rambling now and let you read this superb reply.

Dear Sue,

I will answer your questions ?on the go?. I visited your blog and I was deeply impressed. I found it very comprehensive and therefore I will make a couple of observations at the end of this letter.

Let me start by introducing myself.  My name is Alejandro Chavez-Badiola, I am a gynaecologist with training in reproductive medicine at the largest IVF centre in the UK (the Hewitt Centre for Reproductive Medicine, at the Liverpool Women?s Hospital).  Following this two-year training I pursued further training in NY and Tokyo, where I learned my area of special interest: Minimal stimulation and Natural Cycle IVF.

Since you have done quite a lot of research I will use a more technical language, although feel free to ask for any clarifications if you feel the need. Now, to answer your questions:

1. 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)

Pregnancy rate per started cycle is 46% (60% per embryo transfer) for traditional IVF and 32% for Minimal stimulation IVF.

Standard IVF pregnancy rates:
<35 yrs:  56%
35 to 38: 48%

38:      36%

Depending on your FSH levels, someone your age will probably have a poor response to stimulation drugs and, no matter how high the hormones? dose we use, you will probably end-up producing fewer eggs than the ?ideal? number (according to traditional IVF standards).  This is where Mini-IVF becomes your allied.

With Mini-IVF, you will be stimulated with oral medication and maybe with some injectable hormones (gonadotrophins), but usually no more than three injections overall.  This stimulation will allow your ovaries to produce only the best quality eggs your body can produce in that specific cycle.  In fewer words, I focus on egg quality rather than quantity.

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

In Mexico only we perform around 500 cycles a year.

3. What is the maximum age that you treat?

As long as you still have regular periods we can offer you IVF with your eggs (no age limit).  As mentioned above, to focus on egg quality rather than total egg number, allow us to offer woman our ?one egg- one embryo- one baby? philosophy.

If willing (or in need) to undergo donor IVF, we have a donors? egg bank where women can choose from (there is no waiting list). For women over 50 years old, their particular cases would have to undergo internal ethics committee approval.

Donors? eggs are cryopreserved with the latest technology called vitrification (Cryotop method), which has shown egg survival rates >98% with fertilisation, implantation and pregnancy rates comparable to those from fresh eggs.  These results have been widely published in reputable journals and results are consistent throughout fertility centres in Italy, Spain, Japan, USA and Mexico.
This is our key to offer eggs from a large database  and without waiting.

4. Are there any fertility conditions that you will not treat?

At the moment we still don?t offer PGD (we will from summer 2009), and therefore gender selection.  We also avoid surrogacy.

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

A positive pregnancy test is not what I?m after, but for you to take home a HEALTHY baby.  This is:  to avoid twin pregnancies… triplets or higher order multiple pregnancies are out of the question and are considered by me as a treatment failure.

One of the reasons why IVF centres transfer so many embryos is because their cryopreserving (freezing) techniques are unreliable and they know that only half of those frozen embryos will survive thawing.   With our vitrification technology we know  frozen embryos will survive (>96%), which allow us to transfer fewer embryos but to offer more embryo transfers per started cycle, which at the end make no difference in live-birth rates but they do in multiple pregnancy rates and associated complications.

Having said all of the above, there are no regulations in Mexico regarding embryo transfer and after proper counselling couples decide on final number of embryos to be transferred.

6. What is the basic cost of the IVF treatment?

Based on today?s exchange rate:

– Standard IVF $3,ooo USD (plus medication and blood tests?around $1,ooo to 1,5oo USD)
– Mini-IVF     $2,2oo USD (plus medication and blood test?around $150 USD)
– 3- Month treatment package with Mini-IVF $5,ooo USD (plus medication and blood tests)

Cryopreservation is not included in costs (except in the 3-Month package), which is around 3oo USD

7. What additional costs would / could be incurred?

– Medications
– Initial consultation and tests (which can be performed at home?HIV, hep B&C, etc)
– Bloods during follow-up
– Cryopreservation
– Treatment/ management of IVF related complications (e.g. OHSS- hyperstimulation syndrome)

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

You only pay for what you get; rest of money goes towards your next cycle.  As a very general guide you can divide treatment cost in this way:

– 1/3 for stimulation follow-up
– 1/3 for egg collection and lab expenses
– 1/3 for embryo transfer

So, for example, if a cycle is cancelled before egg collection you will have 2/3 of your money back towards your next IVF cycle. Costs related to drugs are not reimbursed in any situation.

9. How long would I need to be in Mexico for?

If you manage to get your own medication and to have a baseline ultrasound performed at home, then it?s a minimum of 10 days for standard IVF and Mini-IVF; and 6 days for natural cycles.

If you want to have initial consultation/ tests, baseline scan and drugs from us, then we?re talking about 12 to 15 days.

10.Who deals with the logistics of flights and accommodation?

We can help you to get very good deals for accommodation.  We can personally take care for airport-hotel-clinic transportation, but you will have to deal with flights and final reservations (hotel) yourselves.

11. How is the pre-treatment carried out?

Once you ask for treatment I will send you a list of tests you need to up-date (or have done with us if you rather to), and a basic medical history format to fill-out.  Once this is in place, you only have to let us know when you are planning for treatment and call with your menstrual period one month ahead of treatment. This, since depending on your age (probably not in your case), we?d like to prepare your ovaries with a short course of oral contraceptives.

If you?re having baseline scan and drugs at home let us know so we can find a friend doctor to help you out.  We?d like to be in touch with you both (your doctor and you), so we can let you know on the best time to come to us for further surveillance and time of egg collection.

12. How do I get medication?

If you decide to have all done over here, you can get it from us.  If not just let me know where you live and I can get a doctor to hand you a prescription after you have been properly scanned and appropriate dosage established.

13. How will I be monitored?

– Baseline transvaginal scan + day 3 FSH, LH, progesterone (P4), and oestradiol (E2)
– Day 8 follow-up scan + E2, FSH
– Day 10-11 scan + E2, LH, P4
– Day 12-13 scan + E2, LH, P4

More frequent or extended monitoring is required in some cases.

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

According to findings during monitoring, mainly ultrasound examinations and oestradiol levels and FSH levels on initial stimulation bloods.

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

– North West England and Wales:  Mr. Andrew Drakeley
- London:  Mr. Luciano Nardo
– Scotland (Aberdeen):  Prof. Mark Hamilton

If none of these are convenient for you I could recommend you some other doctors within these regions or maybe even closer to you.  Remember, I wa trained in the UK and I got to know a lot of very good and reliable IVF doctors over there.

16. Is the clinic registered with any regulatory body?

No for the moment, although we are working towards being eligible to send our data to the ASRM in the USA and to get an NY State certificate for our IVF lab.

17. How long is the waiting list for IVF treatment?

We have an overwhelming capacity, and since IVF is private medicine in Mexico, there is no waiting list for any of our treatments.

Finally, after so much research you have found that statistics are rather easy to manipulate and success rates, most of times only say an incomplete true.  Look for pregnancy rates per started cycle (HFEA statistics are very reliable), and most important to women your age:  pregnancy rates within a time frame… Mini-IVF will offer you the best chances of pregnancy within 6 months as well as the most cost-effective form of treatment.  For more detailed information visit www.newhopefertility.com

Costs in NY are higher than in Mexico, but you can get hold on a lot of info within our website (Mexican website is still on-going work).

Your blog should be sponsored by pharmaceutical companies (keep avoiding adverts from individual doctors or clinics), and if you want to I could get you in touch with a non profit organisation in Mexico called AMI (Mexican Association of Infertility), run by patients as yourself who would very much appreciate all of your hard work.

Congratulations, my best wishes on your enterprise of becoming a mom yourself.

Kind regards,

Dr. Alejandro Chavez-Badiola
Medical Director, New Hope Fertility Centre Mexico

Technorati Tags: Mexico, My IVF Shortlist

I have added the approximate US$ prices in red.

Their website is worth having a look at, there is some good general information on there as well as information about the clinic itself. Click here to go to their website. The full contact details for the clinic are:

Address:
Mediterranean Fertility Center & Genetic Services
Jacumakis Ioannis
24 Zimvrakakidon St.
Chania 73136 Crete,Greece

Telephone: +302821090955
Mobile: +306972247074
Fax: +302821090355
e-mail: ivflab@otenet.gr

The high rate of fertility together with the quality and devotion of our staff, combined with reasonable prices, attract patients both from Greece and from around the world.

We shall try to answer in a comprehensive way, to your questions:

    What is the current success rate for your clinic?

-         The clinical pregnancy  rate (fetal heart beat detected by ultrasound) we obtained last year (2007) for IVF – ET /ICSI with fresh oocytes/embryos, by age for each started cycle, is as follows: 

_ age range: 25 – 30  :  ……35 %……….

_ age range: 31 – 35  :  …29 %………….

_ age range: 36 – 40  :  ……26%……….

_ age range: over 40 :  ……16 %………. 

            The clinical pregnancy rate (fetal heart beat detected by ultrasound) we

obtained last year (2007) for OOCYTE  DONATION  with fresh oocytes/embryos for each ET is:……40 %………………

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

In 2007 we performed ……350………. oocyte pick-up procedures for standard IVF and…300………… oocyte donation procedures, with fresh embryos.

           What is the maximum age that you treat?

The law in Greece allows to treat female patients not older than 50.

-         Is there any fertility condition that you will not treat?

We treat almost all conditions, even those where egg / sperm donation are required. The law in Greece permits all these procedures.

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

       The Greek laws allows the transfer of 2, 3 or 4 embryos at one time depending on the

       age of the  patient;  the policy we follow depends therefore on each single case: the doctor together

       with the embryologist and the patient will discuss the single case, according to the

       number of embryos available: sometimes, especially if there are many embryos it may be reasonable to develop the embryos to the blastocyst stage so

       that a  selection of the best embryos will have occurred and the number of embryos

       will have decreased through natural selection; if there are many embryos however we

       have the facility to freeze extra embryos.

-         What is the basic cost of the IVF treatment?

The basic cost of the IVF treatment is ………1,800 euro…(approx. US$2,451)…………………..

The cost of egg donation is …………5,800 euro (approx. US$7,927) including scan, consultation, blood test.

-         What additional costs would/could be included?

You have to add the costs of transportation from your country to Greece and the costs of accommodation for approx. 1 week.

In addition, you have to add the costs of medication (for ovarian stimulation) and the costs for supplementary procedures, if needed, such as ICSI-IMSI, freezing of embryos, PGD .

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

The costs will be much lower if for some reason we do not reach the transfer stage: for example if the follicles rupture before presumed ovulation (which happens quite rarely especially with nowadays down regulation protocols) or if  fertilization or subsequent cleavage do not occur

-         How long would I need to be in Greece for?

Usually, our foreign patients stay for 10 days; they are followed by their doctor during the first days of the ovarian stimulation and come to Greece only when they are close to the ovulation day. This prevents patients to come with  no follicles and reduces costs. If patients prefer to come to  Greece right from the beginning of the stimulation we will be very happy to welcome them all the same. The medical costs will not increase.

-         Who deals with the logistics of flights and accommodation?

Usually patients deal with the flights and hotels, but we can help to find hotel at low cost, since the Island of Crete is a touristic place, there are many charter flights coming from all over Europe during spring, summer and early autumn; therefore we inform patients of these opportunities.

-         How is the pre-treatment carried out?

The results of the blood tests and of all required examinations is sent to us by the patients by e-mail or fax. If they have some difficulties in doing these tests at home, they will do them in Greece, once they arrive.

-         How do I get medication?

Usually medication is acquired by the patients in their own country, through their doctors.

           How will I be monitored?

Monitoring is performed by vaginal ultrasound examination and by  hormonal blood evaluation. Usually these are performed while the patient is still at home with their doctor and the case is discussed with one of our doctors here by phone. Monitoring is then completed here in Greece as soon as the patient arrives. Sometimes the patient arrives the day before ovum pick-up and therefore the whole monitoring has been performed at home.

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

If it is the first stimulation, it is not very easy to predict the degree of stimulation, even though there are clues that may help; if a stimulation has already been performed in the past, it is easier to know and decide the right dose of drugs to be used. Anyhow, since the drugs are being administered while the patient is being monitored, we know before ovum pick-up what will be the response of the ovary (under/over stimulation).

-         If I have a problem whilst in my country, who would I go to?

We are on call round the clock and you can call us any time. Moreover, we   

 have connections with some doctors in many countries.

-         Is the Clinic registered with any regulatory body?

-         Yes under the Helenic Authority of Assisted Reproduction,

-         as the HFEA in England.

     I hope we have answered your questions.

Best regards

Monica Tsouroupaki ;  ivf director

Dr. Jannis Jacumakis  ; clinical director

Attachment with the couple investigation questionnaire:

FERTILITY CENTER CHANIA

Giannis Giakoumakis obs/gyne

M.Botsary 64 chania 76136

Crete Greece 

                                                     Please answer the questionnaire,

Fertility history

Female name——————————–                   Age ——————-

Male name —————————————-           Age ——————-

Phone ———————-cell phone ——————-Address……………………

Number and outcome of previous pregnancies——————-none——————–

Viable birth———–spontaneous abortion——————induced abortion———–

Ectopic———–molar————-

Duration of infertility—————–

Previous investigation and treatment of infertility, explain————————-

History of previous assisted reproductive attempts ICSI or IVF

Fertilization failure————–,premature embryo arrest——————–,

Pregnancy failure—————-,early abortion——————–

Explain in details;———————————–

Clinical assessment of female fertility

Menstrual bleeding normal————–,abnormal—————–

Menstrual cycle  regular menses————-, other describe———————

Uterine cavity ( by HSG or Hysteroscopy ) normal———-,other describe————–

Test of tubule patenty

Right side normal———————,other describe——————————

Left side normal——————,other describe————————-

History of diseases with possible adverse effect on fertility:

Endometriosis—————–, Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome——————–,diabetes—————,Thyroid  disease————————,other describe———————-

Laboratories Assessments

1-     andrology investigation

2-     spermogram ( semen analysis )                lab results———————————

ll- endocrinology investigation:

On the third day of period

FSH———–LH—————Estradiol————–

Prolactine level——————–

III- Genetic investigation prior IVF

Chromosome analysis female        no———-yes———–karyotype—————–

Chromosone analysis partner           no———-yes———–kariotype—————-

 Sperm apoptosis            no————-yes————–apoptosic index———%

Aneuploidy test in sparm by FISH    no———–yes—————-

( name which chromosomes were study ———————— result—————–

 microdiletion of chromosome Y test no—————yes————-genotype———-

       cystic fibrosis test of partner  no———- yes—————– genotype

IV-  microbiology  assessments

CMV  no———- yes————

Chlamydia-            -no—————-yes—————

Tuberculosis      no——————-yes—————-

Other describe       ————————-

V  - immunology assessments

Antisperm antibody testing ———————

Describe results —————————

Autoimmune female disorder ——————–

 Describe results————————-

Technorati Tags: Greece, My IVF Shortlist

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.

Technorati Tags: My IVF Shortlist, Turkey

I have added the approximate US$ costs in red.

Technorati Tags: My IVF Shortlist, Turkey

IVF Safaris

 You know how ‘they’ (the well-meaning masses) are always saying “oh, just go on holiday and then you will get pregnant”?  Makes you want to reach out and shake them.  But maybe there is a bit of method in their madness after all!  Come to South Africa on a fertility holiday, see a lion* and conceive your baby!

 Medical care in South Africa is on par with the best care in the world.  Our doctors and their support staff are of the highest quality and our success rates are proof.  Our clinics are getting over 65% success rates per attempt for their DE IVFs.  And that is not a doctored number, it’s the real deal.

 But here is the real winner – not only is the care excellent, but it is damn cheap too!  The cost of a DE IVF is a fraction of what you would pay for in America or Europe.  So, you could come on a two week IVF Safari to South Africa and the entire trip, including your flights, accommodation, lion spotting AND the IVF costs will still come to less that it would cost you do an IVF at home.  Amazing huh!

 South Africa is the most amazing country.  Not only do we have the best looking people here (myself included of course), but we have so much to do for the tourist.  Wine farms, game drives, the best beaches, amazing scenery.  And of course, it helps that you get about a billion South African Rands to one dollar.  Well, maybe not a billion, but it does make it very affordable for foreign tourists.

 So, come to South Africa for your IVF treatment.  Bring extra space in your case and room in your womb, hopefully both will be filled when you return home again!

 For more information about Egg Donation in South Africa, please visit www.nurture.co.za

 * Contrary to popular believe, we don’t have lions roaming freely on the streets of South Africa.  You might have to go on a bit of a safari to see a lion.  We do have some really nice wine though, and that is freely available just about anywhere you go. 

 Costs for DE IVF in Cape Town, South Africa

(Note – these are estimate costs, for a confirmed quote, please contact the Cape Fertility Clinic directly on karin@capefertility.co.za for treatment in Cape Town, or for treatment in Johannesburg, contact  Vitalab Fertility Clinic)

 DE IVF = $5000 – $6000

(including all appointments, meds etc for the recipient and the donor, retrieval, ICSI, transfer as well as the donor’s fee)

 Agency Fee = $2500

(Agency fee for the donor.  For more info, please visit www.nurture.co.za) 

Technorati Tags: My IVF Shortlist, South Africa

The prices appear very good and they have answered all of my questions directly so I felt that it was worth adding to my IVF shortlist.

The contact details for the clinic are:

http://www.neplodnost.com

info@neplodnost.com

I have added the approximate US$ eqivalents in red, and the website can be found here.

Technorati Tags: My IVF Shortlist, Slovenia

The reply contains some very good information, the clinic certainly seems to be a big one performing around 2000 stimulated cycles a year and yet the reply comes from a founder and embryologist – I like that, it shows a real personal touch. I also like it when I am told not to hesitate in contacting them for further information rather than just being directed to a website – again it’s personal.

The website, in English, can be found here. The email address is INFO@EMBRYOGENESIS.GR. I have added the US$ approximations in red.

This is another one for my IVF shortlist although the basic IVF cost does not include drugs.

Sorry for the delay in replying, but the list of questions was endless, but I agree relevant. I will try to cover them as best as I can.
 
Our clinic has been open here in athens for 17 years. Dr Mastrominas and myself met when we were working at Hammersmith Hospital IVF with Prof. Robert Winston.
We perform approximately 2000 stimulated cycles per year, approx 1000 natural cycle IVF, and now for the last year an increasing demand for minimal stimulation IVF. In september 2008 we held a symposium here in athens on minimal stimulation and oocyte/embryo vitrification with teams from around the world (specifically japan & USA) which have helped us to refine the protocols with excellent results.
 
The clinic has a mean patient age of 38,5 years, the overall success for stimulated treatment is 48%, most patients have frozen embryos for subsequent attempt, & success rates start to tail off at 40 yrs. The over 40s do well if they respond to the drug regimes and there are not multiple infertility factors involved, the 40-44 yr old group are at present approx 20% successful although many of this group opt for natural cycle IVF and collct 2-3 embryos for transfer. We treat patients according to greek law up to 46 years of age. There are no specific infertility problems we do not treat, in fact we have the largest PGD & PGS programme here in greece and therefore treat for translocations and other genetic disorders which may or may not be infertile related.
 
The law in greece for IVF is one of the most liberal here in europe, and allows us to transfer 3 or more embryos to the over 40s. The patients under 35 are limited to 2 embryos for transfer. The number replaced will be discussed with the patient. Here in greece patients want twin pregnancies to finish with IVF once and for all, and doctors class twin pregnancies no more difficult than singletons. However here they have close and continuous relationship with the patient. In northern europe the feeling is to avoid twin pregnancies, therefore we discuss in detail the patients needs and desires.
 
The basic cost of stimulated cycle IVF is 3000 euros (approx. US$4,125), with ICSI 3500 (approx. US$4,815) euros, vitrification 300 euros (approx. US$415) + 50 euro (approx. US$70) per oocyte / embryo. Costs involve all consultations, scans, hormones, and procedures. They do not include drugs, and any investigations which are not part of treatment. If cycle is abandoned, costs incurred until cancellation are minimal.
 
Normally treatment for people in remote ares of greece or from other countries is coordinated through a local doctor who has experience of stimulation protocols. We have many years of experience in controlling cycles remotely, however we do demand that all scans and estradiol measurements are sent directly to us & decisions of treatment are made from here. We regularly have patients from Italy and balkan countries which follow this regime without problems. Prescriptions can be arranged from us for drugs, however in some cases drugs are not always available in same form in all countries, and sometimes we need to find alternatives. The length of time required here in greece can be reduced to approx 5-7 days if we can control the initial stage of treatment remotely. Accommodation we can suggest and maybe confirm, but do not usually become more involved. 
 
If there are complications in the UK we have a network of people throughout the country who could be of help. We are constantly in contact with IVF at Hammersmith Hospital. We have excellent relations with Kings College in london, and also, with Leeds, Liverpool, & Birmingham IVF programmes
 
The clinics here in greece are under the regulation of the greek national authorities, but as yet do not have a comprehensive monitoring system. We have undertaken ourselves to obtain ISO 9001, we regularly invite regulators fro UK to come and advise us, we take part in all european quality control programmes, and I am registered as senior clinical embryologist with ESHRE, who is now trying to set up a pan european regulatory body for accreditation. 
 
I hope this information is of some use, any more details required do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Dr Stephen Davies, Scientific Director/ Embryologist.
Embryogenesis IVF centre.
Athens, Greece  15123.
 
Tel. +30 210 6104682, Fax +30 210 6104688

Technorati Tags: Greece, My IVF Shortlist

If you look at their website there is a lot of detailed cost information and they certainly seem happy to help with a lot of the logistics. The website also gives an indication of the costs in US$. With a total IVF cycle cost, including medication, estimated at US$4,250 and a complete vacation package for two at US$5,860 plus flights this seems to be a good deal. Their email is info@myivfalternative.com. One for my IVF shortlist I think!

thank you for your interest in our program.
If you go through our website: www.myivfalternative.com, you’ll be able to find a lot if detailed information about the treatment program in Czech, but in the mean time, here are answers to your specific questions:
1. 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 SUCCESS RATE FOR USING YOUR OWN EGGS IS 55% FOR WOMEN UP TO THE AGE OF 38 AND 67% WHEN USING DONOR EGGS

  2. How many cycles do you perform per year at the clinic? WE DO OVER 80 CYCLES A MONTH
  3. What is the maximum age that you treat? 55
  4. Are there any fertility conditions that you will not treat? WE ARE TRYING TO TREAT ALL INFERTILITY CONDITIONS
  5. What is your embryo transfer policy? How many embryos will you replace
  at one time? THERE IS NO LAW THAT WOULD RESTRICT YOU TO A CERTAIN NUMBER, IT IS VERY INDIVIDUAL DEPENDING ON THE PATIENT’S AGE, QUALITY OF EMBRYOS ETC. BUT USUALLY IT IS 1-3
  6. What is the basic cost of the IVF treatment? YOU CAN SEE THAT ON OUR WEBSITE UNDER TREATMENT COST
  7. What additional costs would / could be incurred? TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM BRNO (EASY WITH RYAN AIR FROM LONDON)    8. What happens to the costs if the cycle has to be abandoned? TREATMENT GUARANTEE FOR EGG DONATION ATTACHED. FOR USING YOUR OWN EGGS – YOU JUST PAY FOR SERVICES THAT YOU HAVE RENDERED.
  9. How long would I need to be in Czech Republic for? 14 DAYS FOR USING YOUR OWN EGGS AND 7 DAYS FOR USING DONOR EGGS, 3 DAYS FOR DONOR EMBRYOS
  10. Who deals with the logistics of flights and accommodation? WE HELP YOU ARRANGE FOR THOSE BASED ON YOUR PREFERENCE.
  11. How is the pre-treatment carried out? YOU WILL GET A LIST OF TESTS THAT NEED TO BE DONE AND YOU EITHER ARRANGE FOR THEM WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR IF IT IS BETTER FOR YOU TO COMPLETE THEM IN CZECH, YOU WOULD HAVE TO COME TO CZECH ONE MORE TIME.
  12. How do I get medication? WILL BE MAILED TO YOU OR YOU CAN GET THEM FROM YOUR LOCAL DOCTOR
  13. How will I be monitored? BY YOUR DOCTOR OR YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE IN CZECH LONGER TO DO IT THERE.
  14. How will I know that I am not being under / over stimulated? AT YOUR FIRST VISIT IN CZECH
  15. If I have a problem whilst in the UK who would I go to? YOUR OB/GYN
  16. Is the clinic registered with any regulatory body? THEY MEET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS SET BY CZECH GOVERNMENT AND THEY EXCEED THEM BY HAVING COMPLETED ISO CERTIFICATION.

Hope the answers help
Best regards,
Mag

Technorati Tags: Czech Republic, My IVF Shortlist

I have added the US$ prices in red.

thank you very much for your inquiry. My name is Rita Verdugo and I am an assistant in the KinderWunschKlinik, in Thalheim bei Wels, Upper Austria.

Sorry that it took a few days to answer you back. And you don’t have to apologise for the long question list; we are used to answering them! J

I’ll go straight to your questions:

1 – 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) – I can only tell you that we currently have a pregnancy rate of about 45% at first attempt. Most of our patients, though, are between 30 and 38 years old. Unfortunately, we don’t have any rate for patients of your age, altough many are indeed your age.

2 – HOW MANY CYCLES DO YOU PERFORM PER YEAR AT THE CLINIC? – We will perform in 2008 around 1000 follicle punctures; this means around 1000 IVF/ICSI treatments.

3 – WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM AGE THAT YOU TREAT? There’s no maximum age; of course, each woman is a case and it is first of all important for us to know: does the woman still have a regular menstruation period? How does her hormone status presently look like? Is the man’s sperm okay for an IVF treatment?

4 – ARE THERE ANY FERTILITY CONDITIONS THAT YOU WILL NOT TREAT? – We are a serious clinic and we only treat couples who still have the chance to fall pregnant and hopefully fullfil their dream of an own child. If the woman’s hormone status is hopeless, then we do not treat her, because there would be no sense in that. There is, though, the possibility of egg cell donation, which in Austria is legally not allowed. There is a clinic in Spain (country which allows egg cell donation) – www.institutobernabeu.com – who can help patients whose egg production is no longer working. In Austria it is also not allowed to treat couples from the same sex (homosexual couples) or single women.

5 – WHAT IS YOUR EMBRYO TRANSFER POLICY? HOW MANY EMBRYOS WILL YOU REPLACE AT ONE TIME? – This is a decision that has to be made between doctor and couple. Usually, though, we transfer 2 Embryos back, due to the fact that a multiple pregnancy could outcome from a transfer of 3 or more embryos, and thus cause health problems to mother and children – malformations, miscarriages, … our goal is one healthy child.

6 – WHAT IS THE BASIC COST OF THE IVF TREATMENT? – an IVF treatment costs in our clinic Euro 2.200,00 (approx. US$2980) (+ 10% VAT), no medication included. Medication can go from Euro 1.500,00 up to Euro 2.200,00 (approx. US$2035 – US$2980).

7 – WHAT ADDITIONAL COSTS WOULD / COULD BE INCURRED? – flight costs and hotel costs for foreign patients. And also other additional measures, such as anaesthesia during follicle puncture (Euro 116,36 (approx. US$157.70)+ 10% VAT) and other measures that could be applied in order to increase the chances for the patient to get pregnant. These measures though, should be discussed with the doctor and do not necessarily have to be performed.

8 – WHAT HAPPENS TO THE COSTS IF THE CYCLE HAS TO BE ABANDONED? – one of the following situations can happen: the ovaries don’t react to hormonal stimulation; after the follicle puncture, there are no eggs to be fertilised; the retrieved eggs don’t fertilise. In this case, only a percentage of the total costs will be charged (Unfortunately, I cannot give you the totals, since I do not have them).

9 – HOW LONG WOULD I NEED TO BE IN AUSTRIA FOR? – Patients from abroad usually make their stimulation phase at home and then fly/drive to Austria for the follicle puncture and embryo transfer. This means a 6-8 day stay in Austria. Sone, though, prefer to stay for the whole treatment (about 20 days).

10 – WHO DEALS WITH THE LOGISTICS OF FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATION? – Patients make their own arrangements regarding flights and accommodation. We can, though, provide you with a list of hotel’s suggestions in the area.

11 – HOW IS THE PRE-TREATMENT CARRIED OUT? – if you mean preparation for the treatment, there should be updated medical reports (blood, gynaecological reports, spermiograms) available and in our possession before the patient starts her stimulation.

12 – HOW DO I GET MEDICATION? – the prescriptions are given to you by us; the medication can be bought either in your own country, or through a pharmacy in France with which we have been successfully working for the past couple of years. The medicines are sent per DHL directly to the patient’s address.

13 – HOW WILL I BE MONITORED? – we need, during the stimulation phase, 2 ultrasound checks that have to be made on the 6^th and 9^th cycle days. If the patient cannot come to our clinic (as I told you before, some spend the whole treatment time in Austria), then it should be arranged by the patient that she goes to a gynaecolgist of her own trust for these monitorings. The results are sent to us on the same day, discussed with a doctor here and then per elephone with the patient also on the same day.

14 – HOW WILL I KNOW THAT I AM NOT BEING UNDER / OVER STIMULATED? – through these 2 ultrasound checks, it is possible to know how the ovaries are reacting to stimulation. The patient usually feels a slight discomfort in the abdominal area, and the whole area volume usually gets bigger if an over stimulation is starting.

15 – IF I HAVE A PROBLEM WHILST IN THE UK WHO WOULD I GO TO? – We are reachable per telephone around the clock, so the patients usually call us before they take any decisions. Our hospitals are available should one of our patients need an urgent examination at late hours; I’m sure English hospitals would be also available around the clock for you should you need any urgent examination.

16 – IS THE CLINIC REGISTERED WITH ANY REGULATORY BODY? – The KinderWunschKlinik is TÜV certified according to EN ISO 9001:2000 since 2003 (please see: http://www.baby4you.at/en/info/press/TUV-Technical-Inspection-Authority-Certification.html).

I hope I was able to answer all your questions.

I’m also enclosing a letter containing some more general information on an IVF treatment in our clinic.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me again, should you need any extra clarification or if you are interested in coming to us.

I wish you all the best!

With kind regards

Rita Verdugo

Medical Assistant

KinderWunschKlinik

Dr. Loimer GmbH

Traunufer Arkade 1

A-4600 Thalheim bei Wels

A U S T R I A

T +43 72 42 22 44 66

M +43 699 15 22 44 66

F +43 72 42 22 44 67

rita.verdugo@kinderwunschklinik.at

www.kinderwunschklinik.at

Here is the letter that was also attached to this reply:

Your inquiry concerning a treatment
in the KinderWunschKlinik Wels – AUSTRIA

Hello,
Thank you very much for your inquiry. My name is Rita Verdugo and I am the assistant of
our medical director Dr. Leonhard Loimer.

Below some information about the treatment in our clinic in Austria:
1. In Austria it is legally allowed to transfer embryos on day 5 after puncture. That means
the embryos have reached the phase of blastocysts. This opportunity makes it possible
to control the embryo’s development much better and to transfer those who have the
best chance to implant in the uterus.
2. In Austria all punctured oocytes can be fertilized. The best embryos will then be
transferred. If there are good-quality embryos left, they can be frozen and stored in
liquid nitrogen for further treatments.
3. The costs for an IVF treatment amount to Euro 2.200,–, if you need the ICSI method (in
case of poor sperm quality) the costs run up to Euro 2.650,– (prices excluding 10%
VAT).
The costs for medication are separate and are approx. Euro 1.500,- up to Euro 2.200,-
(prices excluding 10% VAT). An exact calculation is possible as soon as the doctor
knows which hormonal treatment you need.
We suggest that you contact your insurance to see if you can get any financial support.
Of course we will help you with any information you need!
4. If you plan a treatment in our clinic first of all we need the following medical details from
both you and your partner:
a. Blood: woman: – HIV (not older than 3 months)
- Hepatitis B and C (not older than 3 months)
- Syphilis TPHA test
- Rubella titre
- Hormones: FSH, LH, E2, progesterone, TSH, T3, T4,
prolactin (if possible, please collect blood between day
1 and 4 of bleeding)
man: – HIV (not older than 3 months)
- Hepatitis B and C (not older than 3 months)
- Syphilis TPHA test
We strongly recommend you to bring these medical reports from your own home
country, as the diagnosis may be more expensive in Austria and your insurance will not
cover the costs.
b. Marriage certificate
c. If you are not married
W will send you to a notary´s office here in Austria. Please contact us!
d. Spermiogram:
So we can figure out the quality quantity, morphology and motility of sperm.
e. Gynaecological reports: – ultrasound of uterus and ovaries
- updated PAP smear
- bacterial culture
- details of surgical operations
f. If possible reports from previous IVF-treatments in other clinics
The duration of your treatment in the KinderWunschKlinik:
For us it is very important to be best informed about you. If you have a gynaecologist in
your country who is interested in cooperating with us, she or he could do the necessary
ultrasounds for follicle-monitoring, during stimulation.
We could do the information exchange per email, fax or phone.
You should arrive to Austria prior to the 2nd ultrasound (usually on cycle day 9), so that
one of our doctors can assess the result of stimulation and schedule the optimal date for
the puncture, according to the size of your follicles.
The puncture of the oocytes (approx. on the 13th cycle day) is in our clinic in Wels; three to
five days later you have to come back for your embryo transfer).
Two weeks after the embryo transfer takes place, you will carry out a pregnancy test –
hopefully you’re pregnant. The pregnancy test can be done in your home country and we
recommend a blood control of the ßHCG level.
We would like to inform you that our pregnancy rate is very good, with approx. 50%
success at first attempt.
If you wish, I would be at any time available to help you finding suitable accommodation
here in Wels or its surroundings. Especially during the summer months we can
recommend the holiday region Attersee in the beautiful landscape of the Upper Austrian
Salzkammergut (www.attersee.at).
Also the European Capital of Culture 2009 Linz or the beautiful historic Mozart town
Salzburg are just 30 to 45 minutes to drive by car from Wels.
If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me (mobile +43 699
15 22 44 66 or in the KinderWunschKlinik +43 72 42 22 44 66).

All the best and warm regards!
Rita Verdugo
Medical Assistant
KinderWunschKlinik Wels
rita.verdugo@kinderwunschklinik.at
www.kinderwunschklinik.at

Technorati Tags: Austria, My IVF Shortlist

I did speak with Mr. Kini on the telephone for some time and had a very informative chat about the options that are open to me. The one thing that I liked very much was that he did not dismiss the possibility that I may be able to conceive with my own eggs – at my age many clinics seem to be saying that I will need donor eggs – but he did say that it would be dependant on the test results. I must admit that this made me feel like an individual and not an “age”! He also said that there were some techniques for improving the quality of the eggs that cannot be done in the UK yet.

This clinic does not have a website but their email address is miracleivf@gmail.com.

Although this is not as cheap as some of the Indian Clinics, Mr. Kini does have a lot of experience and has practised in the West, and he treats you as an individual. This is a clinic we will be considering further on my shortlist.

…

Technorati Tags: India, My IVF Shortlist