In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of many medical procedures that are available that aid in helping people who have fertility problems when trying to conceive a baby. The process typically includes removing an egg from the woman's ovaries and is fertilized by sperm in a laboratory. The embryo (fertilized egg) is then returned to the woman’s womb to develop and grow.
What are the stages of IVF?
The IVF process involves; suppressing the natural egg cycle with medication and boosting the egg supply with medication to produce more eggs than usual. The patient has an ultrasound scan to monitor the progress and maturity of the eggs - medication is often used to help them mature. A needle is then used to extract and collect the eggs which are then fertilized by mixing them with the sperm for a few days, after which, one or two of the embryos are placed into the womb. Once these stages are complete and the embryos have been successfully placed into the womb, the patient typically needs to wait two weeks before taking a pregnancy test to see whether the treatment has worked1. However, there are many cases in which patients are unsuccessful with their treatment. This can be attributed to various different factors such as age and lifestyle. Thankfully we’ve put together a list of the top countries around the world which offer great services for IVF treatment.
1. Greece
Greece has one of the lowest costs of IVF treatment abroad. With treatment as low as 3,000 - 3,500 EUR. However, this price can be increased to around 5,000 - 6,000 EUR if the eggs used in the treatment are from donors. Another reason to choose Greece for IVF treatment is that the legislative framework governing IVF was established in Greece, 2005. The country implements a friendly and simple system, has some of the best clinics and doctors, allows women under the age of 50 and men ( regardless of their age) to have access to IVF treatment. Finally, Greece practically has no waiting list, or they are very short. This reduces anxiety related to ageing which is an important factor when taking into account the mental wellbeing of patients 2.
2. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has around 30 clinics scattered throughout the country and is well regulated by the Czech society for Assisted Reproduction. Similar to Greece, the cost of IVF treatment is also relatively low and can range from 2,500 - 4,000 EUR. Another benefit for choosing the Czech Republic other than English being spoken throughout the facilities, are the stunning cities which can be visited, namely; Prague and Brno. It’s worth noting that women are able to receive IVF treatment up until the age of 48 in this country 3.
3. Spain
One of the more popular countries that have been visited for IVF treatment is Spain. With modern facilities and specialized physicians, and many laws and regulations to ensure the safety and care of patients, it’s no wonder why. Not to mention the multitude of destinations to be visited. One of the main reasons patients travel to Spain is for the egg donation this is attributed to its higher success rates. In comparison to the aforementioned countries, the cost of IVF treatment in Spain can be slightly more expensive, ranging from 3,500 - 5,000 EUR 4.
4. Turkey
Regarded as one of the cheaper countries for IVF treatment, Turkey offers some attractive reasons to travel to the country for the procedure. Aside from the cost of IVF treatment in Turkey being as low as 1,700 EUR (approx), the prominent existence of state-of-the-art clinics and highly qualified physicians make this country one of the most popular destinations among European and North American alternatives 5.
5. Denmark
Being home to one of the largest sperm banks, Cryos International, Denmark has consequently eliminated the waiting times for IUI (artificial insemination) and been at the front of one of the greatest proportion of babies born through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). For context, the US has 1.7% of all infants born through ART, whereas Denmark has an estimated of 8 to 10% conceived through ART 6. For these reasons among others, Denmark has been one of the most popular destinations for women undergoing fertility treatments. The typical cost of IVF in Denmark starts at around 3,400 EUR, with egg donation prices ranging from 5,000-6,000 EUR7.
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References
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