In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a treatment process that involves monitoring the follicles in the ovaries via ultrasound, collecting the eggs once the follicles are ready, and performing fertilization in the laboratory by injecting the sperm of the patient’s partner. The embryos prepared in the laboratory are then transferred to the uterus at the appropriate time.
Choosing the right clinic and specialist is one of the most important factors that can increase the chances of success during the treatment process. In recent years, Cyprus has become a popular choice for IVF treatment due to the advantages it offers.
Couples looking to undergo IVF treatment will either have reasons concerning the female or the male-related infertility (50%):
The female and male should be assessed by a medical professional. Certain blood tests are needed to assess fertility levels in a couple. Examples of blood tests for the female are Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH), TSH, Prolactin etc. as well as gynaecological examinations, a trans-vaginal scan to monitor the egg reserve and a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to check the fallopian tubes and uterus. Males require blood tests but most importantly a Semen analysis. After the tests, if there is a problem then this will be corrected and then we look to begin stimulation.
Ovarian Stimulation is based on the results from the blood test assessment and scans, a medication protocol is designed for the female, this will be daily hormonal injections with a combination of vitamins to stimulate the antral follicles and enable the follicles to grow. There are two types of stimulation protocols, Long and Short, the preferred protocol is generally the Short protocol (Antagonist) as stimulation will begin on day two or three of the menstrual cycle and will last between 11-13 days. Ultrasounds and blood tests will be needed at certain stages of the stimulation, so the female will be closely monitored to check follicle development. The hormone stimulation is a series of hormone daily subcutaneous injections (GnRH) and these encourage the eggs in your body to grow but the dose of the medication is also dependent on factors such as how may potential antral follicles are present, as well as height and weight of the patient.
Once the stimulation process is completed and the follicles are of a certain size to be triggered, the last injections are applied and these are to invoke ovulation and also help to increase the number of mature eggs collected. There are two different types of trigger injections that can be used individually or in combination (containing hCG / containing GnRH analogue) Based on your follicle development, your doctor will determine which trigger injections should be used. Egg collection (OPU) is performed, 34-36 hours after the trigger injection is administered at a certain time. The egg collection itself is a very straight forward procedure, and anaesthesia is used to sedate the female, to make the egg collection less stressful. Prior to the egg collection we need the female to be nil by mouth (no food or water) for 4-6 hours because anaesthesia will be administered intravenously. On the day of the egg collection, the sperm sample will also be needed, we recommend a minimum of 2-3 days abstinence. The sperm sample will then be processed within the laboratory and then the one best-looking and high-quality sperm will be injected into each mature egg. After the egg collection procedure, a new medication protocol will begin (e.g. Progesterone) to prepare the body for the transfer of the embryos to maximise the chances of pregnancy.
The fertilisation of bringing the egg and sperm together is carried out by the embryologists within the laboratory, there are different techniques that can be carried out:
After Microinjection, the dishes are labelled and stored within special incubators with the patient’s ID and 16-18 hours after injection they are monitored to determine whether fertilisation has taken place.
Our doctor will advise you (based on embryo development) which day the transfer will be best to be carried out. Depending on egg count or endometrium thickness, your doctor may decide to freeze the embryos for transfer at a later stage.
The Transfer procedure is a straight forward and painless procedure, it does not require any anaesthesia or sedation. Patients who are sensitive may be sedated for the transfer if needed. The transfer is carried out with a full bladder, so you are required to drink plenty of water before the procedure. Once the bladder is full the endometrium can be clearly identified with the aid of ultrasound guidance. The embryologist draws the embryo into a catheter and passes it to the doctor and with the aid of the ultrasound the catheter is guided by a nurse and the catheter is placed into the endometrium and the embryo(s) are released. After the transfer, you are taken to your room and are asked to rest for approximately 1 hour. After the transfer, and resting for one hour, the medication protocol will be adjusted and you will be discharged from the Centre as you will be in treatment as an outpatient.
On the transfer day, the date of when the pregnancy test should be carried out will be advised, it is usually 12 days post transfer when a beta HcG blood test is advised to be carried out.
Turn your dream of having a child into reality with IVF treatment! Discover the most up-to-date information about the IVF process in Cyprus, including success rates, costs, and legal regulations. Learn more about additional procedures such as egg and sperm donation, embryo transfer, and gender selection.
Plan your treatment in the best possible way with the help of advanced medical facilities, high success rates, and cost advantages offered by IVF clinics in Cyprus. Get detailed information about accommodation, transportation, and treatment packages to ensure a smooth and well-organized journey.
IVF treatment costs in Cyprus vary depending on the clinic and any additional services provided. On average, a standard IVF procedure ranges between €5,000 and €8,000. However, supplementary procedures such as egg and sperm donation can increase the overall cost. Medications, genetic testing, and additional laboratory services are typically not included in the base price.
For international patients, accommodation and travel expenses may also add to the total cost. At Cyprus Hope Fertility, we offer package services that include accommodation and transfer support as part of the treatment process, ensuring a more convenient and stress-free experience.