Success and Failure

The assisted reproductive center center Avicenne is committed to publishing annually the results of cycles treated in both artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization. These data are as important for couples as for the center because they tell us about the performance of the laboratory and the treatments chosen, and are part of our culture of quality and continuous improvement.

The reasons for the failures encountered are discussed and will be the subject of debate within the scientific council of the Avicenne clinic. It is good to know that reproductive medicine is a constantly evolving field and that treatments and protocols are continuously improving. It is for these reasons that we strive to offer the best treatments available to our patients in order to ensure comprehensive and personalized care.

Risks

Techniques of fertility treatment by ART are not completely without risk. However, cases are often rare or the chances of complications are very low for both the mother and the child:

    • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): is the main risk that can arise during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation associated with ART. The patient may experience pain, bloating, nausea, and further decrease in the amount of urine passed. However, OHSS is mostly detected in patients with ovarian cysts and the likelihood of such a risk occurring is in the order of 1% of IVF / ICSI cycles. If these symptoms are felt by the patient, she should immediately contact the Avicenne ART center.
    • Risk during pregnancy for woman and baby: in the case that pregnancy is declared after IVF, the risk of having a real twin when only one embryo is transferred is not completely excluded. In the case where 2 embryos are transferred, the probability of having fraternal twins is increased by around 15%, while a triple pregnancy remains very rare (2 identical twins and 1 child from the 2nd embryo). These multiple pregnancies can lead to premature labor and complications for the health of babies and during pregnancy. There is also a low risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy, in about 1 to 5% of cases.
    • Miscarriage: The risk of a miscarriage is primarily associated with advancing of a woman’s biological age. This risk is slightly higher in a woman using IVF / ICSI.
    • Malformation for the baby: the risk of a child resulting from IVF / ICSI treatment carrying a malformation (minor or major) is slightly increased compared to a child conceived naturally, with a rate between 4 and 5% in the cases of IVF versus 3% for children born naturally. However, the reasons for these malformations are not clarified and whether they are related to infertility treatments, the infertility itself or if they are associated with hereditary genetic factors. In most cases, the malformations are detectable by ultrasound during pregnancy.

Cost of treatments

Services related to fertility treatments by ART are not reimbursed by health insurance funds and are subject to a flat rate. As an indication, the laboratory costs for treatment by artificial insemination AI in Algeria is around 50,000 DA, the costs for in vitro fertilization or ICSI (injection intracytoplasmic sperm) is on average 200,000 DA in Tax incl. (all charges included).

It is necessary to distinguish the PMA laboratory costs from the various medical costs that may be involved in the treatment process:

    • Laboratory costs include spermiology lab costs (sperm analysis, management of the sperm bank, etc.), and IVF lab costs such as: IVF or ICSI treatment, gamete freezing, freezing of ’embryo, etc.
    • The costs of all medical procedures involved in the ART treatment process: consultations, ultrasounds, blood tests, biological assessment in the biological analysis laboratory, insemination, oocyte puncture and embryo transfer, etc.
    • Any other additional costs not included in the standard flat-rate plan such as: testicular puncture or genetic analyzes.

We know that the fees for ART services are very high, but the prices are based on highly specialized medical care and services, a team of specialists in the field and state-of-the-art fertilization laboratory equipment.

Also note that the costs of medication are to be taken into consideration and are not included in the clinic fees. These costs are generally fully reimbursed by the CNAS.

A deposit that will be communicated to you is collected before the start of each IVF or ICSI treatment for patients residing in Algeria. The balance is to be paid when establishing the invoice where all the services will be detailed. For patients domiciled abroad, the full amount of the packages and other services must be deposited before the start of treatment.

Health Insurance

Services related to fertility treatments by ART are not reimbursed by the CNAS and CASNOS national funds. All costs of ART treatments are at the patient’s expense. However, costs of medication are generally fully reimbursed by the CNAS.

FAQ

How much do ART treatments cost ?

Treatment by medically assisted reproductive technology includes various costs: laboratory costs and costs for medical procedures. Various costs are to be considered throughout the treatment process: investigations (consultations, blood test, ultrasound, etc.), ovarian stimulation, artificial insemination or IVF / ICSI, the choice of preservation of fertility, preimplantation genetic screening (PGD) or even embryo freezing. In Algeria, treatment with Artificial Insemination costs on average 50,000 DA while treatment with IVF or ICSI is around 200,000 DA.

When should you choose conventional IVF or ICSI treatment ?

The choice of performing conventional IVF or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is first discussed with the couple during the post-investigative consultation. In general, conventional IVF is prescribed when all the tests are satisfactory for this treatment, especially the analyzes of the spouse’s semen. Nowadays, ICSI is most often performed because it presents a greater chance of successful fertilization and inducing pregnancy, especially in cases of repeated Artificial Insemination AI, poor sperm quality or idiopathic infertility.

Does infertility most often affect women or men ?

Infertility in couples affects both men and women, with the same frequency. It can find its origin in multiple factors. In women, for example, one of the most common causes is a decrease in ovarian reserve (from the age of 35), an ovulation disorder or the presence of a disease such as endometriosis. In men, most often it is an alteration in sperm parameters (numbers, concentration, quality, mobility, morphology, etc.) or in some cases a disturbance in hormonal dosage. Note that around one in six couples now has a fertility problem.

Is a full bladder required before embryo(s) transfer, as is the case with AI insemination ?

Yes. A full bladder makes it easier for the gynecologist to locate the uterus and makes it easier to insert the embryo into the catheter. We recommend that you drink 500 to 1000 ml of water one hour before the procedure.

How can you improve your fertility ?

A healthy lifestyle is very important to optimize the potential for female and male fertility. Many studies have shown a correlation between women with a healthy weight and a high IVF success rate. A good diet combined with moderate sports are major elements in the fertility of couples. Here are some tips that could improve a couple’s fertility potential:

    • Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet and moderate sports activity. Avoid being overweight or obese situations
    • Avoid cigarettes, drugs, or excessive alcohol consumption
    • Avoid contact with toxic products such as heavy metals, pesticides or toxic chemicals.
    • Avoid activities that would increase the temperature of the testicles, such as the jacuzzi, the hammam, or even sitting for long periods.
    • Avoid vitamin D deficiencies by favoring regular and moderate sun exposure as much as possible. Vitamin D is also available in food supplements.