IVF

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

What It Is, Why It’s Done, Candidates, Complications, Price, and Procedure - Including Medical Tourism Context

What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps individuals and couples conceive a child when natural conception is difficult or impossible. The procedure involves retrieving mature eggs from a woman’s ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory environment, and then transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus to establish pregnancy.

Why IVF?

IVF is primarily used to overcome infertility issues, which affect about 8-12% of couples worldwide. Reasons for IVF include:

- Blocked or damaged Fallopian tubes 

- Male factor infertility such as low sperm count or motility 

- Unexplained infertility after a year of trying 

- Endometriosis 

- Age-related decline in fertility 

- Genetic disorders requiring pre implantation genetic testing (PGT) 

- Same-sex couples or single individuals seeking to have children.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Candidates for IVF typically include:

- Women under 40 with infertility issues 

- Couples with tubal factor or male factor infertility 

- Patients who have not succeeded with other fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) 

- Individuals requiring donor eggs, sperm, or surrogacy 

- Those needing genetic screening of embryos before implantation.

Procedure Overview

1.Ovarian Stimulation: Hormonal medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. 

2.Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected via a minor surgical procedure using ultrasound guidance. 

3. Fertilization: Eggs are fertilized with sperm in a lab, either by conventional mixing or intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). 

4.Embryo Culture: Fertilized eggs develop into embryos over several days. 

5. Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are transferred into the uterus. 

6. Pregnancy Test: About two weeks later, a blood test confirms pregnancy.

Potential Complications

- Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) due to fertility drugs 

- Multiple pregnancies (twins or more) 

- Ectopic pregnancy 

- Emotional and psychological stress 

- Rare risks from egg retrieval such as bleeding or infection.

Price of IVF

- IVF costs vary widely by country and clinic. 

- In the United States, a single IVF cycle can cost between $12,000 and $15,000 or more. 

- Countries popular for fertility tourism offer significantly lower prices: 

 - Turkey: $5,000 to $6,000 per cycle 

 -India: Often below $3,000 

 - Mexico: Competitive pricing with liberal regulations 

 - Spain: Advanced technology with moderate pricing 

- These prices typically include ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer but may exclude medications or additional procedures like PGT.

IVF and Medical Tourism

Medical tourism for IVF is rapidly growing due to:

- High costs and long waiting times in home countries 

- Legal or cultural restrictions on fertility treatments 

- Desire for advanced technologies and higher success rates abroad 

- Availability of donor gametes and surrogacy options 

- Comprehensive packages including accommodation, transportation, and care.

Popular IVF destinations include:

-Iran is recognized as a leading destination for high-quality, affordable IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatments, attracting many couples both domestically and internationally due to its advanced medical facilities, skilled doctors, and supportive legal and religious environment.

-Turkey: Known for world-class clinics accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI), competitive prices, and package deals for international patients.

- India: Affordable treatments with skilled specialists and modern facilities. 

- Mexico: Liberal ART policies and proximity to the U.S. 

- Spain: Leading in Europe with high IVF volumes and success rates. 

- United States: High success rates and advanced technologies but at higher costs.

IVF Quality and Success Rates in Iran

• IVF success rates in Iran are notably high, with some centers reporting rates between 30% to 65%, depending on factors like the type of IVF procedure and patient conditions. For example, success rates with donor eggs can reach as high as 93%, while using own eggs and partner’s sperm typically yields around 64% success.
• The quality of IVF treatment benefits from advanced techniques such as ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), genetic screening (PGS/NGS), embryo freezing, and the availability of additional services like egg and sperm donation, surrogacy, and fertility preservation.
• Clinics in Iran employ rigorous patient screening and personalized treatment plans, which contribute to improved outcomes compared to many Western clinics where success rates often range from 25% to 30%.
• 
  

IVF Centers and Facilities

Iran hosts numerous reputable IVF centers known for their cutting-edge technology and comprehensive fertility services:

• Royan Institute (Tehran): One of the oldest and most prestigious centers, renowned for research and high success rates in infertility treatments.
• MOM Fertility & Infertility Center (Tehran): Modeled after the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, it offers state-of-the-art equipment and maintains success rates comparable to top global centers.
• Avicenna Fertility Clinic (Tehran): Offers a wide range of services including IVF, ICSI, egg and sperm donation, surrogacy, and genetic testing with modern laboratory equipment.
• Tehran Fertility and Infertility Center (TFIC): Known for its advanced IVF methods and experienced staff, providing comprehensive fertility treatments since 1991.
• Other notable centers include Amin IVF Center, Bahman Hospital, Hazrat e Maryam, Shiraz, Shahab Clinic, Khatam Medical Center, and Milad Clinic, all equipped with modern labs and offering extensive fertility services.

IVF Doctors in Iran

Iran boasts a pool of highly qualified and experienced fertility specialists, many of whom have received advanced training abroad and hold infertility fellowships:

• Dr. Reza Nasr: Head of MOM Fertility Center, trained in the UK, expert in subfertility treatments.
• Dr. Soheila Ansaripour: Director of Recurrent Abortion Clinic at Avicenna, OB-GYN with infertility fellowship.
• Other prominent doctors include Dr. Soheila Arefi, Dr. Afsaneh Shahbakhsh, Dr. Zhaleh Taheri, Dr. Saeid Arahteh (male infertility specialist), and Dr. Farnaz Montazeri, all known for their expertise and personalized patient care.
• Many women prefer female fertility specialists, and Iran has many skilled female doctors in this field, enhancing patient comfort and trust.

IVF Procedures and Additional Services

Iranian fertility clinics offer a full spectrum of assisted reproductive technologies and related treatments:

• Standard IVF and ICSI procedures.
• Egg and sperm donation.
• Genetic screening and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).
• Embryo and egg freezing (cryopreservation).
• Surrogacy programs.
• Treatments for male infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and repeated IVF failure.
• Surgical procedures like polypectomy and myomectomy when needed.
• Shiraz Fertility Center: Operating since 1993, this center is one of the most established infertility treatment facilities in southern Iran. It features advanced medical genetics laboratories and cutting-edge equipment, offering a wide range of infertility services. The center is known for its dedicated, skilled professionals and treats patients from Iran and abroad. It provides inpatient and outpatient services, genetic counseling, andrology labs, and various diagnostic and treatment procedures.

• Samar Clinic: Recognized as one of the best IVF centers in Shiraz, Samar Clinic is led by Dr. Pegah Keramati and equipped with the latest technologies. The clinic emphasizes personalized treatment plans and a supportive environment to enhance patient comfort and success rates. It offers IVF services adhering to global standards with a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

• Al-Ghadir Hospital for Mother and Child: This hospital includes a fertility center and offers a broad spectrum of infertility treatments alongside obstetrics and gynecology services. It is a large facility with modern infrastructure, serving both local and international patients.
• 
  

Other notable centers include Dr. Siros Rostami Clinic, Dena Hospital, and Hazrat Maryam Clinic, all contributing to Shiraz’s reputation as a fertility treatment hub.

Shiraz fertility centers employ experienced specialists in gynecology, infertility, and reproductive surgery.

Notable doctors include:

• Dr. Saeed Alborzi (Ob-Gyn Surgeon, Fellowship in Laparoscopy and Infertility)
• Dr. Afsoon Zarei (Surgeon, Fellowship in Laparoscopy and Infertility)
• Dr. Shahdokht Motazedian (Gynecologist & Obstetrician, Fellowship in Infertility)
• Dr. Behieh Namavar (Gynecologist & Obstetrician, Fellowship in Infertility)
• Dr. Alamtaj Samsami (Gynecologist & Obstetrician, Fellowship in Infertility)

Pricing

• IVF treatment in Iran is significantly more affordable than in many Western countries, offering excellent value given the high quality of care and advanced technology.
• While exact prices vary by clinic and treatment complexity, IVF in Iran generally costs a fraction of what it does in Europe or North America, without compromising success rates or patient care.
• Clinics provide transparent pricing and often package services to include all necessary procedures, tests, and medications.

Summary

Iran stands out globally as a top IVF destination due to its combination of:

• High IVF success rates (up to 65% or higher in some cases).
• Advanced fertility technologies and comprehensive reproductive services.
• Highly skilled and internationally trained doctors.
• Well-equipped, Ministry of Health-approved clinics.
• Affordable pricing compared to Western countries.
• Legal and religious support for fertility treatments, including egg donation and surrogacy.

Couples seeking IVF in Iran can expect personalized care tailored to their unique needs, access to cutting-edge medical techniques, and a supportive environment that respects cultural and religious values

 Take the first step toward confidence! Book your FREE virtual consultation now with our board-certified surgeons and get personalized answers to all your questions.