To date this is certainly my favourite response to the letter I sent to IVF clinics – and it’s not just because he thinks this site is fantastic! It is so clear that Dr. Banerji really read and understood what I was asking and then took the time to answer all of my sixteen questions directly and fully. On top of that it was a fast response – the morning after I sent the email.
If you check out their website at http://www.idealfertility.com you will find some excellent information, their email address is dpankar@idealfertility.com. There are also the costs for local accomodation within 1 km of the clinic given on the website.
Since Dr. Banerji has answered my questions so directly to save you having to go between my letter and this response I have added the questions that I asked in red.
I think the big thing that has really warmed me to Dr. Banerji is that his response is full yet personal and I feel a real honesty coming through, along with a real pride in the work that they do. This clinic will certainly be on my short list!
I went through your site mentioned. It was fantastic
I am putting my heart to tell the truth of my center, so that you can help yourself or help others if you feel we are capable enough to handle the international patients.
IVF is a process needs complete transparency with the couple undergoing the treatment .There should be freindly and most informal dicussion between the doctor and the couple. I never believe in counsellor.
Its me, who the couple should believe, and has full right to watch my work. We are total in-house working team. I am a gynecologist and my wife is one of the best embryologist (a qualified pathologist). Now I am answering the questions
1. What is the current success rate for your clinic? (preferably by age as I know that the success rate will be much lower for somebody of my age)
1. Success rate : < 30 yrs. 45.2%, 30-35yrs 23% and above 35yrs. 10-12%. There are number of factors which affects success rate even in low age group
2. How many cycles do you perform per year at the clinic?
2. Number of cycles per yr. 500 to 600
3. What is the maximum age that you treat?
3. We treat upto 55-60 yrs. After 38-39 we prefer egg donation.
4. Are there any fertility conditions that you will not treat?
4. no professional surrogacy or egg donation.
5. What is your embryo transfer policy? How many embryos will you replace at one time?
5. Embryo transfer policy: We do Day 5 blastocyst transfer. 2-3 maximum (as blstocysts are usually less in number), We do not do single embryo transfer. To lessen the multiple pregnancy rate, we stimulate with less drugs and get less eggs, but good quality eggs. Lesser the embryos, better the embryos and go to blastocyst. Only best embryos goes to blastocyst and then transfer them.
6. What is the basic cost of the IVF treatment?
6.Cost of IVF : US$ 2500 and ICSI US$ 3000
7. What additional costs would / could be incurred?
7. No other costs involved for the treatment (no hidden cost), lodging boarding extra.
8. What happens to the costs if the cycle has to be abandoned?
8. Cycle cancellation because of poor stimulation (less than 3 eggs) : cost of used drugs, investigation charges, our consultation fee, sonography charges are taken, rest of the money is given back (the amount is on sole descretion of the doctor, but usually it is half of the amount).
9. How long would I need to be in India for?
9. In India : you need to stay for one month – one and half month. It can be reduced if part of the treatment is started in parent country. Then we reduce the cost those drugs what couple used from our charges, but it is our cost in India.
10. Who deals with the logistics of flights and accommodation?
10. Logistics of flight and accomodation : definitety we help. In my site it is there, how to reach us. Accomodation is there and to and from airport taxi facility is there at an extra cost.
11. How is the pre-treatment carried out?
11. Preparation of treament: Usually the reports are asked first to assess the ovarian reserve, endometrial lining and semen and cycle regularity. One oral contraceptive is started form day 2 and we call them on day 17 of the cycle before finishing the OCs. Injection luprolide is started on 17th or 18th tablet of OCs. OCs finishes on 22nd day of cycle and Injection continues .After the withdrawal period of OCs, we assess the aievement of Down regulation. It is either by sonography and/or Estradiol. After that we start Actual gonoadotropins, we use highly purified Gonoadotropins ( if couple wishe for recombinant one then the cycle cost will be more), but highly purified gives same results.
12. How do I get medication?
12. Medications can be sent through courier ( but it is difficult, because of regulations), hence we tell patients to come to us for full treatment.
13. How will I be monitored?
13. Monitoring is usually by sonography. If required we do hormones.
14. How will I know that I am not being under / over stimulated?
14.For hyper /under stimulation: you can see the sonography screen and if required estradiol assay.
15. If I have a problem whilst in the UK who would I go to?
15. In UK where to go : I do not know the health care facility there.
16. Is the clinic registered with any regulatory body?
16. Clinic is ISO 9001-2000 test tube baby center: JAS-ANZ.
Any thing you need extra: It is given in my web site: About Us page
Hope this will help.
If you can do an advocay campaign for indian centers to get recognised by NHS then treatment will be cheaper and faster. We are equipped with state of the art instruments of world and with worldclass disposables.
It was a long answer, but I liked your questions.
Bye
Dr.D’Pankar Banerji MS
Consulting Gynecologist and Infertility specialist
Ideal Fertility :ICSI/IVF and Genetic Center
1st Floor,Deshbandhu Complex.
Naudra Bridge,Jabalpur 482001 MP,INDIA
www.idealfertility.com Ph: +91 761 2627711, 00919826166952
Khamla square,Shivneri appt. Nagpur ( second sundays of the month )
