The Cost of IUI in Johannesburg South Africa
Given that it could make your dream of having a baby possible, successful IUI treatment cannot be valued in money. Nevertheless, this life-changing treatment that has helped so many people become parents, does involve certain costs, as with all medical treatments.
The short answer to the question “How much does IUI cost in South Africa?” is that a cycle of IUI treatment with your partner’s sperm at Medfem Fertility Clinic costs R7,570 in 2019. (Find a detailed list of current treatment costs by clicking here.)
However, bear in mind that an IUI procedure and its costs are part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The cost will vary from couple to couple based on a number variables, such as whether a sperm wash procedure is included and if the sperm used is from the male partner or from a sperm donor.
Remember, too, that fertility treatments require significant expertise in terms of medical, nursing, scientific and pathology staff as well as advanced equipment. In addition, more than one treatment cycle may be required.
A look at the range of conditions treated with IUI; the variables that affect your fertility treatment plan; the procedure involved; and the possibility of multiple treatment cycles; will provide a more realistic view of what costs may be involved.
What Affects the Cost of IUI?
Variables that affect your fertility treatment plan
At Medfem Fertility Clinic, you and your partner’s first consultation with one of our highly qualified and experienced fertility specialists will entail a review of your medical history and previous tests, a comprehensive infertility work up including a physical exam, and in-depth explanations and answers to all your questions.
During this first appointment of 30 minutes to an hour, your fertility specialist will also order additional investigations and tests if required to develop with you a personalised fertility treatment plan designed to help you fall pregnant.
The cost of an initial consultation is currently R2,200.00 (prices valid until December 2019) and does not include the cost of further investigations and tests.
Below is an overview of some of the investigation costs, which may be required.
Investigation Costs
* Female blood tests: Up to ±R4,035.00 (depending on the tests requested)
* Male blood tests: Up to ±R4,035.00 (depending on the tests requested)
* Semen Analysis: R1,798.00
(Prices valid until December 2019)
Conditions treated by IUI
IUI is a specialist technique among a range of possible options used to address a variety of fertility issues affecting both male and female partners, such as vaginismus; ovulation problems; mucos hostility; mild endometriosis; low sperm count; and ejaculation problems, including retrograde ejaculation.
An accurate diagnosis of the exact cause of infertility is crucial to your success in achieving a pregnancy, as this will ensure that the most effective treatment plan is created based on your unique circumstances.
Many of the fertility issues mentioned above could possibly also be treated using fertility treatments other than IUI. A fertility specialist is the most qualified and experienced to accurately determine the cause of your infertility challenges and provide the options regarding the most effective treatment given your unique circumstances.
This is why all fertility treatments – including IUI – start with an initial consultation with your fertility specialist.
The procedures involved in IUI
Similarly, the specific procedures required in terms of your personalised treatment protocol will also depend on your unique, individualised treatment plan.
Understanding the procedure involved in IUI will help clarify the costs of this specific treatment technique.
During the IUI procedure, warned and washed sperm are introduced into the woman’s uterus through a thin flexible plastic tube which is passed through the cervix.
This is performed in two ways at Medfem Fertility Clinic: in a natural cycle without fertility drugs or in a stimulated cycle with fertility drugs. Should fertility medication be required, it will affect the cost of the treatment. The medications required will also vary from patient to patient, as will the costs.
IUI can also be performed with sperm from a male partner or from a sperm donor. Medfem Fertility Clinic has a large donor insemination program. Whether donor sperm is used or not also influences the cost of the treatment.
Below are some estimated costs for the common procedures involved in IUI treatment.
* IUI – Sperm from male partner: R7,570.00
* Sperm Wash: R1,683.00
* IUI – Sperm from Donor: R13,921.00
(Prices valid until December 2019)
The possibility of multiple treatment cycles
The cost of IUI treatment is also affected by the possibility of multiple treatment cycles.
Success rates using the IUI technique vary. In general, a healthy woman under the age of 35 can expect a pregnancy rate of between 9% and 15% per cycle – however, this depends on the woman’s age and egg quality and whether her tubes are healthy, as well as on whether the male partner’s sperm count is within normal limits. It is common for a woman to undertake multiple inseminations.
Fertility specialists might try three cycles of artificial insemination, and if these are not successful, recommend more advanced methods.
Will Medical Aids Cover the Cost of IUI?
Most open medical aids in South Africa do not cover fertility treatments, such as IUI. In fact, most medical aids in South Africa also do not cover the cost of the initial appointment.
Nevertheless, there are medical aids that will pay for some of the costs and others that pay for treatment of issues related to infertility, such as surgery to address blocked fallopian tubes, the removal of cysts in the womb and treatments for endometriosis. There are also medical aids that offer cover – subject to certain limits – fertility treatments on selected plans.
The best way to find out if your medical aid will cover the costs of IUI is to request your medical aid to confirm in writing which costs related to the treatments required will be covered.
Is There Finance Available for the Cost of IUI?
Because fertility treatments are generally not covered by medical aid schemes, covering the cost of procedures can place patients under significant financial stress. Finance for fertility treatment, made available by private sector companies, may be an option. Your fertility specialist will be able to provide advice.
Research Your Options
Individual specialists and clinics have varying fee structures. The cost of IUI treatment – like with other medical procedures and treatments – can therefore vary considerably. At some clinics, the costs might be packaged into a total price, while others may, for example, exclude the cost of medications.
Confirm all costs in writing before proceeding with treatments and check whether certain payments need to be made at a specific time, such as pre-payments before treatment begins. Make sure you understand the services provided, what is included in standard charges and what separate or additional fees apply.
During your initial consultation at Medfem Fertility Clinic, your fertility specialist will explain the costs of different treatment components. We then provide a written quotation based on a clear treatment plan to ensure you have a full view of the cost implications.
The Next Step
The next step is simply to set up your initial consultation – you can click here or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.
We look forward to meeting you! At the first consultation, you will meet one of our fertility specialists, and start to plan your journey to parenthood.