IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that has been around for close to four decades in Thailand. The process involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization and embryo transfer which usually takes 3-4 weeks per cycle. IVF involves stimulating ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving them and fertilizing them in a lab to create embryos which is then transferred to the uterus.
The following sections help you understand the process in Thailand completely and how Thailand provides exceptional results.
Why is IVF in Thailand a Good Choice for Foreign Patients?
Thailand's healthcare system is one of the best in the world for IVF - it has strict medical standards for fertility treatments under the guidance of Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Thai hospitals have international accreditations like JCI, ISO certifications which ensure global standards of safety, hygiene and quality care. Thailand has specialized fertility clinics focusing on reproductive treatments and University medical centers with advanced IVF options and research capabilities.
Some advanced assisted reproductive technology or ART in Thailand include:
Popular Assisted Reproductive Technology available in Thailand
- ICSI/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (recommended for male infertility, previous IVF failure, unexplained infertility and advanced maternal age)
- IUI/intrauterine insemination
- IVF or In-Vitro Fertilization
- Advanced sperm retrieval methods in Thailand include PESA, TESE and Micro-TESE
Treatment timeline for IVF in Thailand
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Day 1-3: Period starts, baseline scan and blood tests are done.
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Day 2-12 (approx.): Ovarian stimulation with daily hormone injections and monitoring every few days.
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Day 13-15: Egg retrieval under light anesthesia (day procedure).
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Day 14-19: Fertilization and embryo culture in the lab (3-5 days).
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Day 17-21: Embryo transfer (fresh cycle) and start of progesterone support.
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10-14 days after transfer: Blood pregnancy test.
Thai Law for IVF: Can LGBTQ+ Community Get IVF in Thailand?
Thai laws restrict IVF treatment to legally married heterosexual couples which makes it a little difficult for single women and same-sex couples. Such hopeful parents go to nearby countries such as India.
Thai law protects the patients and ensures ethical practice exists for a sensitive process like IVF. Reputable clinics will require documentation and explain the legal requirements to you before beginning the treatment.
The following couples can find a solution to infertility with IVF in Thailand under Thai Law:
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Heterosexual couples who are legally married, facing infertility challenges.
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Couples facing ovulation disorders.
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Women with advanced maternal age.
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Those with a history of genetic disorders or miscarriages.
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Those experiencing endometriosis or unexplained infertility.
Steps in IVF Process
Process of IVF (popular infertility treatment options) (Credit)
Before IVF
Before starting the process, your doctor will conduct some tests to check how well the possibilities of IVF success. This will include blood tests, sperm analysis and ultrasound. This usually takes 1-2 days.
The medical assessments include:
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Female tests: hormone profile, pelvic ultrasound, sometimes infection screening.
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Male tests: semen analysis.
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Review of medical history, prior pregnancies, or miscarriages.
Planning and coordination with the Thai IVF specialist where the choice of protocol is made. This also includes deciding on the travel dates, booking accommodation and confirming how long your stay would be.
During this stage, you may be asked to start birth-control pills or cycle regulation with lifestyle changes like limiting alcohol, stopping smoking, managing weight and chronic conditions (if any.)
IVF Procedure
Here's the step-by-step IVF process:
Step 1 - Ovarian stimulation
This includes daily hormone injections. This part is complete within 8-12 days.
Step 2 - Egg retrieval
Once the stimulated ovulation is complete, the egg retrieval begins. This is a 20-minute process which is done under sedation.
Step 3 - Egg & Sperm Preparation
The egg and sperm are prepared for fertilization. Good quality sperm and eggs are crucial for the next steps to be successful. The retrieved eggs are fertilized in a lab using different insemination methods like conventional or ICSI.
Step 4 - Fertilization
The fertilization process begins with either IVF or ICSI. The latter is usually done in case of male infertility. This entire process takes up to 2-3 weeks.
Step 5 - Embryo transfer
Once the fertilization is complete in the lab, the embryo transfer takes place. This is done by transferring the fertilized egg using a catheter within 5 minutes.
Step 6 - Pregnancy test
After 10-14 days of the transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to confirm success.
After IVF
After the procedure, you will be required to continue medication to support successful results. The various stages of this phase include:
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Luteal support: You take progesterone (pills, vaginal, or injections) to support the uterine lining.
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Two-week wait: Avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, and high stress; normal gentle activities are usually fine. Watch for unusual pain, heavy bleeding, or symptoms your clinic warns about.
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Pregnancy test and early care: Blood test 10-14 days after embryo transfer. If positive, an early ultrasound (around 6-7 weeks of pregnancy) checks the heartbeat. If you’ve already flown home, your local doctor can do this with the report shared back to the Thai clinic.
Cost of IVF in Thailand
The average cost of IVF in Thailand is around $4,000-$8,500 per cycle, with the cost varying depending on the IVF type.
Hospitals like Bumrungrad Hospital offer advanced techniques like sperm freezing for up to 3 tubes for 3 years which can be helpful in advanced age couples facing male factor infertility issues. It also offers "fresh IVF" which excludes OPU stimulating agents at $7,600.*
IUI in Thailand can cost ~ $1,500* with doctors like Dr. Poonkiat Punyamitr who are specialists in assisted reproductive technology. Similarly, ICSI in Thailand with Dr. Punyamitr can cost around $22,500*, which is nearly 80% lower than the cost in Western countries like the US/UK.
When opting for donor eggs, the cost can be around $6,000-$8,000.*
| Procedure |
Per Cycle Cost (USD)* |
| ICSI |
$550-$1,000 |
| PGT-A |
$1,500-$3,000 |
| Embryo freezing & 1st-year storage |
$550-$1,100 |
| Sperm retrieval (TESE/TESA) |
$800-$1,500+ |
* Price verified at the time of updating the content. For accurate cost estimate get a consultation through Yapita Health.
Why is IVF in Thailand Cheaper?
The significant price difference in Thailand in comparison to the US/UK is mainly due to economic factors such as Thailand clinics operating on lower overheads (lower rent, skilled doctors & embryologists at lower salaries.)
The presence of medical tourism companies like Yapita Health in Thailand, makes it easier for clinics to offer attractive and competitive pricing for international patients.
Success Rates of IVF in Thailand
Here's s look at the IVF success rate that Thailand offers:
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Under 35
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45-60% per cycle
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35-37
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40-50% per cycle
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38-40
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30-40% per cycle
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41-42
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20-30% per cycle
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Over 42
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10-20% per cycle
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* Note: The success rate varies by multiple factors like underlying condition, health of the eggs and sperm, embryo quality and protocol. Always consult your medical team for transparent success rate.
Typically women under 35 seek this treatment in Thailand as it offers IVF success rates of 45-60% with the help of advanced technology, internationally-trained Thai IVF surgeons and fertility specialists.
The high quality care in Thailand for IVF treatment ensures there is good success rates for hopeful parents coming here to start their journey to parenthood.
Thai fertility specialists receive training and certifications from the US, or UK. The international exposure brings the best clinical standards and protocols for IVF to Thailand, matching the quality in Western countries.