The Cost – and Value – of a Fertility Test

 

There is a cost associated with fertility tests, as there is with all other specialist medical tests and consultations. However, this amount rarely reflects the true value of the outcome of professional, reliable fertility tests that have been interpreted by a qualified and experienced fertility specialist. This outcome is an accurate diagnosis of the exact cause of your fertility challenges which enables you to get the exact treatment required, saving an great deal of time, effort and cost – and disappointment – in the future.

In this article, we look at why you need fertility tests, what types of fertility tests there are, what the cost of a fertility tests are and – more importantly – what the value is of having fertility tests. We also find out just how quick and easy it is to get fertility tests done with a specialist team.

Why you need a fertility test

Overcoming infertility can be a challenging journey – physically, emotionally and financially.

It is therefore especially important to ensure that you are investing your resources – physical, emotional and financial – in the best possible way. The only one way to ensure this is to rely on advanced technology and equipment that can deliver precise testing, with accurate results that can be professionally interpreted by expert, experienced specialists – so that you, as a couple, know exactly what is causing your fertility problem and which fertility treatment is the best option for you.

While it is often assumed that infertility is a female problem, nothing could be further from the truth. In only about one-third of infertility cases, the problem is due to the female partner. In another one-third of infertility cases, the problem is due to the male partner. For the remaining one-third of cases, the problem is a combination of male and female factor issues. Furthermore, in 25% of couples, there is also more than one factor contributing to infertility.

As such, it is important that you and your partner both have fertility tests, so that the exact cause or combination of contributing causes of your fertility challenge can be determined.
In addition to this, there is also a long list of possible causes of infertility in both men and women.

Some of the most common causes of female infertility include abnormal thyroid; advanced maternal age; anovulation; blocked fallopian tubes; cervical factor; diminished ovarian reserve; endometriosis; hyperprolactinaemia; polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); stress; and uterine factor.

Similarly, male infertility may be caused by the sperm, the testes themselves, the ducts that lead out from the testes, a functional problem in relation to sexual activity, hormonal issues or genetic problems.

However, most causes of male infertility are usually related to sperm disorders – in fact, damage to sperm production affects two thirds of men who are experiencing fertility challenges. As such, male infertility tests are used to determine the quantity and quality of male sperm.

What fertility tests can be done?

At Medfem, during your initial consultation with one of our fertility specialists, the tests and evaluations described below are done for the female partner.

Blood tests are necessary to measure hormone levels as well as to evaluate ovulation and to assess egg quality. Pelvic ultrasounds are a routine part of the quality care rendered at Medfem Fertility Clinic and are used to evaluate uterine health.

For the male partner, a detailed assessment of all sperm parameters is done through a semen analysis. A semen analysis measures the amount of semen produced and determines the number and quality of sperm in the semen sample. It also analyses sperm quality, concentration, motility, forward progression, morphology (shape), and the absence or presence of antisperm antibodies. A semen analysis is usually one of the first tests done to help determine whether a man has infertility problems.

In addition, an ultrasound examination of the testes and prostate can be a useful diagnostic test. A further investigation that may be necessary is a testicular biopsy, which allows for direct inspection of the sperm-making tissue.

Where do you get a fertility test?

Many of the fertility tests described above are done at Medfem Fertility Clinic during a fertility consultation with one of our fertility specialists, which is perhaps the single most important step on your fertility journey, and should also be the first step.

A fertility consultation with one of our specialists at Medfem is an opportunity to pinpoint the exact of your unique fertility challenges by tapping into the substantial expertise and extensive experience of our team, as well as our advanced techniques, state-of-the-art equipment and custom-designed facilities.

What happens during a fertility consultation?

During your initial fertility consultation, you and your partner will spend between 30 minutes and 1 hour with one of our fertility specialists. You can expect an extensive review of your medical history, a comprehensive infertility work up (physical exam), female blood tests, additional testing, and in depth explanations and answers to all your questions. Your fertility specialist will also discuss your fertility treatment options with you, to develop a personalised fertility treatment plan that fits you best.

Without this crucial initial fertility consultation and testing with a specialist in fertility, you risk investing in treatments, procedures and options that may not give you the best chances of falling pregnant.

What do fertility tests cost?

At Medfem, the cost of the initial fertility consultation is currently R2,350.00, excluding the cost of tests or investigations. The investigation costs for female blood tests can be up to ±R4,500.00, depending on the tests requested, and for male blood tests, up to ±R4,500.00, depending on the tests requested. The cost of semen analysis is R1,798.00.

These prices are valid until January 2021. Please visit medfem.co.za/treatment-costs to see the latest fees. Please remember to confirm all costs in writing before you proceed with any treatments.

What is the value of a fertility consultation?

Reaching a diagnosis is critical to subsequent treatment success, and as such this a fertility consultation and the fertility tests required are crucial first steps in fertility treatment.
Given the extensive nature of a fertility consultation and testing with one of our specialists at Medfem, the cost of such a fertility consultation and testing is worth every cent. However, is still does not reflect the true value.

As long as the possible list of causes of infertility is, the range of options – including specialised medications and treatments – to assist couples in getting pregnant is as extensive. This means it requires an expert with advanced facilities and equipment to sift through all these possibilities and to pinpoint the cause of your unique fertility challenges. The value of an accurate diagnosis is vast: not only in terms of the costs saved but also in terms of savings in time, effort, discomfort and disappointment.

Commencing with any type of fertility treatment without accurately diagnosing the cause of the infertility is costly in every way. Without pinpointing the exact cause of your fertility challenge, you could end up spending thousands of rands, countless hours and a great deal effort, only to be disappointed because the real cause of your infertility is not being addressed.

An accurate diagnosis made after thorough fertility testing during consultation with a specialist with extensive expertise and experience, and backed up by advanced techniques, state-of-the-art equipment and custom-designed facilities is invaluable, and this is exactly what you get during an initial consultation with a fertility specialist at Medfem Fertility Clinic.

Setting up your fertility consultation and tests is as simple as clicking here or contacting us on +27 (11) 463 2244.

We look forward to meeting you!

 

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