The Ultimate Guide to In Vitro Fertilization in Mexico
Last fact-checked: 12 October 2019
Opting for IVF Treatment in Mexico is a choice more and more American and Canadian couples are making due to the considerable financial savings when trying to conceive.
IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART), or fertility treatment, which involves combining eggs and sperm to fertilization outside the body, and then placing it in the uterus (if an embryo forms).
When you consider that, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the average cost of one IVF cycle in the US is more than $12,400, it is little wonder that people are looking for alternatives to save costs.
IVF is complex, and something not to be undertaken lightly. There is no guarantee that it will be effective, and it may take several cycles before a successful conception. Success rates vary from clinic to clinic in the US and Canada, as well as Mexico, but traveling abroad doesn’t make the process any riskier. In fact, in some instances, it may actually help to relax by having a short break in the sun.
Why Should I Have IVF in Mexico?
Most people look to Mexico for IVF treatment because of the costs; the savings are, on average, around 60% less than at home. Here are some other reasons to choose Mexico:
Mexico is convenient for North Americans to travel to. Short-haul flights rather than long-haul also help to keep costs down.
The county has dozens of destinations specialized in medical tourism, including Cancun, all of which are helping to establish it as a leader in reproductive medicine.
You have many hospitals to choose from throughout the country which are equivalent to international standards, as well as Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited facilities. (Note. One of the most prestigious, internationally-recognized accreditation schemes, the JCI demonstrates high and exacting quality standards in health and safety to institutions awarded with it.)
We background-check all of the Mexican doctors and clinics listed on Medical Departures, so you can be assured of receiving quality service with suitably-qualified, experienced doctors at clinics that adhere to international health and safety standards.
What Is the Procedure for IVF, and How Long Does it Take?
You will need to spend between seven and 10 days in Mexico for your IVF treatment to complete the five steps needed in the treatment cycle, which are summarized below:
1: Medication
Medication is given to stimulate egg production, with blood tests and ultrasounds taken to monitor the ovaries for development of eggs.
2: Egg Collection
A minor surgical procedure is used to collect the eggs.
3: Sperm Collection
A sperm sample is collected from the male
4: Combine sperm and eggs in the laboratory
This process is called insemination, after which the combined eggs and sperm are stored under ideal lab conditions to encourage fertilization. The eggs are monitored closely for signs of cell division, which is when fertilization is deemed to have occurred.
5: Fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are transferred to the uterus three to five days after fertilization.
What Is the Cost of IVF treatment in Mexico Compared to the United States?
Costs are, on average, $12,500 in the United States, compared to $3,500 in Mexico.
Take a look at some of the clinics in Mexico offering IVF to international patients on our site:
What now?
First, browse through our list of quality-checked clinics. If you feel like you're ready to book, see below for ways to arrange an appointment. If you’d like to know more about In Vitro Fertilization in Mexico, speak to our Customer Care Team for free.
Sources:
Bahadur, Nina. The Cost of Infertility: This Is How Real People Pay for IVF. Self. 8 January 2019
https://www.self.com/story/the-cost-of-infertility
Reece, Tamekia. Everything You Need to Know Before You Do IVF. Parents. Website accessed: 12 October 2019/
https://www.parents.com/getting-pregnant/infertility/treatments/everything-you-need-to-know-before-you-do-ivf/
One Million Americans Can't Be Wrong. International Living. Website accessed: 12 October 2019. https://internationalliving.com/countries/mexico/one-million/