The Cost of Treating Blocked Fallopian Tubes in Johannesburg South Africa
These costs will vary from one couple to another based on a number variables, such as the extent of damage or blockage of the fallopian tubes and the position thereof, and whether or not the blockage or damage can be repaired by surgery or if an alternative treatment such as IVF is required. In addition, treating blocked fallopian tubes is not a single event, but rather a series of procedures.
Remember, too, that specialist treatments such as these require significant expertise in terms of medical, nursing, scientific and pathology staff as well as advanced equipment.
A look at the variables that affect your blocked fallopian tube treatment plan and the procedures involved will provide a more realistic view of the costs involved.
What Affects the Cost of Blocked Fallopian Tube treatment?
Variables that affect your treatment plan costs
Initial Consultation
The only way to ensure the most effective and cost-effective blocked fallopian tube treatment plan is an accurate, expert diagnosis of the exact issue to be treated.
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.
At Medfem Fertility Clinic, during your initial consultation, your fertility specialist will also 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.
Pelvic X-Ray
To determine if your fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged – and to what extent, a pelvic x-ray called a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is required. A qualified fertility specialist will inject a safe dye into your uterine cavity and simultaneously take an x-ray of your uterus and tubes to identify any damage or blockage, and the extent thereof.
It may be that the flexibility of the fallopian tube is reduced, that there is damage to the inside wall of the fallopian tube, or a total blockage. The position and severity of the damage or blockage will determine which treatment is right for you and – consequently, the costs involved.
If it has been established that your Fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, are two options for treatment to enable your pregnancy: tubal surgery and IVF treatment.
Fallopian Tube Surgery
Depending on the position of the damage or blockage – and the severity of the damage – it may be possible to repair a fallopian tube with what is called tubal surgery.
Fortunately, there is an alternative to “open surgery”: minimally invasive surgery or laparoscopy.
Minimally invasive surgery or laparoscopy involves looking directly into your abdomen and pelvis using a small camera that is placed through an incision in your umbilicus. This allows a specialist to evaluate and potentially treat blockages or damage.
During the procedure you will be asleep under general anaesthetic and will not feel any pain.
First, an incision is made, usually next to the navel, and the laparoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity. A safe gas is then passed into the cavity to make the examination of the internal organs easier. Another one to three incisions may be necessary for access for other surgical instruments, such as a laser. Once a diagnosis is made or the problem is removed (or both), the instruments are taken out, the gas escapes and the incisions are sewn up. The stitches may dissolve by themselves or may need to be removed at a later stage.
In most cases you will go home the same day. Most women experience bloating, abdominal discomfort and/or back and shoulder tip pain for 24-48 hours after surgery, related to the gas used during the surgery. This pain should not be severe and should gradually improve over 24-48 hours. Other effects many include abdominal bloating, nausea, abdominal cramps, or constipation. Most women are able to resume normal activities within a few days to one week.
It is absolutely essential that only a competent qualified fertility specialist perform this advanced surgery.
If surgery is not feasible because of extensive damage to your Fallopian tubes, In Vitro-Fertilisation is another option.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Treatment
Originally developed for women with damaged or missing Fallopian tubes, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment has been used safely since 1983, and more than 5 million babies have been born worldwide as a result of IVF treatment.
In the simplest terms, IVF treatment is a process of assisted reproduction where the egg and sperm are fertilised outside of the body to form an embryo, which is then transferred to the uterus to hopefully implant and become a pregnancy.
However, IVF treatment is not a single event, but rather a series of procedures that are completed over five stages to complete a treatment cycle.
IVF treatments commence with a course of hormone therapy to stimulate the development of several follicles in the ovary. Under ultrasound guidance, these are then punctured with a specialised needle to retrieve eggs, which are then fertilised in a petri dish (‘in vitro’ which literally means ‘in glass’) to create several embryos. After three to five days in an incubator, one or two of these embryos are transferred through the vagina to the uterus, where implantation occurs and pregnancy begins. The whole process from commencement of ovarian stimulation up to the embryo transfer stage usually takes just under three weeks.
Is There Finance Available for the Cost of Tubal Surgery and IVF treatment?
Fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), are not covered by most open medical aids in South Africa. Most medical aids in South Africa also do not cover the cost of the initial appointment. However, there are medical aids that will pay for part of the costs and many that pay for treatment of specific issues such surgical procedures for blocked fallopian tubes. There are also certain medical aids that do cover fertility treatments on selected plans, subject to cover limits.
Ask your medical aid to confirm which costs related to the treatments required will be covered.
Fortunately, there is also finance available for fertility treatment. Your fertility specialist will be able to provide information and advice in this regard.
Research Your Options
The cost of blocked fallopian tube treatment – like with other medical procedures and treatments – can vary considerably, as individual specialists and clinics have varying fee structures. 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.
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.
Medfem Fertility Clinic offers both advanced microsurgical treatments as well as in vitro fertilisation as therapy for tubal factor infertility.
Our Medfem Fertility Clinic’s specialists are also experts and leaders in minimally invasive surgery. It is one of the first institutions in South Africa to have developed a fully comprehensive operating theatre with all the necessary equipment to perform minimally invasive surgery. The specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic have all undergone extensive training abroad and teach endoscopic surgery on an ongoing basis to visiting gynaecologists.
In addition, at Medfem Fertility Clinic, our highly qualified fertility specialists have over 100 years of collective experience and are nationally and internationally recognised as pioneers and innovators in the field of fertility treatment. They are supported by extensively experienced embryologists; trained, qualified theatre staff, nurse practitioners and clinical psychologists; as well as specialist pharmacists and friendly administration staff, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
During your initial consultation, your Medfem Fertility Clinic fertility specialist will also explain the costs of different treatment components and provide a written quotation based on a clear treatment plan to ensure you have a full view of the cost implications.
We look forward to meeting you!