This is a very good and relevant question. Counselling is a very important part of assisted reproduction. In countries like Canada it is mandatory that every couple entering an assisted reproductive program must have at least one session with a qualified infertility counsellor. This is in some way a gatekeeper due to the fact that the government pays for a large proportion of the costs and can therefore specify that if the couple does not see the counsellor the treatment can be withheld. In other parts of the world however, including S.A., infertility treatment is not funded by the state and seeing a counsellor can therefore not be made mandatory. There should however be easy access to such an infertility counsellor at every infertility facility, should the couple feel the need for assistance.

- Week 10 answers kindly provided by Dr. Stephan Volschenk -

The factors mentioned all have a detrimental effect on the ultimate outcome of an IVF attempt. Going through an attempt is stressful enough as it is and therefore stress/anxiety/depression only ads fuel to fire so to speak. Therefore staying on the medication to help the patient cope until the actual start of the procedure is adviseable. There are certain anti depressants/anxiolytics that are safe during the procedure, for example fluoxetine. Depending on the severity of the depression/anxiety, the effect is probably worse that the drugs to treat it. It is therefore wise to seek a professional opinion (e.g. psychiatrist/psychologist) as to whether it would be more beneficial to stay on medication or stop it all together.

- Week 3 answers kindly provided by Dr. Stephan Volschenk -