Last fact-checked: 31 August 2020
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body in a laboratory; when an embryo forms, it is then placed into the uterus.
IVF is a complex process, the success of which depends on a number of factors, including age, cause of infertility, lifestyle and reproductive history. Traveling abroad does not make the process any riskier (or more successful) than at home, although being on ‘holiday mode’ can help patients reduce associated stress.
Discover more about IVF and find a trusted clinic or hospital overseas with Medical Departures. Booking an appointment through our site is free, and many of our clients have saved thousands on the cost of this life-changing procedure.
IVF isn’t usually the first step in infertility treatment; rather it is usually undertaken when other methods, including artificial insemination, fertility drugs and surgery, haven’t worked.
IVF can be recommended if you are affected by any of the following conditions:
Whether you have IVF treatment at home or abroad, there are five basic steps in the IVF treatment and process, briefly summarized below:
[Note: Modified versions of IVF include GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer) and ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer).]
It is recommended that you spend around a week at your destination abroad for one round of IVF treatment. Your chosen clinic will be able to advise on exactly how long you will need to be in-country.
It is important you discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with your doctor before your treatment begins, and that you are fully aware of any potential side-effects and risks. Some important considerations include:
Western clinics do not have a monopoly on qualified doctors, skilled personnel and first-class facilities! If you do a little homework you will find outstanding quality clinics around the globe, in places where the cost of living is considerably cheaper, which makes your treatment cost less.
Even in your home country, there are good and not-so-good doctors, and going abroad is no different.
This is why Medical Departures conducts rigorous background checks on our doctors and clinics, verifying qualifications, professional memberships and affiliations and obtaining reviews from previous patients. Taken together, all this information gives us (and you) a fairly good idea of whether a doctor is reliable and trustworthy.
If you need any further information about IVF abroad, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, and to book with us for quality-checked doctors, and guaranteed best prices.
The success rate of IVF nowadays is generally high and improving by the year (especially for those under 35 and using donor eggs). However, you should expect to have more than one cycle of treatment. The global average success rate of IVF over three cycles is nearly 40%.
It is difficult to put an absolute price on IVF treatment as there are so many variables. However, most people find they make savings of around 50% by traveling abroad, compared to what they would have paid at home for a similar outcome.
Below are estimated prices on two top global destinations for IVF:
For comparison, one cycle of treatment in the US can cost over USD $12,000.
Browse through our list of global clinics and hospitals for IVF treatment here. You'll find that we have partnered with some of the leading facilities in destinations like Thailand, Mexico, Singapore, Turkey and Malaysia.
Book an appointment through our site to secure the best prices and enjoy 24-hour access to our Customer Care Team. They can also help you book or provide more information about traveling abroad for in vitro fertilization treatment.
Sources:
Gurevich, Rachel. The Chances for IVF Pregnancy Success. Very Well Health. 9 November 2018. https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-are-the-chances-for-ivf-success-1960213
In vitro fertilization (IVF). Mayo Clinic. 22 June 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): What is it? American Pregnancy Association. Website accessed: 20 March 2020. https://americanpregnancy.org/infertility/in-vitro-fertilization/