In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Live birth rates per IVF cycle vary significantly by age: under 35 years is 46-55%, ages 35-37 is 35-45%, ages 38-40 is 22-35%, ages 41-42 is 12-20%, and over 42 is 3-10%. With donor eggs, success rates are 65-80% regardless of recipient age. Cumulative success after 3 cycles is 45-65%, and after 6 cycles is 65-80%. Individual outcomes depend on multiple factors including embryo quality, uterine receptivity, and overall health.

A minimum stay of 3-4 weeks is required for a fresh embryo transfer cycle, covering ovarian stimulation (10-14 days), egg retrieval, embryo culture (3-6 days), and transfer plus early recovery. If choosing a freeze-all strategy, you can leave after retrieval (1-2 weeks) and return later for frozen embryo transfer. We recommend 4-6 weeks to allow for contingencies and proper recovery.

Under current Thai regulations, IVF is only available to legally married heterosexual couples. Documentation including an authenticated marriage certificate is required. Single women, unmarried couples, and same-sex couples are not eligible for IVF treatment in Thailand. We recommend exploring other destinations if these criteria do not apply to your situation.

Most Thai clinic packages include initial consultation, ovarian stimulation monitoring, egg retrieval procedure with anesthesia, laboratory fertilization (ICSI often standard), embryo culture and selection, embryo transfer, and early pregnancy testing. Medications ($1,500-$4,500), genetic testing (PGT-A at $200-$400 per embryo), and donor services are typically additional. Always confirm exact inclusions before treatment.

If the cycle doesn't result in pregnancy, you'll meet with your specialist within 2-4 weeks to review the cycle and discuss protocol modifications. Additional testing may be recommended (PGT-A, ERA, hysteroscopy). If you have frozen embryos remaining, a frozen embryo transfer can be scheduled for a future visit. Emotional support and counseling services are available. Many couples achieve pregnancy on subsequent cycles.

We recommend waiting 7-10 days after embryo transfer before long-haul flights. There's no evidence that flying affects implantation, but this allows time to monitor for any complications and ensures you're comfortable traveling. Wear compression stockings, stay hydrated, and walk periodically during the flight. Some patients prefer to stay until the first pregnancy test (10-14 days post-transfer).

OHSS occurs when ovaries over-respond to stimulation medications. Mild symptoms (bloating, discomfort, nausea) occur in 20-33% of patients and resolve with rest and hydration. Moderate symptoms requiring medical monitoring occur in 3-6%. Severe OHSS requiring hospitalization occurs in less than 1%. Risk factors include PCOS, young age, low BMI, and high follicle counts. Modern protocols and careful monitoring significantly reduce OHSS risk.

Both approaches have excellent success rates. Fresh transfer completes treatment in one trip but may occur when hormone levels are elevated from stimulation. Frozen embryo transfer (FET) allows hormone levels to normalize, enables PGT-A testing, and may have slightly higher success rates in some cases. Many clinics now recommend freeze-all strategies. Your specialist will recommend based on your individual circumstances.