Cost | Reviews | Packages | Time | Tests | Consultation | FAQ | Doctors
Before you plan for IVF in Malaysia, equip yourself with the most important information about the treatment, what it entails, prices, doctors, and all your options during and after the treatment.
Infertiilty Aide helps you get easy consultations and the best offers with the top doctors for IVF in Malaysia.
IVF is expensive. It is imperative that you find the right doctor that understands your unique case and specific requirements.
Every clinic has their own strengths and you must find the expert that is right for you.
What is the cost of IVF in Malaysia?
The cost of IVF in Malaysia starts as low as RM9,900 and goes upto RM30,000.
Below is the range of the average IVF cost in Malaysia:
IVF – ICSI
RM 9,900 – RM 30,000
IVF + Genetic testing
RM 30,000 – RM 45,000
Egg freezing
RM 15,000 – RM 21,000
Donor egg IVF
RM 22,000 – RM 31,000 + donor fee
Donor sperm IVF
RM 22,000 – RM 31,000 + donor fee
IVF with surgical sperm extraction
RM 20,000 – RM38,000
Intra-uterine insemination
RM1,000 – RM3,000
IVF cost is always influenced by your individual factors, such as the medication required, number of eggs and embryos, additional services, and any extra testing, if required.
IVF Malaysia Reviews
JVN919:
39 years, Hong Kong
Professional, Trustworthy, good communication and skills with us.
Before this doctor we wasted time trying in Hong Kong, but bad service , costs is not equal to service and not professional , no communication , only charged high costing but lack of experience.
Happy we found you Doctor. Thank you
JST119:
40 years, Singapore
Dr Prashant and his team were wonderful throughout the entire IVF process. They were there to answer all my questions, the costs were outlined very clearly and simply, the staff were very friendly and made the experience as comfortable as possible given the nature. This and the fact that I live in Singapore, and the issues with logistics that came with this proved challenging at time – they were very helpful.
VMA302:
42 years, New Zealand
The whole process was professionally handled
and the experience was awesome.
IVF packages – Malaysia 2024
We offer several packages that include unlimited or a fixed quantity of medications, genetic testing, embryo transfer, freezing and storage.
The lowest-cost IVF package includes:
Consultations and scans
Operating theatre & daycare admission fees
Ovum pick-up
ICSI
Egg stimulation drugs
Egg collection procedure
Blastocyst culture
Blood tests – Estradiol & Progesterone (if required)
Fresh embryo transfer
Find the details of all our current packages for IVF in Malaysia.
How much time is required for a complete IVF cycle?
Typically, you need 15-20 days to complete a cycle of IVF. Your Malaysia IVF expert will provide a custom timeline so you can plan your work and travel accordingly.
If you decide to do a frozen embryo transfer, which is now recommended by many doctors, you can save another 4-5 days.
What tests are required before IVF?
A number of fertility tests are typically done as part of your fertility assessment during your first clinic visit. These include:
Hormone tests
Ultrasound
Semen analysis
General blood tests
The reports will be reviewed during your first consultation and the doctor may advise additional tests, if required.
Are online consultations available?
Patients coming from overseas can have the tests done locally, send the reports, and consult with the doctor online before traveling. The doctor will discuss your situation and provide a treatment plan and timeline for you.
For foreign patients
If you’re traveling from Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, the US, UK, Hong Kong, Middle-east, Europe, or any other part of the world, you are required to fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) at least 3 days before arrival in Malaysia.
Exemptions to this rule are:
Patients from Singapore
Those who plan to transfer through Singapore without immigration clearance
Malaysian permanent residents
Holder of Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS)
FAQs
What is the success rate of IVF in Malaysia?
The best IVF clinics in Malaysia report success rates of upto 82.9% in IVF, which are among the highest in the world.
Ofcourse, your age, gamete quality, overall health will always be responsible for your own IVF success and you must find the doctor you feel most comfortable with.
For women of advanced age, researchers have found that using PGT with IVF leads to higher success rates.
Is donor egg IVF in Malaysia legal?
Yes, IVF with donor eggs is allowed and very well regulated in Malaysia. The process involves thorough testing, counselling, and examination of all parties. It is well regulated and 100% of our clients have achieved success in donor egg IVF programs.
What is the age limit for IVF in Malaysia?
There is no age restriction for IVF, but some of the best fertility clinics in Kuala Lumpur will allow women upto 53 years or menopause, whichever comes first.
Donor eggs and donor embryos are recommended for women over 45 years, but it really depends upon your personal factors.
Will insurance cover my IVF in Malaysia?
Most insurance companies do not provide coverage for infertility treatments. However, as the fertility rates in Malaysia continue to decline (1.8 babies per woman), the Malaysian Government has allowed EPF withdrawal for your IVF treatment funding.
If you plan to use this, discuss this with the nurse or case manager at your Malaysian IVF clinic and they will help arrange the documents you need to submit to the KSWP.
Does Malaysia allow IVF for unmarried women?
No, the Malaysian IVF law requires you to be married to be eligible for IVF and Malaysian fertility clinics may require both partners to commence the treatment.
As a single woman, you can have your eggs frozen and plan for IVF in future. The Cryotec method of egg vitrification is the most advanced in the world that allows the doctors to achieve close to 100% freeze-thaw survival of eggs and embryos.
Top Doctors for IVF in Malaysia
Reviews | Cost | Success rates | Packages | Egg donation | Genetic testing | FAQs | Doctors
Planning for IVF in Mexico can be the safe, smooth experience you want it to be if you find the right clinic and doctor. The first step is to have your fertility tests done, set up a consultation, and have us send you a detailed plan.
You’ll find that some of the best fertility clinics in Mexico are run by highly qualified doctors, and offer world-class fertility services at a fraction of the cost.
Our clients regularly compare the services to what they had in the US, and are amazed at the quality and professionalism.
Reviews – IVF Mexico
ZAM234:
39 years, USA
Dr Romero is amazing. He really listens to patient concerns and answered all my questions.
SRJ032:
38 years, Germany
Dr. Romero and the entire Team are highly qualified. During the treatment I felt safe and well looked after. I am really grateful for everything Infertility Aide did for us. Thanks to their help I am now pregnant with a Baby Girl.
CAH405:
40 years, USA
The doctor was friendly, warm, and informed me well of what to expect. He shared his statistical success with me and took interest in the specifics of my medical care. I trusted him to perform this procedure on me and would recommend him to anyone else who needed a recommendation.
We're absolutely overjoyed when clients share their baby updates with us as below:
"Dear Infertility Aide, I'm just emailing to say thank you for connecting me with the clinic in Cancun. After my second IVF attempt I became pregnant with twins boys and tomorrow they will turn 1 year old! God bless you" – Tina Meyer, 50 years, USA
How much does IVF cost in Mexico?
The lower cost of in vitro fertilization in Mexico is a major draw for most people, and rightly so. The average cost if IVF is in the below range:
IVF – ICSI
$5,200 – $8,200
IVF + Genetic testing
$9,000 – $12,500
Egg freezing
$3,500 – $5,000
Donor egg IVF
$6,500 – $11,500
Donor sperm IVF
$6,000 – $10,000
IVF with surgical sperm extraction
$6,500 – $8,500
Intra-uterine insemination
$700 – $1,500
Surrogacy
Please enquire
The cost also varies with your individual preferences and any extra services you choose to opt for – hysteroscopy, embryo glue, embryoscope, etc.
Based on your requirements, we’ll provide you a detailed treatment plan along with the timeline, so you can plan your trip and finances.
What is the success rate of IVF in Mexico?
The cumulative pregnancy success rates for IVF are around 55%.
With genetic testing, the success of IVF is 74.18%.
When using donor eggs with fresh transfer, the success rates are over 67%.
IVF Packages – Mexico
Our fixed priced IVF package in Mexico costs $5,650. It is inclusive of:
Follicular monitoring (estradiol blood work and ultrasounds)
OR timing
Medical fee
Anesthesia
Egg retrieval
IVF – ICSI
Blastocyst culture to day 5
ESCO Miri TL incubator (subject to availability)
Assisted hatching, if applicable
1 Embryo transfer (Fresh or frozen)
Vitrification of remaining embryos
FREE one year storage of frozen embryos
Is donor egg IVF allowed in Mexico?
Egg donation for IVF in Mexico is legal and well regulated. You can request for a batch of frozen eggs or select a profile of an egg donor to commission for a fresh cycle of ovarian stimulation and egg donation.
The donors go through extensive screening for various medical problems. Make sure to check with your doctor regarding the egg donor’s examination reports, especially if you have any concerns about hereditary diseases.
Genetic testing with IVF
Genetic testing of embryos is now common for women over 35 to identify a chromosomally normal embryo for transfer, thus improving your chances of success.
This is also a powerful technology to check for any hereditary diseases to prevent them being passed on to the baby.
Check the genetic diseases normally screened with PGT.
If you have the possibility of any inherited diseases in your family, please send the reports so we can check with the lab about their screening before you travel.
FAQs
Is IVF in Mexico safe?
Besides the local population, IVF clinics in Mexico also serve a large number of American and Canadian patients every year and majority of our clients reported that they felt secure and cared-for by their Mexican doctors.
The number of tourists in places like Cancun has increase every year since 2015. In 2023, over 5 million people visited Cancun for leisure and tourism. These cities are safe and friendly for the tourists.
Do you have English speaking staff?
Most doctors, nurses and support staff are bilingual. Spanish and English are the two most commonly spoken languages.
What currency and payment methods are accepted?
The payments are made in Mexican peso but small amounts of USD may be accepted. The payment can be made in cash or via credit cards. Visa, Mastercard, American Express are all acceptable.
You can also pay online by making a direct transfer to the clinic’s account.
Are there any payment plans?
IVF loans are handled by an independent company. After you have your treatment estimate, you can check with them for the loan aspect. Alternatively, you can simply pay with your credit card.
Travel information for US & Canada patients
American and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to stay in Cancun for upto 180 days.
You need a valid passport with atleast one blank page.
Official entry immigration form(FMMd) – This form will be provided by your airline or at the port of entry. You can also fill it up digitally here.
You can dial 078 in Mexico from any phone to get information about tourism activities, airports, immigration, travel agencies, car rentals, etc.
Uber is the best way to get around in the city. For hotels, you can find options near the clinics starting as low as $75/night.
Doctors for IVF in Mexico
Cost | Reviews | Packages | Tests required | Consultation | FAQ | Doctors
If you’re planning for IVF in Thailand, you must know about the best doctors, clinics, and packages before starting your treatment. IVF is expensive and not everyone is immediately successful.
For the best chances of conceiving with IVF, you must work with an experienced IVF expert, who understands your case and is committed to helping you.
With the growing number of IVF clinics in Thailand, it could be confusing to find the right doctor. With Infertility Aide, you can find and compare some of the trusted doctors, who have consistently received positive feedback from hundreds of patients.
What is the cost of IVF in Thailand?
The cost of IVF in Thailand is in the range of THB 300,000 – THB 530,000.
Below is the range of IVF treatment cost:
Cost in Bangkok
Cost in Phuket
IVF – ICSI
THB 231,000 – THB 325,000
THB 190,000 – THB 260,000
IVF + Genetic testing
THB 420,000 – THB 530,000
THB 320,000++
Egg freezing
THB 180,000 onwards
THB 180,000 onwards
Donor egg IVF
Only with family donors
–
Donor sperm IVF
Only with family donors
–
Surgical sperm extraction
THB 42,000++
THB 40,000 onwards
PRP for ovarian rejuvenation
THB 38,000++
THB 35,000 ++
Most patients prefer to pay per bill, so they pay only for the services they avail. The amount of medication required, number of eggs retrieved, the number of blastocysts frozen or tested, and any extra testing or services all contribute to the total cost of your IVF.
IVF Thailand Reviews
SGR717:
40 years, USA
The doctor is professional and I believe he knows well what he is doing. The clinic is also very clean and the same standard of the fertility clinic I was going to in the US.
HRB202:
38 years, Australia
My experience with the doctor was very good, he provided the best care. I wanted thank to him for the service provided. He was very polite. Best doctor!
AJL318:
36 years, New Zealand
Very good and the doc and the nurse explained us everything in detail. Great clinic and excellent patient service.
AZT607:
36 years, Canada
He was very sympathetic.
IVF packages – Thailand 2024
There are some set packages for IVF Thailand that include certain quantity of stimulation medications, embryo transfer, freezing, scans, genetic testing.
The lowest-cost IVF package includes:
Consultations and scans
Operating theatre & daycare admission fees
Ovum pick-up
IVF lab charges
Blastocyst culture
Doctor & nurse fee
Find the details of all our current packages for IVF in Thailand. Each patient has different requirements and the total cost or the right package for you can be determined only after a consultation.
What tests do I need to do before IVF?
You can do the standard tests for fertility at a local lab or during your first visit to the clinic. The doctor will discuss your reports during your consultation and advise if any additional tests are recommended.
Typically, a few blood tests are done for general health and hormones are checked for your fertility. The male partner is also supposed to do a semen analysis before
The doctor will perform either a TVS ultrasound (from inside the vagina) or a pelvic ultrasound (from the lower abdomen) to get a better view of your pelvic organs.
Can I do an online consultation before coming to Thailand?
Yes, we can arrange an online consultation for you to discuss all your concerns with the doctor before you plan your trip. The online consultations cost $40 – $60.
You'll get a complete treatment plan and timeline to allow you to plan your trip.
For foreign patients
Thailand allows visa-free travel for many nationalities.
If you’re traveling to Thailand from Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, the US, UK, or Europe – you do not need a visa to stay in Thailand for the duration of your IVF treatment.
Although most of our doctors speak English, translators are available for most languages. Check with us if you need a translator.
FAQs
What is the success rate of IVF in Thailand?
The average success rates for IVF + PGT in Thailand, across different age groups are:
Women < 29 years – 72.5%
Women between 30 and 34 years – 69.4%
Women between 35-39 years – 65.6%
Women > 40 years – 63%
An analysis of ART services in Thailand revealed that the number of babies born via IVF to natural pregnancies has consistently been on the rise. The study also found that the success of IVF was better in frozen-thawed cycles as compared to fresh embryo transfer.
Is it legal to do donor egg IVF in Thailand?
IVF with donor eggs is allowed only under special circumstances. Ideally, you must bring your own donor, and submit your case to get permission from the ethics committee in Thailand.
Commercial egg donation in Thailand is not allowed.
Does Thailand allow IVF for unmarried women?
No, the Thai law only allows IVF for married couples and all certified clinics require your marriage certificate to proceed with IVF.
Single women can opt to freeze their eggs via IVF.
How much time do I need to factor for IVF?
15-20 days are required to complete a cycle of IVF from starting the stimulation to a fresh embryo transfer. Your IVF doctor will provide a timeline depending upon your cycle dates.
The egg collection takes 11-13 days and if you’re doing genetic testing, you’ll have to return for the frozen embryo transfer. It can be done in any month and requires you to be there for 4-5 days.
Why plan your IVF in Thailand with Infertility Aide?
Selected top doctors
Real reviews and success stories
Best price guarantee
Personal timeline for your IVF
Multilingual patient coordinators
Assistance with hotels and ground transport
Feedback & treatment records after every appointment
Easy payment options
Doctors for IVF in Thailand
Cost | Packages | Reviews | Success Rates | Donor IVF | Legal Regulations | FAQ | Doctors
IVF in Denmark is one of the most affordable options people looking for European IVF clinics.
More than 25% of Danish couples have been estimated to suffer from infertility but a 2023 report finds that the interest in fertility treatment was
quite low due to lack of awareness.
If you’re looking for affordable IVF in Europe, the below information will be useful.
There are a few fertility clinics in Denmark that have highly experienced doctors with over 30 years of international experience.
How much does IVF cost in Denmark?
The cost of IVF in Denmark starts around €3,280 or DKK 22,000. For Danish residents, public health services in the country cover upto 3 IVF cycles.
For people of other nationalities, the costs are as below:
IVF – ICSI
€3,500 – €4,800
IVF + Genetic testing RM 30,000
€7,500 – €8,800
Egg freezing
€2,000 – €2,800
Donor egg IVF
€6,700 – €8,500
Donor sperm IVF
€3,700 – €4,500
IVF with surgical sperm extraction
€4,300 – €5,000
Intra-uterine insemination
€300 – €400
If you opt for extra services like AHA (assisted hatching) with Saturn Laser, genetic testing, chromosome analysis, the package will be upgraded accordingly.
Packages for IVF – Denmark
3 cycle IVF package for women under 35 years
€5,969
3 cycle IVF package for women between 35 and 40 years
€ 6,370
3 cycle IVF package for women > 40 years
€ 7,000
Reviews – IVF Denmark
JTK322:
26 years, Netherlands
Answered all of my questions and was very friendly.
KMT012:
38 years, Germany
Very professional yet warm. Everything was handled well and we are finally pregnant. Thank you.
What is the success rate of IVF in Denmark?
Average success rate of IVF with own-eggs in Denmark is 47%
With donor eggs, the success rate is 52%
The success of IVF+PGT cycles is 55%
Is donor egg IVF in Denmark allowed?
Yes, you can opt for IVF with donor eggs and it is well regulated. Egg donation process in Denmark is altruistic. The coordinator will take your requirements and help you match with the best donors for you.
You can also decide if you want it to be an anonymous or open donation—meaning the donor details can be kept closed or if you prefer, you can allow your child to know the donor any time in their future, should they choose so.
Can we do IVF with donor sperm?
Single women seeking IVF with donor sperm or couples with extreme male factor infertility can utilize from donor sperm IVF in Denmark.
Denmark has some of the largest sperm banks in the world and it is quite easy to find a donor to your specific requirements. Unlike egg donation, this is a paid service handled by independent commercial entities.
What are the legal regulations for IVF in Denmark?
The regulations for Artificial Reproductive Technology in Denmark are quite liberal as below:
IVF is allowed for heterosexual as well as homosexual couples
IVF for single women is allowed
Pre-genetic testing is allowed if it is medically indicated
Embryos and eggs may be frozen for a maximum of five years
‘Parent suitability’ is must for any client
You have the right to report any patient safety incident
FAQs
What is the age limit for IVF in Denmark?
While there is no upper age limit for men, women are allowed to get IVF only upto the age of 46 years.
Women between the ages of 40 and 46 years can avail any fertility treatment at private clinic. The age limit to get IVF at any public fertility clinic in Denmark is 40 years for women.
Where are the best IVF clinics in Denmark?
Most of the top IVF clinics in Denmark are located in the cities of Copenhagen and Aarhus. The number of fertility clinics has gone up significantly as more people see IVF services in Denmark.
Do they offer pre-implantation genetic testing?
Yes, but there’s only one clinic in Denmark that offers genetic testing services to check the embryos before implantation.
For IVF-PGT in Denmark, get in touch.
What payment methods are accepted?
You can pay via cash or any major credit card. You can also make a direct deposit to the clinic’s account.
Travel in lodging in Denmark
There’s no Uber or Lyft but regular taxis are available, although they are not cheap. To book taxis like Uber, you can download the Viggo app.
The Danish public transport system is also quite robust. Buses and trains run on time and are more affordable than taxis. Cycles and electric scooters are also used for short distances.
If traveling from overseas, you can find special prices for hotels near the clinics.
Doctors for IVF in Denmark
Cost | Success Rates | Reviews | Tests | Consultation | Legal guidelines | FAQs | Doctors
The first IVF in India was performed successfully back in 1981, resulting in the birth of Durga, just three months after the world’s first IVF baby, Louise Brown, was born in Britain.
In the four decades since then, thousands of babies have been born at numerous fertility clinics in India as more doctors cater to the growing demand of pregnancy via IVF.
Some of the best IVF doctors in India are listed here; after you’ve considered the location, experience, reviews, and the exact specialization that you need, you can request an appointment and consult.
How much does IVF cost in India?
IVF prices in India are highly variable doctor’s expertise, the standard and location of the clinic, the technology and equipment they use, and overall success rates.
The prices vary so much that lower end clinics may charge only around a third of what some of the top-end fertility clinics charge in India. So, you need to be careful and select the IVF clinic that meets your needs well.
The cost of IVF in India is in the below range:
IVF – ICSI
₹180,000 – ₹350,000
IVF + Genetic testing RM 30,000
₹250,000 – ₹450,000
Egg freezing
₹100,000 – ₹250,00
Donor egg IVF
₹250,000 – ₹450,000
Donor sperm IVF
₹190,000 – ₹380,000
IVF with surgical sperm extraction
₹200,000 – ₹400,000
Intra-uterine insemination
₹4,500 – ₹15,000
Surrogacy
Only altruistic surrogacy within family
What are the success rates of IVF in India?
Success in IVF depends upon individual factors. Ofcourse, a doctor’s capability and clinic standards are also factors but with the large number of clinics in India there is no consensus on the success and failure of IVF cycles.
It is best to meet with the doctor and ask for success in your specific situation, instead of following any number that’s not verified.
Reviews
AYB098:
40 years, USA
The doctor was very patient and skilled. The clinic itself was very clean. Overall very professional. Great service.
DNJ342:
38 years, New Zealand
Very kind and helpful. It was a long journey and we felt like the doctor was so committed to us. Thank you.
What tests are required before IVF?
Your doctor will suggest a number of fertility tests to determine your current status and advise on the treatment accordingly.
Typically, the tests done include:
Hormone tests: AMH, FSH, Estradiol. LH, Progesterone, Prolactin, Testosterone, TSH
Blood tests: CBC, Viral markers, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, HB typing, Rubella
Besides, semen analysis for males and ultrasounds of women are done.
How to consult?
You can contact any of the top IVF experts in India listed here and plan an online or in-office consultation.
It is certainly better if you’re able visit in person, so the doctor can perform ultrasounds and other tests and provide a more accurate assessment. If you need an online consultation first, the doctor will give you an available time slot. It’s best to collect all your relevant medical reports before starting an online consultation.
What are the legal guidelines for Indian IVF clinics?
The lack of proper regulation means that IVF laws in India are quite liberal, but you must note the below:
Commercial surrogacy has been declared illegal by the government of India
Gender selection is strictly illegal and a punishable offence
If you need egg or sperm donors, they cannot be known individuals. The donor programs in India require complete anonymity of the donor.
FAQs
Is donor IVF allowed in India?
Yes, donor egg IVF in India is allowed but it is not very well regulated. The donors are mostly managed by independent agents and often, their details cannot be verified.
You cannot bring your own donors, as egg donation in India is legally required to be anonymous.
You need to work closely with your Indian IVF doctor to find the right donor, or consider other egg donation programs.
Is genetic testing allowed in India?
Yes, genetic testing of embryos is allowed but only for medical reasons. Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) may be done for checking chromosomal abnormalities and genetic diseases but it is strictly prohibited for gender selection. Please do not enquire about any gender preference services, it is strictly illegal in India.
How to find the best IVF clinics in India?
India is a huge country that offers some of the lowest costs of medical services but it also means you need to be very careful in selecting the right IVF clinic. Do not just go for the cheapest IVF service you find.
Most people only take 1-2 chances at IVF and you must do your research to find best fertility clinic in India that meets your requirements and makes you feel comfortable.
Read the reviews, consult with more than one doctor if required, select the service only after you are fully convinced.
Best IVF doctors India
Cost | Age limit | Egg donation | Genetic testing
If you’re planning for IVF in Cyprus, you have a large number of choices in clinics, doctors, and services. There are numerous IVF clinics in both North and South Cyprus that cater to the island country’s population as well as the thousands of foreigners who come here for affordable fertility treatments.
Some fertility experts in Cyprus have over 40 years of experience in the field and you can avail their expertise for your fertility problems.
How much does IVF cost in Cyprus?
The cost of IVF in Cyprus varies with the doctor’s expertise, clinic standards, and the facilities they offer.
IVF prices in Cyprus are in the below range:
IVF – ICSI
€4,500 – €6,800
IVF + Genetic testing RM 30,000
€7,000 – €9,800
Egg freezing
€2,500 – €3,800
Donor egg IVF
€5,600 – €8,500
Donor sperm IVF
€4,700 – €5,500
IVF with surgical sperm extraction
€5,300 – €6,000
Intra-uterine insemination
€400 – €700
Surrogacy
Please enquire
If you opt for extra services like AHA (assisted hatching) with Saturn Laser, genetic testing, chromosome analysis, the package will be upgraded accordingly.
What is the age limit for IVF in Cyprus?
According to the Cyprus law, the age limit for IVF is 50 years for women. However, women over 50 and upto 53 years can apply to the Board of Medically Assisted Reproduction in the country and get special permission for IVF.
Is surrogacy in Cyprus legal?
Surrogacy in North Cyprus is legal and allowed for everyone. In South Cyprus, surrogacy is only allowed for local residents.
Is egg donation IVF in Cyprus allowed?
Donor egg IVF is legal and well-regulated in Cyprus. You can get a batch of frozen donor eggs or higher a donor for fresh eggs.
Infact, some of the high-quality egg banks in Cyprus are accredited by:
EU Tissues & Cells Directive
The US FDA
Health Canada
HFEA
They allow you to take 2 to 10 eggs (depending upon your preference and budget) that are genetically tested for 302 recessive genes.
Is genetic testing allowed in Cyprus?
Yes, pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) is allowed and it is now routinely used in IVF to find:
Any abnormality in the number of chromosome sets
Chromosomal translocation
Single gene disorders
Depending upon your requirement and genetic history, a proper genetic testing technique will be advised. For example, the 5 probe FISH method in minimalist and screens the X, Y, 13, 18, and 21 chromosomes, which are considered the most important.
For specific genetic diseases, a different method, called PGT-M, can be employed. Discuss your requirements with your doctor and decide what’s best for you.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process of fertilization of a woman’s egg with sperm, under controlled conditions in a special laboratory, resulting in the formation of embryos.
The resultant embryos are allowed to grow for 3-5 days and the best quality embryo is transferred back into your uterus.
IVF is the gold standard for couples who have problems conceiving naturally.
Cost of IVF
IVF is an expensive treatment, with no guarantee of success. The cost of IVF can vary greatly with the location and standard of your clinic.
The average general cost for one cycle of IVF could be around $20,000 if you are in the UK, US or Canada; around $6,000 – $8,000 in Europe, and $4,000 – $12,000 in Asian countries.
These costs include medications, but do not include additional service such as, embryo freezing, the use of donor eggs or genetic testing.
IVF success rates
Success rates in IVF are misleading as they are not suggestive of the individual factors that can influence IVF outcome in different patients.
Success in IVF depends on many different factors, which include:
- Maternal age and quality of eggs
- Quality of sperm
- Uterine lining
- General body health
- Lifestyle factors
Instead of relying on general success rates, it’d be better to ask your IVF doctor for the chances of success in your specific situation.
Data shared by the US CDC for 2017 reveals that the average success rates for IVF (considering fresh and frozen embryo transfer) are:
- 26.6% in women under 35
- 27.5% in women between 35 and 37
- 26.9% in women between 38 and 40
- 25.5% in women over 40
However, this data based on age groups is not indicative of whether or not you can conceive with IVF. For any questions, consult with one of our trusted IVF experts.
IVF risks and side effects
Medication side effect
Although the safety of fertility drugs has long been established, there are certain side effects that you may experience with these medications. Different women’s bodies react differently to these hormones. While some face bloating and dizziness, other women don’t feel anything. In case you feel anything out of the ordinary, let your doctor know immediately.
Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS)
This is a rare but serious complication of IVF. It occurs when the fertility medications cause too many follicles to be produced in the ovaries. This can occur if you are very sensitive to the medications and will usually develop a week after egg collection.
OHSS is more likely in patients of PCOS, so you have to be more careful if you have polycystic ovaries. Symptoms include:
- bloating and discomfort in the abdomen
- nausea and vomiting
- shortness of breath
- dizziness/fainting
You may require lower doses of fertility medication if this occurs; please consult your doctor.
Ectopic pregnancy
With IVF treatment, you may have a slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy—when the embryo implants somewhere outside of the womb. A simple ultrasound scan is done after your pregnancy is confirmed, to rule this out.
Multiple pregnancies
The risk of multiple pregnancies is increased if more than one embryo is transferred to the uterus. This carries additional risks to you and your baby, hence why the number of embryos transferred is carefully considered.
Who needs IVF?
IVF is usually recommended if you have been trying to conceive naturally for over a year, with no success. But if you are over the age of 35 years, you should approach the doctor if you haven’t been able to conceive, even after trying for six months.
However, IVF is not considered as a first line treatment for everyone and depending upon the cause of infertility, you may be offered other treatments that are less invasive and usually less expensive.
To determine whether or not you need IVF, the doctor will run a few tests—it is usually a semen analysis for the man and a list of fertility tests for the women, to check her ovulation status, ovarian reserve, uterine lining, etc.
Am I a candidate for IVF?
IVF can help you if you have:
- Age-related infertility
- Anovulation
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis or pelvic adhesions
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Poor egg quality
- Low AMH or poor ovarian reserve
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm mobility
- Unexplained infertility
Also, to be a suitable candidate for IVF, you should be in good health so you are able to carry a pregnancy, once it is established.
What’s the recommended age for IVF?
The age of a patient can influence how successful IVF treatment may be. A fertility study published by Fertility and Sterility in 2003, concluded that age is a more important factor for IVF success as compared to FSH levels and that increasing maternal age correlates with a reduced implantation and pregnancy success rate.
IVF over the age of 40 has lower chances of success as both egg quantity and egg quality have usually declined by then. For this reason, many fertility clinics have an age limit for performing IVF. This age limit varies depending on the clinic but it is usually around 50 years.
If you are in your 40s and have been found to have a low ovarian reserve, you may be offered IVF with donor eggs.
How is IVF performed?
If you are referred for IVF treatment, you will be prescribed either an Agonist treatment cycle or an Antagonist treatment cycle, which takes lesser time. An agonist cycle slowly down-regulates your hormones prior to starting the treatment. Whereas, with an antagonist cycle you will be injected with drugs starting on day 2 of your period, to stop the release of certain hormones.
Both treatment options have similar success rates. The Antagonist treatment cycle is usually offered in most cases.
A cycle of IVF is performed in distinct, key steps, as described below:
- At the start of your period: You will need to make an appointment to see your fertility doctor on day one or two of your period. Your doctor will be able to prescribe medications to stimulate a period if you do not have any or if they are irregular.
- Suppression of your hormones: Agonist cycle: At around day 21 of your cycle, your doctor will take a sample of blood from you and start you on a course of drugs to suppress your hormones. These drugs will be GnRH analogues, which suppress FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) production and prevent premature ovulation. They will be prescribed to you for 12-28 days in the form of either an injection, pills, or a nasal spray. You will probably be able to administer your own injections at home. This treatment will temporarily make your ovaries dormant, so that they do not release eggs. This is necessary to prepare your body for the stimulation of ovulation. Be aware: The timings of these treatments may be changed by your doctor, in order to optimize your treatment based on how your body responds. Side Effects of GnRH analogues: Some women report that they experience headaches, hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings when taking these drugs. For the antagonist cycle, you will start from the next stage of treatment.
- Ovarian stimulation: A course of FSH injections will be prescribed to you over 5-12 days to stimulate the ovaries to make multiple follicles and eggs. You will also continue with the GnRH analogue during this time, unless otherwise advised. Antagonist cycle: If the GnRH analogue drugs are not needed, you may be prescribed an LH antagonist, after stimulation has started, to prevent ovulation.The doctor will perform an ultrasound after 5 days of stimulation, to check for follicular number and growth and the lining of your uterus. Follicle size: A mature follicle, in which an egg will grow, measures 18-30mm. It is normal to see 10-12 follicles, although this can vary. At least 3-4 mature follicles are needed for egg collection. Uterus lining: The uterus lining needs to be at least 7mm for a healthy transfer.The doctor may also take a blood sample to carry out some checks on your hormone levels, including progesterone and estrogen levels. Side effects of FSH drugs:Some women report bloating and discomfort as the eggs mature.
- Trigger injection: Once the follicles have reached the appropriate size, the doctor will prescribe you a HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) injection. This causes the eggs to mature and loosen their attachment to the follicle, to enable collection.All other drugs are stopped at this point.You will normally then wait 34-38 hours before egg retrieval.
- Egg retrieval: You will be sedated for egg retrieval, also known as ovum pick-up (OPU). A small, hollow needle will be passed through the vagina and into the ovaries where the eggs will be collected, using an ultrasound to locate them. As many eggs as possible will be collected and stored in an incubator until fertilization. This procedure normally takes around 30 minutes. Side effects:Following this procedure, you may experience some mild period-like pains and a small amount of bleeding from the vagina.Following this you will be given some medication to help optimize the lining of your womb, ready for transfer of the embryo.Also, at this point, the sperm will be collected and prepared.
- Fertilization: The eggs and sperm will be combined in a dish and left for 16-20 hours under controlled conditions to enable fertilization. The eggs will be checked the following day to determine if fertilization has occurred.The ICSI protocol may be used here in cases of poor sperm quantity or quality to optimize results.
- Embryo culture: Successfully fertilized eggs are assessed 2-3 days later for growth and quality. Doctors can transfer the zygotes at this stage or wait until day 5, when they reach blastocyst stage. Transferring blastocyst is associated with higher chances of success.At this stage the embryos may be frozen (if they are good quality) and genetic testing can be carried out if required, and if you have signed up for PGD and PGS testing.
- Embryo transfer: The best quality embryos will be picked by the doctor for transfer to the uterus.This procedure does not require sedation. It is similar to a smear test and may cause slight discomfort during the procedure.After this, the embryos are left to implant into the uterus wall, which can take anywhere between 1-10 days.You may be advised to follow some simple guidelines to improve the chance of successful implantation, for example:
- Avoid long baths
- No sex for 2 weeks
- Limit activity for the day of transfer and take it easy for a few days afterwards
- Take recommended pregnancy vitamin supplements and eat a balanced diet
Read the step-by-step details of IVF procedure, so you know what to expect before starting going to the doctor’s office.
How many embryos should be transferred in IVF?
Whilst transferring more than one embryo can increase the pregnancy rate with IVF, it can also increase the chances of a multiple pregnancy. Multiple pregnancies carry additional risks.
The main goal of IVF treatment is to provide you with a single, healthy baby.
However, each case is different and your doctors will look at your age and health to weigh up the risks and benefits for multiple embryo transfer.
Research has shown that older women may benefit from transferring two embryos instead of one, as the benefits outweigh the risks. Discuss in detail with your doctor to decide how many embryos to transfer in your IVF cycle, given your unique situation.
Transferring three or more embryos is usually not recommended as it could cause complications.
What happens to leftover embryos after IVF?
There are a number of options available to couples, including:
- Storing for future useIf you believe that you will want to expand your family in the future and infertility may still be an issue, you may opt to store your frozen embryos for use in the future.
- Embryo donationYou may wish to donate your embryos to other couple who are struggling with infertility. This is a very personal choice and it is important to think this through fully first.
- Donate embryos to medical researchEmbryos can be used not only to better understand and to improve fertility treatments, but also to understand genetic conditions. This could make a vital contribution to medical understanding and treatment.
- Dispose embryosAgain, this is a decision that should be well thought through, but should you wish to, your fertility clinic can organize for the appropriate disposal of the leftover embryos.
What if my IVF fails?
Most patients as themselves “what if my IVF fails?”. This is a possibility that needs to be considered, as pregnancy in IVF is not guaranteed and infact, success rates in IVF are rather low. There are several options that may be considered if this happens:
- Try further cycles of IVFThere could be several reasons for failure of IVF, and if your doctor is able to figure out a certain cause in your case, it may be addressed in subsequent cycles. Preimplantation genetic testing may also be a viable option in future cycles, as it has been proven that PGS improves IVF success.
- SurrogacySome couples feel that they are unable to go through the process of IVF again as it poses risk to the health of the mother. Also, if your IVF failure was due to implantation failure, you may need to hire a surrogate.
- Consider donor eggsPoor egg quality is the main reason for IVF failure in majority of the cases; healthier eggs from a donor may be recommended (especially if you are over 35 years of age)
- AdoptionThis is a very personal decision but worth considering if your doctor tells you that your chances of conceiving are very low. You may also consider this if several cycles have failed, as the emotional and financial burden can be overwhelming.
IVF failure is something that needs to be discussed carefully and patiently, both with your partner and with your medical team.
IVF involves a large commitment of time and money; it affects your physical health and may cause an emotional upheaval. It is important for you to learn as much as possible about the procedure, before deciding to undergo IVF.
Hopefully this information has answered a lot of your questions regarding IVF. However, if you have any further questions about the process, please reach out to us and consult with one of our expert counselors or fertility doctors.
References:
SART National Summary report: https://www.sartcorsonline.com/rptCSR_PublicMultYear.aspx
Reviewd by: Dr. Meenakshi, PhD
