Overview
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a fertility treatment in which eggs are fertilised outside the body. Medication encourages the ovaries to mature several eggs at once, the eggs are collected in a short procedure, and they are combined with sperm in a laboratory. An embryo that develops (sometimes more than one) is then transferred into the womb, and any suitable extra embryos can be frozen for later use.
A single treatment cycle — from the first medication to the pregnancy test — usually spans several weeks. Many clinics now offer variations on the same core process, such as ICSI (where a single sperm is injected into each egg), genetic testing of embryos, or freezing all embryos and transferring one in a later cycle.
Age is the most important single factor in the chance of success, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Because outcomes depend so heavily on individual circumstances, any figure a clinic quotes should be discussed with a fertility specialist rather than taken at face value.
Who it's for
- People who have not conceived after a period of trying, particularly where other treatments such as ovulation medication or intrauterine insemination (IUI) have not worked.
- People whose fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, so that eggs and sperm cannot meet naturally.
- Couples where a sperm problem makes natural conception or IUI unlikely (often combined with ICSI).
- People with endometriosis, ovulation disorders or unexplained infertility, depending on a specialist's assessment.
- People who want embryos tested for a known genetic condition, or who are using donor eggs or sperm where the law allows it.
Whether a treatment suits you depends on your own history and tests — discuss it with a fertility specialist.
Step by step
Assessment and preparation
Before treatment, the clinic usually runs blood tests (including ovarian reserve and infection screening), an ultrasound of the womb and ovaries, and a semen analysis. Some protocols begin with medication to pause the natural cycle.
Ovarian stimulation
Daily hormone injections, usually self-administered, encourage several eggs to mature instead of the usual one. Ultrasound scans and blood tests track how the follicles grow and guide the dose. This phase typically lasts around two weeks.
Trigger injection
When the follicles reach the right size, a final injection is given to complete egg maturation. Egg collection is timed for shortly afterwards.
Egg collection
A thin needle, guided by a vaginal ultrasound probe, draws fluid and eggs from each follicle. It usually takes under 30 minutes and is done under sedation or anaesthesia.
Fertilisation in the laboratory
On the same day, eggs are mixed with sperm, or a single sperm is injected into each mature egg (ICSI). The clinic checks the next day how many eggs have fertilised.
Embryo culture
Embryos are grown in the laboratory for several days, often to the blastocyst stage (around day five). Genetic testing, if chosen, is done on a few cells at this point, and suitable embryos may be frozen.
Embryo transfer
An embryo is placed in the womb through a thin catheter — a quick procedure that usually does not need sedation. Transfer can happen in the same cycle (fresh) or in a later cycle using a thawed embryo (frozen embryo transfer).
Pregnancy test
A pregnancy test is taken on a date set by the clinic, roughly two weeks after transfer. A positive result is usually followed by an early ultrasound scan a few weeks later.
Typical timeline
- Tests and consultation
- Usually 1–4 weeks before starting, depending on the clinic
- Down-regulation (some protocols only)
- About 2–3 weeks
- Ovarian stimulation
- About 10–14 days
- Egg collection to transfer
- About 2–6 days
- Transfer to pregnancy test
- About 2 weeks
- Whole cycle
- Typically 3–6 weeks; plan for a longer stay if travelling
What it costs
Prices in Thailand vary widely by clinic and by what a package includes. Medication, ICSI, embryo freezing and storage, genetic testing and frozen embryo transfers are often billed separately, and some published packages apply only to Thai nationals and residents. Ask for an itemised written quote before comparing clinics.
Risks and side effects
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): an over-response to fertility medication that can cause swollen, painful ovaries. Most cases are mild, but a small proportion are severe and need hospital care.
- Multiple pregnancy: transferring more than one embryo raises the chance of twins or triplets, which carry higher risks for the pregnant person and babies, including premature birth. Professional bodies such as ESHRE favour transferring a single embryo.
- Ectopic pregnancy: an embryo can implant outside the womb, most often in a fallopian tube.
- Egg collection complications: bleeding, infection or injury to nearby organs are uncommon but possible.
- Emotional and financial strain: a cycle may be cancelled, may not lead to pregnancy, or may need to be repeated.
Questions to ask a clinic
- Which protocol do you suggest for me, and why?
- What does the quoted price include — medication, monitoring scans, ICSI, embryo culture, freezing, storage and a frozen transfer?
- How many embryos do you usually transfer for someone of my age, and what is your policy on single embryo transfer?
- How do you report your results, for which age groups, and per egg collection or per transfer?
- How is OHSS prevented and managed, and who do I contact out of hours?
- How long should I plan to stay in the country, and which steps can be done at home?
- What are the legal requirements for treatment here (for example marital status or documents)?
Frequently asked questions
How long does one IVF cycle take?
From the start of medication to the pregnancy test, a cycle usually takes around three to six weeks. Preparation and tests beforehand can add more time, and freeze-all cycles split the process across two visits.
Is egg collection painful?
Egg collection is done under sedation or anaesthesia, so most people do not feel the procedure itself. Cramping and discomfort afterwards are common for a day or two. Discuss pain relief with your clinic.
What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?
Both follow the same steps. In conventional IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together so fertilisation happens on its own; in ICSI, an embryologist injects a single sperm into each mature egg. ICSI is often used when there is a sperm problem or a previous fertilisation failure.
Why do clinics recommend transferring one embryo?
Transferring a single embryo lowers the chance of a multiple pregnancy, which carries higher risks. Guidance from ESHRE and ASRM supports single embryo transfer for many patients, especially when other good-quality embryos can be frozen.
How do I know whether IVF is right for me?
That depends on your age, test results and history. Discuss the options, including less intensive treatments, with a fertility specialist.
