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Family Builder


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Family builder 1

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Family builder 2

If you choose Family Builder 2 option, on day 5 (or 6 depending on the speed of embryo development) we will biopsy all your embryos from your first cycle which means we have a small sample from each embryo. The embryo will then be frozen. You will then have a second cycle of IVF treatment – and again we will biopsy all your embryos from your second cycle which means we have a small sample from each embryo. The embryo will then be frozen (3 – 4 embryos can be banked)

If you chose the Family Builder Plus option, you will then have a third cycle of IVF treatment – and again we will biopsy all your embryos from your third cycle which means we have a small sample from each embryo. The embryo will then be frozen (5-7 embryos can be banked)

At the next step we will then run the PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing For Aneuploidies) screen on 9 (Family Builder 2) / 12 FB+ of your embryo samples. The expectation is that we will get at least 3-4 (Family Builder 2) / 7 (Family Builder Plus) embryos that are suitable for replacement. If we don’t get the 3-4 (Family Builder 2) / 7 (Family Builder Plus) suitable embryos, then we will continue to run the PGT-A screen until we get the 3-4 (Family Builder 2) / 7 (Family Builder Plus) suitable embryos or we run out of embryo samples from the two/three courses of IVF treatment.

This will mean that ideally you will have at least 3-4 (Family Builder 2) / 7 (Family Builder Plus) identified euploid.

The last step will be to freeze all the euploids from Family Builder2/Family Builder Plus to be used for your IVF treatment.

If you, or your doctor, decide during treatment that continued treatment will be unwise then we will calculate your account using our normal fees and refund the difference between your treatment costs and the Family Builder fee.

The cost saving between using this package and having two cycles of treatment with PGT-A at our normal fees is around $7000 and for the three-cycle package around $8000

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What is included?

Two or Three courses of IVF treatment with FB covering:

  • Stage 1: Medication and Mmonitoring
  • Stage 2: Egg Collection and Embryology

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Family Builder fees

Age

Pay as you go*

Family Builder 2**

Fertility Cover ***

<=33

-

-

$32,410.00

34-35

$42,479.00

$35,400.00

$35,990.00

36-37

$40,809.00

$34,100.00

$38,500.00

38-39

$38,679.00

$32,200.00

$40,890.00

>40

$37,224.00

$30,900.00

NA

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Good to know

ICSI and TiMI:

ICSI and TiMI are complementary for Fertility Cover and Family Builder Packages. However, these may or may not be used.  TiMI is used if there is capacity of this equipment in the lab, and ICSI is only used if recommended by the lab/your doctor. Note, there is no refund if either of these services are not used.

What if there are excess embryos for PGT-A screening?

If there are excess embryos and you decide that you would like to have these tested, the current fee $880 per embryo.

What if there are fewer euploid embryos?

Under Family Builder we would continue to biopsy and test the embryos available, but there is no guarantee you will achieve a minimum number of euploid embryos.  There is no refund if we do not manage to achieve viable embryos.

Counselling and support services:

Family Builder offers one free counselling appointment included in the package. One doctor consultation is also offered if a cycle is discontinued or the outcome is unsuccessful. If you require additional consultations with your doctor or counsellor, these will be invoiced separately.

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What are my next steps?

Talk to your doctor to see if Family Builder is right for you. If so, talk to your local Clinic Manager who will talk through your options.

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FAQ

Q. Is storage covered under Family Builder?

Yes – same as standard IVF, 6 months.

Q. Can you switch from Family Builder Plus to Family Builder 2?

Yes - we refund the difference between the two

Q. Can you switch from Family Builder Plus to Family Builder 2?

No.

Q. What happens if I get lots of embryos on the first cycle?

You can opt to transfer to “pay-as-you-go”(PAYG) as you may have sufficient euploid embryos available. You must make decision before embryo testing.

Q. What if I don’t get the target number of euploid embryos?

Family Builder cannot guarantee that, however by doing two or three cycles you are maximizing the chances of getting euploid embryos.

Q. Why do we send all embryos at the end of the 2/3 cycles?

We batch the biopsy samples (“tubing”) and the run these all samples from all cycles at the same time on the array – doing this results in a lesser service charge from CHL which allows us to provide a discounted service under this package.

Q. Embryo banking process and timelines:

The timeframe for Family Builder 2 would be over about 2 months (Family Builder 3 over 3 months) for the IVF cycles and then up to 4 weeks once the biopsies are sent for the results to return. Frozen embryo storage is covered under Family Builder for 6 months from creation

Q. When do we start putting the embryos back?

Once you have completed either FB2/FB+ cycles chosen, and the required number of euploid embryos have been determined, (or we have run out of embryos to test), then you start the thawed embryo transfer cycle.

ICSI and TiMI:

ICSI and TiMI are complementary for Fertility Cover and Family Builder Packages. However, these may or may not be used. TiMI is used if there is capacity of this equipment in the lab, and ICSI is only used if recommended by the lab/your doctor. Note, there is no refund if either of these services are not used.

Handling excess embryos for PGT-A screening:

If there are excess embryos and you decide that you would like to have these tested, you will be invoiced per embryo, current fee $880.00 as of April 1st 2024

Approach for Fewer Euploid Embryos:

The Family Builder would continue to biopsy and test the embryos if available, but there is no guarantee you would achieve a minimum number of euploid embryos.

Refund or cost-adjustment policy details:

If for any reason Family Builder is cancelled, we would calculate the cost of treatment under Pay as you go and refund patient any difference.

No viable embryos, there is no refund.

Counselling and support services:

Family Builder offers the same services as standard stage 1 per cycle, this includes 1x counselling appointment, 1x doctor review if cycle discontinued or unsuccessful outcome. If you require additional consultations with your doctor or our counsellors, these will be invoiced separately.

Ready to start your fertility journey?

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When to seek advice early

  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI