In vitro fertilization (IVF) is often viewed as the last option for conceiving. What most people don't realize is that IVF can be the first and most effective option for many couples who are struggling with infertility or for whom traditional conception is not an option.
If you dream of becoming a parent then your dreams can come true with IVF fertility treatment in Thailand! Many people pursue IVF when other fertility treatments fail. You may have been trying to conceive for a few months, or more likely, for many years.
This guide will help you to choose the right hospital, the right doctor, and the price of the package according to your needs and your budget.
What is IVF Treatment?
IVF is an assisted reproduction technique that involves oocyte fertilization through sperm samples in an in vitro laboratory. It is a process that involves retrieving eggs from ovaries and manually combining them with sperm in a lab for fertilization.
What is the Process of IVF?
- Hormonal Therapy: The IVF treatment begins with hormone therapy (ovarian stimulation) which stimulates the development of several follicles in the ovary.
- Embryo Formation: Later several embryos are created by collecting the eggs (follicles) and fertilizing them in a test tube - at the IVF laboratory.
- Embryo Implantation: Embryos are placed in an incubator for 2-5 days, then 1 or 2 embryos are transferred to the uterus through the vagina. Then begins implantation into the uterus and pregnancy.
Note: As with natural conception, not all implanted embryos become pregnant. This is why the remaining embryos are frozen, which is now a standard procedure for many IVF clinics around the world. If the first transfer fails, frozen embryos can be used for another test.
Is Thailand Good for IVF?
IVF treatment in Thailand is as good as anywhere else in the world. The hospital offers modern facilities and the latest equipment. Doctors and staff are highly qualified having rich experience. English is widely spoken in all major institutions, and many provide free translators. For the price, you can expect to save between 30 and 50%.
What is the Success Rate of IVF Treatment in Thailand?
IVF success rate in Thailand differs according to the age of the patient, couple, or woman.
The birth rate for the IVF cycle in Thailand is -
- 57-60% for women under the age of 35
- 52-55% for women ages 35-37
- 40-45% of those women who are in the age group of 38 to 40
- 20-30% for women who are in the age group over 40
How Many Embryos Will You Implant?
To avoid the risk of multiple pregnancies one or two embryos are transferred at a time. If the remaining embryos are of good quality, you may choose to freeze them for future use.
How Much Time is Required for IVF?
For an IVF cycle with fresh embryo transfer (without PGS Preimplantation genetic screening), you will need 15-18 days, starting on day 2 of your period. If you want IVF + PGS, the embryos will need to be frozen and you will be able to get the embryo transfer in the next cycle after the genetic test is done and the results are sent.
Note: Preimplantation Genetic Screening, or PGS, is a genetic test that allows doctors to examine IVF embryos for abnormalities in chromosome numbers.
How Long will I have to Stay in Thailand for IVF Treatment?
You will be required to stay in Thailand for about 18-20 days, with your first appointment planned for day 1 of your period. Hormone pills and injections will be given for 9-11 days (as required depending on your age and reproductive status), followed by egg collection. Followed by the actual laboratory process of mixing eggs and sperm and waiting for the embryo to develop. An embryologist examines the embryo and transfers it to your uterus on day 3 or day 5 (blastocyst transfer). The most expensive IVF package includes an initial genetic test, which allows the doctor to check the genetic makeup of each embryo before transferring the best ones.
What Age Best Benefits from IVF Treatment?
There is no specific age for treatment, but IVF in women over the age of 40 is known to have only a 12% chance of success because most of the eggs have gone bad by that time.
However, even if you have passed the ideal age for conception, you will not be disappointed because these factors are different for different women and the pregnancy happens even after 40 years. You can take some of these fertility tests for women and send the report to see your chances.
In addition, with PGS technology, doctors are now able to choose the best embryos for implantation, which increases the chances of success. If you are already in your 40s and unable to retrieve enough eggs, you may opt for IVF and donor eggs.
Who is Not the Right Candidate for IVF?
IVF is the most popular treatment option for couples having fertility issues but may not be for everyone. IVF is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Mental problems that can make a woman unsuitable to carry a pregnancy
- Uterine cavity malformations
- Benign tumors of the uterus
- Ovarian tumors
- Serious heart problems, excessive diabetes, hypertension
- Acute inflammatory diseases
- Cancer patients
How Much is the Cost of IVF Treatment in Thailand?
Type of IVF Treatment | Cost |
USD 3300 | |
Advanced IVF with ICSI technique | USD 3500 |
IVF with own Egg | USD 3300 |
USD 5300 |
IVF cost for the egg collection package in Thailand starts from THB 129,000 or $3,444.30. The entire treatment cost depends upon individual factors such as your age, fertility problem, underlying disease, etc. The cost also depends upon whether you want preimplantation genetic testing, and need additional services like assisted hatching, embryo glue, etc. The cost varies with your individual requirements, as the cost of stimulation medicines depends upon your age and how your body responds to these injections.
How Much Does IVF Cost in Bangkok?
The cost of IVF in Bangkok starts from THB 175,000 or $5,500 inclusive of medicines, doctor’s and anesthesiologist’s fees, egg retrieval, fertilization and lab fee, embryo culture, and freezing of additional embryos. If you opt for additional services like genetic screening of embryos, assisted hatching, etc. then the cost can go up to $11,500.
What Additional Costs Might Be Incurred?
If you wish to travel to Bangkok for IVF treatment from a different city or country, you will have to incur travel and accommodation expenses for your entire duration of stay.
You can get a decent place to stay for 15-20 days on a budget of around $1,000 – $1,500 as the living cost in Thailand is not very high.
Are There Any Side Effects From Stimulation Injections?
The effect of treatment varies from person to person and it cannot be predicted whether drug stimulation will cause an adverse reaction in your body. If you feel pain, headaches, nausea, etc. the doctor may advise you to avoid taking on any strenuous activities and take rest. In some cases, stimulation may lead to swelling of the ovaries, and although it normally resolves in a couple of days, some women experience extreme discomfort when the egg stimulation leads to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). It is advised to be monitored by an experienced doctor while your treatment is being carried out to avoid complications.
What are the Tests Required for IVF?
The doctors advise a basic fertility workup for couples wanting to travel to Thailand for IVF. This gives an idea to the doctor about your fertility status and also ensures there are no findings in your report that can lower the chances of IVF success. Of course, you can get these tests in Thailand (where they are obviously cheaper) but if you are traveling only for IVF it is advisable to get the tests locally and send in the reports. This helps to doctor to make a treatment.
Some Specific Tests May Be Required For You However, the General Tests Advised for Everyone Are:
Males:
- CBC, Blood group, HB typing
- Semen analysis
Female:
General Physical Examination with BMI
- Pelvic examination and pap smear of cervix
- Transvaginal ultrasound on the 12th day of the menstrual cycle
- Blood test on day 2 of period: FSH, LH, Prolactin, AMH
- CBS, Blood group, HB typing, Anti-HIV, Anti HCV, HBsAg, Rubella IgG, Thyroid function test, CA 125
Top Hospitals for IVF Treatment in Thailand
- Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok - The Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok is a global pioneer in giving the best international standard healthcare services and one of the largest private multi-specialty hospitals in South East Asia with patients coming from over 190 countries annually.
- Sikarin International Hospital, Bangkok - Sikarin International Hospital is one of the foremost tertiary care multidisciplinary facilities in Bangkok. The hospital is internationally accredited and certified by reputed organizations like JCI, ISO, HAACP, HA
- Bangkok Hospital - Established in 1972, the Bangkok Hospital is one of the first private hospitals in Thailand. The Hospital has been awarded various accreditations by the Joint Commission International (JCI).
- Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, Bangkok - The Hospital was awarded the Top 5 World's Best Hospital for Medical Tourism for 2018 by the Medical Travel Quality Alliance.
- It was also awarded Thailand's Prime Minister Award for the Most Recognized Service in 2004.
- Established in 1979, Samitivej Hospital is one of the leading private hospital groups in Thailand and SEA and is accredited by JCI.
- Yanhee Hospital, Bangkok - Yanhee Hospital is a multi-specialty treatment center providing healthcare services to both national and international patients.
- It has ISO Accreditation since the year 2000, Thai Hospital Accreditation (HA), and the US-based JCI Accreditation for continual efforts to pursue excellence in quality and safety in patient care.
Top IVF Doctors in Thailand
- Pol. Gen. Dr. Jongjate Aojanepong - Pol. Gen. Dr. Jongjate Aojanepong is one of the renowned Obstetricians and Gynecologists with 43 years of tremendous experience in his field.
- Dr. Nisarath Soontrapa - Dr. Nisarath Soontrapa is a leading Obstetrician, Gynecologist, and Infertility Specialist with over 14 years of experience.
- Prof. Dr. Kamthorn Pruksananonda - Prof. Dr. Kamthorn Pruksananonda is a recognized Obstetrician & Gynaecologist having 39 years of experience.
- Dr. Viwat Chinpilas - Dr. Viwat Chinpilas is a senior and an experienced IVF Specialist with +39 years of experience in the field. He has a record of performing 400 cycles/year of IVF and 800 cycles/year of artificial insemination.
- Dr. Boonsaeng Wuttiphan - Dr. Boonsaeng Wuttiphan is a leading Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and Infertility Expert with 21 years of experience in the field of women's reproductive health.
To Conclude
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a good option for those who have difficulty conceiving. Since getting IVF treatment is expensive in most countries, Thailand offers good and affordable medical services. So if you are looking for cheap and high quality IVF treatment, Thailand can be a good choice for you.
It is advisable to gather all the information and documents before visiting Thailand for Treatment.