How to Choose the Right Fertility Clinic

The UK’s independent regulator of fertility treatment – the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority’s (HFEA) – is a world-class expert organisation in the fertility sector. Responsible for licensing and inspecting UK fertility clinics and setting the standards they must meet, the HFEA knows a lot about what makes a good clinic, and shares the tips below regarding what to look for when making your choice of fertility clinic.

Some factors to consider when choosing a clinic

* how authorities rate the clinic
* treatments offered
* eligibility criteria
* cost
* location (bear in mind you’ll need to make multiple trips to your clinic, sometimes at short notice)
* how other patients have rated the clinic
* the clinic’s birth and multiple birth rates
* waiting times for donor eggs or sperm (if applicable)
* counselling provision.

Source: www.hfea.gov.uk

Let’s take a brief look at each factor, and how Medfem Fertility Clinic meets the criteria.

How authorities rate the clinic

It is crucial to choose only a fertility clinic that is suitably accredited and well-recognised in the medical profession.

In South Africa, consider only fertility clinics accredited by the Southern African Society for Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG). You can visit their website to check if a fertility clinic you are considering is registered. Also give preference to clinics recognised internationally by other organisations in the field of Assisted Reproductive Technology.

Medfem Fertility Clinic, for example, is registered as an Accredited IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) Unit with SASREG. We also belong to the African Network and Registry for Assisted Reproductive Technology and recognised internationally the International Committee Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART).

Treatments offered

It is also important to look for a fertility clinic that offers a full range of advanced technologies and treatments. This will allow you to complete your fertility journey with one team, whichever treatment is required.

For example, Medfem Fertility Clinic offers the full spectrum of fertility treatments including in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), assisted hatching, egg and sperm donation, gestational surrogacy, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), as well as more basic fertility procedures such as intrauterine inseminations (IUI). We also provide services for those who need microsurgical sperm aspiration or electroejaculation.

Eligibility criteria

Be certain to understand the eligibility criteria for treatment at different fertility clinics. For example, different fertility clinics have their own policies on the age limit for treatment and may also consider whether a patient’s health will allow them to go through treatment, as well as any possible harm to the child to be born.

At Medfem, we believe in helping people reach their family dreams through world-class fertility for everyone; a positive fertility journey; and treatment delivered with empathy and caring. Whether you are new to fertility treatments or have had treatment before or elsewhere, our specialists, working closely with you, will create a customised personal fertility treatment plan for you.

Cost

The cost of fertility treatments varies considerably between individual specialists and clinics, as each have their own fee structures. Some clinics might create a “package” price for fertility treatments, while others may, for example, not include the cost of IVF medications. For this reason, it is important to confirm all costs before proceeding with any treatments.

At Medfem Fertility Clinic, your fertility specialist will provide a written quote for a clear treatment plan to ensure you have a full view of the cost implications and will also explain the costs of different treatment components and whether certain payments need to be made at a specific time, such as pre-payments before treatment begins.

Location

The HFEA underscores the importance of the location of the clinic you choose, noting that you will likely need to make multiple trips to the clinic you choose, sometimes at short notice.

Located in close proximity to the Sandton MediClinic in Johannesburg, Medfem Fertility Clinic is a purpose-built medical and surgical facility. This state-of-the-art clinic was opened in 1992 and combines consultation offices, exam rooms, laboratory facilities, a surgical suite and a specialist dedicated fertility pharmacy in one convenient location.

How other patients have rated the clinic

It is always a good idea to check the ratings and testimonials of a fertility clinic to find out what other patients have experienced.

At Medfem Fertility Clinic, our greatest achievements are the many letters and photos we receive from our patients whom we have helped overcome infertility and give birth to a healthy baby. You can read some of these inspirational and heart-warming testimonials from our patients on our Testimonials page.

The clinic’s birth and multiple birth rates

Perhaps the best way to choose the right clinic is to look at the success rates achieved. The higher the success rate of the clinic you choose, the better your chances of pregnancy.

Medfem’s pregnancy rates are among the highest in South Africa. The primary success rate – represented by the percentage of clinical pregnancies per embryo transfer procedure (CPR/ET) – is well above the national rates in South Africa and compares to the best internationally.

A leader in fertility care, Medfem performs an average of 1,100 IVF treatment cycles a year – and is proud to have played a role in bringing more than 18,000 babies into the world.

Waiting times for donor eggs or sperm

Medfem Fertility Clinic founded its own sperm bank in 1990 and offers access to donated sperm from only healthy young men who have completed a rigorous assessment and stringent donor screening.

Similarly, egg donors – whether known to the couple or anonymous donors selected through a third-party agency – are extensively and professionally assessed by Medfem Fertility Clinic to ensure they are psychologically and physically fit to be a donor.

Counselling provision

There is no doubt that undergoing fertility treatment is highly stressful – and it is a process that involves a number of unique stresses. Managing these unique stresses through specialised counselling will not only help you deal with the challenges and hurdles during the course of your fertility treatment, but can also improve the outcome of the treatments you receive.

For this reason, counselling and support is part of the fertility treatment package at Medfem and we encourage our patients to speak to our experienced resident fertility counsellor, Dr Mandy Rodrigues, who has more than 20 years of experience in assisting couples undergoing fertility treatments.

Make the right choice!

Choosing the right clinic will ensure the best chance of becoming pregnant.

Medfem Fertility Clinic’s team are committed and understanding team of medical professionals, who have the experience, knowledge and desire to provide you with the best chance of a successful outcome at the end of your treatment.

If you would like to meet one of our fertility specialists, simply click here to book an initial consultation or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244. Our Fertility Specialists can also meet with You During a Virtual Consultation Via Zoom or Skype. Click here to book a virtual consultation now.
We look forward to meeting you!