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How IVF works

Ovarian stimulation begins on day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle using injectable hormone medications. You will attend regular monitoring appointments for ultrasound scans and blood tests to track follicle growth. Once follicles reach the target size, a trigger injection is given and egg retrieval is scheduled approximately 36 hours later.

Egg retrieval is performed under light sedation and takes around 20 minutes. A sperm sample is prepared in the laboratory the same day. Eggs are fertilized using conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), depending on sperm parameters. Resulting embryos are cultured for three to five days before a transfer or freeze decision is made.

Who IVF is recommended for

IVF is typically the next step when other treatments such as IUI have been unsuccessful, or when a clear anatomical or sperm-related factor makes it the most direct route. It is also the starting point when donor eggs, donor sperm, or preimplantation genetic testing are part of the plan.

Age is one of the most significant factors in IVF outcomes. Patients under 35 using their own eggs generally have higher success rates per cycle than older patients. Your specialist will review your antral follicle count and AMH levels to assess your ovarian reserve before recommending a protocol.

Embryo transfer and the two-week wait

A fresh embryo transfer takes place three to five days after egg retrieval. Alternatively, embryos can be frozen and transferred in a later cycle. Frozen embryo transfers are increasingly common because they allow the uterine lining to recover from stimulation and can improve implantation rates in certain patients.

After the transfer, progesterone support is prescribed for the first several weeks of pregnancy. A blood pregnancy test is performed approximately 10 to 14 days after the transfer. A positive result is followed by an ultrasound to confirm a clinical pregnancy.

What to consider before starting IVF

IVF involves multiple appointments over several weeks and requires daily injections during the stimulation phase. Side effects from ovarian stimulation can include bloating, mild discomfort, and in rare cases ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Your clinic will monitor you throughout the cycle to manage these risks.

Protocol, lab quality, and individual patient factors all influence outcomes. Comparing clinics across countries can help you identify experienced specialists who work with your specific diagnosis. Use the filters on this page to narrow results by location and price range.Comparing IVF across countries

IVF regulations, clinical infrastructure, and donor policies differ substantially across the countries on this platform. These differences can affect your eligibility, waiting time, and the specific protocols available to you.

IVF in Thailand is offered through well-resourced private clinics in Bangkok and Phuket. Preimplantation genetic testing is routinely available, and donor programs operate under anonymous protocols. Frozen embryos cannot be exported out of Thailand, which is relevant if you plan to continue treatment elsewhere.

Clinics in Malaysia are licensed by the Ministry of Health, with most specialists based in Kuala Lumpur and Kota Damansara. Donor egg IVF is only legally available to married heterosexual non-Muslim couples, so international patients should confirm eligibility before planning treatment.

IVF clinics in Cyprus attract a large proportion of European patients, particularly for donor egg programs. The legal framework supports both anonymous and known donation, and English-speaking medical teams are standard across accredited clinics.

Specialists in Denmark work within a mandatory reporting framework, meaning live birth rates by clinic are published and comparable. Denmark operates no egg banks — all donors are matched live, which can increase waiting times for donor cycles but ensures a fresh donation process.

IVF treatment in Mexico is primarily based in Cancun, where clinics serve a large North American patient base. PGT, donor programs, and gestational surrogacy are available at most major centres, with English-speaking coordination as standard.

Use the filters above to compare IVF specialists by country, experience, and patient rating. Select a country from the list at the bottom of this page to review clinic options and contact specialists directly.