In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Why consider IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medically assisted reproduction (MAR) technique that helps couples or single women conceive a child when natural conception is difficult or impossible. It is recommended in several situations, including:

• Blocked or absent Fallopian tubes
• Male infertility (insufficient sperm motility and/or quality)
• Repeated failure of other fertility treatments
• Infertility lasting more than 3 years
• Age over 40

IVF is also necessary when embryos need to be tested in the laboratory before implantation to prevent having a child with a genetic disease (PGD - Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis).

What does IVF involve?

IVF consists of:

1. Stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
2. Retrieving the eggs under medical supervision through a minimally invasive procedure performed in a day hospital.
3. Fertilizing them with sperm in the laboratory (in vitro).
4. Transferring one of the embryos into the uterus a few days later.
5. Supporting the implantation phase with hormonal and medical follow-up.

How does it work?

The process involves several stages:

• Initial consultation: hormonal, genetic, and serological screening, ultrasound, semen analysis (spermogram).
• Treatment plan consultation: review of screening results, therapeutic proposal, informed consent, administrative procedures.
• Cycle start consultation: explanation and prescription of the different treatment phases.
• Ovarian stimulation: medication to produce multiple eggs.
• Egg retrieval (oocyte puncture): harvesting the eggs under light anesthesia.
• Laboratory fertilization: eggs and sperm are brought into contact.
• Embryo culture: monitoring development for 2 to 6 days.
• Embryo transfer: an embryo is placed into the uterus.
• Post-transfer follow-up: blood test followed by an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy.

For whom?

• Heterosexual couples or single women experiencing infertility.
• Women up to 45 years old in Belgium (depending on hospital regulations).
• Patients with a reasonable chance of achieving the birth of a child.

Social Security and Mutual Insurance (Mutuelle)

• In Belgium, IVF treatments are partially reimbursed by the INAMI (National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance), depending on medical conditions and the patient's age (6 cycles up to and including 42 years of age).
• Basic reimbursement includes: consultations, lab tests, hormonal treatments, egg retrieval, fertilization, and the freezing of surplus embryos.
• Supplementary mutual insurance funds may cover the remaining costs (co-payments/out-of-pocket fees and sperm or egg donation).
• Individuals wishing to undergo IVF should check their personal situation with their insurance provider to find out the exact amount reimbursed.

Private Insurance

Few private health insurance companies offer supplementary coverage to cover the portion of MAR treatments not reimbursed by the INAMI.

The Fertility and MAR Clinic has a multidisciplinary team specializing in IVF, supporting patients at every stage:

• MAR specialist physicians carry out evaluations, prescribe treatments, manage medical follow-up, and perform technical IVF procedures.
• Laboratory biologists carry out the fertilization of the eggs, as well as the culture and monitoring of the embryos.
• Coordinating nurses support patients, explaining protocols and practical care arrangements.
• Anesthesiologists ensure patient safety and comfort during egg retrieval.

Every member of the team is available to answer questions and reassure the patient at all stages of the treatment.