Medically assisted reproduction treatment
During the first year of the program, there were some delays in obtaining in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. Consequently, some women lost their eligibility for services insured by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) due to their age.
Therefore, a temporary reimbursement program has been established to reimburse the expenses incurred by the affected women and their families. It is effective since June 1, 2022.
There are a number of ways to treat infertility. You and your doctor can decide which one is best for you.
Ovulation stimulation
Ovarian stimulation is for women who ovulate and stimulates the production of one or multiple eggs per menstrual cycle. It involves medication.
Ovulation induction
Ovulation induction is for women who do not ovulate or whose cycle is very irregular and is done to induce and control ovulation. It involves medication.
Artificial insemination
Intrauterine insemination, commonly known as artificial insemination, is when processed sperm is placed directly in the woman’s uterus. Spermatozoa may come from her partner or a donor. For artificial insemination, it may be necessary to start by stimulating ovulation.
In vitro fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is when fertilization is done in the lab using the woman’s retrieved eggs and sperm provided by her partner or other donor. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the woman’s uterus or frozen for possible later use.
The medical acts required for a cycle of in vitro fertilization are:
- Ovarian stimulation
- Egg retrieval or egg donation
- Sperm collection or sperm donation
- Embryo freezing and transfer
Preimplantation genetic testing, also known as preimplantation genetic diagnosis, is also possible.
Embryo freezing and transfer
The IVF process generally produces several embryos. Only one embryo however is transferred to the woman’s uterus, except in certain rare cases. The others are frozen and stored for transfer at a later date.
When the number of embryos produced exceeds the couple’s needs, the supernumerary embryos may be donated or destroyed. The couple’s consent is always required.
Preimplantation genetic testing
Preimplantation genetic testing refers to genetic tests of embryos resulting from in vitro fertilization. It can be used to identify chromosomal abnormalities that can often lead to miscarriage. It can also be helpful in identifying embryos with genetic abnormalities known to run in the family.
Preimplantation genetic testing is not mandatory and may be insured under certain eligibility criteria. If you do not meet these criteria, this service may be performed at your expense.
Last update: March 6, 2024
