Skip to content Here are the answers to some of the questions patients are most likely to have before their first consultation, during treatment, and about costs and success rates.
At Katleho Thabong Reproductive Health Centre, our patients always come first. We are committed to making quality fertility care more accessible by offering affordable IVF treatment options and flexible payment solutions. We believe that financial considerations should not prevent individuals and couples from accessing the reproductive healthcare they need.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is an assisted reproductive treatment where eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus with the aim of achieving pregnancy.
IVF may be recommended for couples experiencing different types of infertility, including blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, reduced sperm quality, unexplained infertility, diminished ovarian reserve, or previous unsuccessful fertility treatments. Your doctor will assess your individual circumstances before recommending the most appropriate treatment.
The best way to determine whether IVF is suitable is through a fertility consultation. Your medical history, fertility tests, ovarian reserve, sperm quality and previous treatments will all be considered.
An IVF cycle generally involves ovarian stimulation, monitoring through scans and blood tests, egg retrieval, fertilisation in the laboratory, embryo development and embryo transfer. A pregnancy test is performed after the appropriate waiting period.
A typical IVF cycle may take approximately 3–6 weeks, depending on the treatment protocol and your individual circumstances.
Most parts of IVF are well tolerated. Some patients experience discomfort, bloating or cramping during ovarian stimulation. Egg retrieval is performed under appropriate sedation or anaesthesia to minimise discomfort.
The number of embryos transferred depends on factors such as your age, medical history, embryo quality and clinical recommendations. In many cases, transferring a single good-quality embryo may be recommended to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy.
IVF success rates vary from patient to patient and depend on factors such as age, ovarian reserve, sperm quality, embryo quality and underlying fertility conditions. Your doctor will discuss your individual prognosis with you.
An unsuccessful cycle does not necessarily mean that IVF will not work for you. Your fertility specialist can review the cycle, identify possible factors that may have affected the outcome and discuss whether another cycle or a different treatment approach would be appropriate.
There is no fixed number of cycles required. Some patients achieve pregnancy during their first cycle, while others may require additional cycles. Your specialist will advise you based on your individual circumstances.
Depending on your circumstances, testing may include hormone and ovarian reserve tests, ultrasound scans, assessment of the uterus and fallopian tubes, and semen analysis. Additional tests may be recommended when clinically appropriate.
Where partner sperm is being used, your partner will generally be involved in the treatment process and will require a fertility assessment and semen analysis. Different options may be available where donor sperm or other fertility treatments are required.
Yes. Donor eggs or donor sperm may be considered in certain circumstances. Your fertility specialist can explain the available options and the relevant requirements.
Eggs and embryos can be frozen for future use in appropriate circumstances. Your fertility specialist will discuss whether cryopreservation is suitable for you.
Embryo freezing, or cryopreservation, involves carefully freezing embryos for potential use in a future treatment cycle.
Both treatments involve fertilisation in a laboratory. With IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together to allow fertilisation to occur. With ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. ICSI may be recommended in certain cases, particularly where there are concerns about sperm quality or previous fertilisation difficulties.
Yes. IVF and particularly ICSI can be used to assist couples where male-factor infertility is contributing to difficulties conceiving.
Your doctor may recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle, taking prescribed supplements, avoiding smoking and recreational drugs, limiting alcohol and managing any existing medical conditions. You will receive personalised guidance during your consultation.
The cost of IVF varies depending on the treatment plan and the services required. At Katleho Thabong Reproductive Health Centre, we aim to provide accessible and affordable fertility care, with treatment costs discussed transparently before you begin.
Coverage varies between medical schemes and individual plans. Patients should confirm their benefits directly with their medical aid provider. Our team can provide the necessary treatment and cost information to assist with your enquiries.
Payment options depend on the treatment programme and the clinic's current payment policies. Please contact our team to discuss available payment arrangements.
A referral may not always be required. Patients can contact the centre directly to enquire about booking a fertility consultation and discussing their options.
If you have been trying to conceive without success, it may be appropriate to seek professional advice. Earlier assessment may also be recommended where there are known fertility concerns, irregular periods, endometriosis, previous pelvic surgery or concerns about sperm quality.
Yes. Patients with endometriosis or fibroids may still be candidates for IVF. However, these conditions can sometimes affect fertility and may require assessment or treatment before IVF.
After embryo transfer, you will be given instructions regarding medication and activities. You will then have a pregnancy test at the recommended time. It is important to follow your clinic's instructions and contact the medical team if you experience concerning symptoms.
Your clinic will tell you exactly when to test. Testing too early can sometimes produce an inaccurate result because pregnancy hormone levels may not yet be high enough to detect reliably.
Many patients continue with their normal daily activities during treatment, although you may need to adjust your schedule around appointments and certain procedures. Your doctor will advise you based on your treatment and how you are feeling.
IVF is a well-established fertility treatment, but like any medical procedure, it has potential risks. Your fertility specialist will explain the benefits, risks and possible side effects before treatment begins.
Fertility treatment can be emotionally challenging. Patients are encouraged to discuss concerns with their healthcare team, partner or a qualified counsellor. Emotional wellbeing is an important part of the fertility journey.
The first step is to contact our team and schedule a fertility consultation. During your consultation, our specialists will assess your individual circumstances, discuss your fertility options and develop an appropriate treatment plan with you.
From your first consultation to a positive outcome, our team is with you every step of the way — with expert care that’s personalised, advanced, and affordable.
Personalised reproductive health and IVF care designed to support you at every stage of your journey and beyond.
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