IVF Egg Donation PGD Infertility Treatment

In Vitro Fertilization | Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis | Surrogate Mothering in Thailand

Cost of IVF (cost of in vitro fertilization) in Bangkok, Thailand is UP in 2010 about 14%! Related infertility treatment such as IVF egg donation PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) is also UP. ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is now often bundled with IVF but costs about 10-15% more than 2009. Surrogate motherhood costs are higher and the service is being phased out by some leading service providers. IVF + ICSI costs at least Thai Baht 180,000 and Baht/US dollar exchange rate on 1 February 2009 is Thai Baht 32.82 per dollar. An egg donor will cost at least Thai Baht 70,000.

We are currently re-evaluating all IVF Egg Donation PGD Infertility Treatment service providers and will publish our findings as soon as possible. Your patience while we complete our research is appreciated. Our top recommendation for 2009 has become extremely commercialized and is no longer affiliated with any hospital. After an extensive interview in January 2010 with the specialist and his team, we are still impressed by the doctor but not with the overall operation and people involved. Now it's all about the money, not the people needing the help. That rubs us the wrong way and has prompted our review of all service providers.
    [go directly to IVF Infertility Treatment FAQ]

Highly experienced infertility doctors in Bangkok with very high PGD success rates provide infertility counseling for both male infertility and female infertility as well as arranging IVF pregnancy and surrogate mothers. Like the cost of in vitro fertilization, all packages are affordable but international quality — and provided at a modern, ISO-certified hospital equipped with cutting-edge technology and it's own laboratory.

Surrogacy can be arranged. Finding a surrogate mother is one of the many services provided. The fertility specialist can advise about the pros and cons of surrogate motherhood, quote the cost of a surrogate mother (contact us), find a surrogate for you, and help you decide whether surrogate mothering is an option you should consider. Every surrogate mother is interviewed and medically tested by “The Infertility Doctor” at the infertility clinic (perhaps more appropriately called a fertility clinic). Whether you qualify for this service can ONLY be determined during a face-to-face interview by the doctor in Bangkok. No exceptions.

All types of female infertility treatment are available, not only invitro fertilization. Asian female egg donations cost the same as previously quoted. Caucasian egg donations cost double. Our Thai infertility doctors will handle all aspects of the egg donation process. IVF egg donation PGD and anything else you need are provided by the doctor at his full-service, one-stop advanced infertility, laparoscopy and endoscopy center — easy, convenient, effective, safe, reliable and trustworthy.

The average success rate for persons under 35 is less than 45% for fertility clinics in Bangkok. The average percentage of cycles resulting in pregnancies drops to 31.8% if you include patients up to 42 years of age. One of the most highly visible fertility agencies popular with visitors from overseas, boasts 39% success rate for “embryo transfers” and 44% for PGD. “The Infertility Doctor” has a 60% success rate for IVF and ICSI which compares very favorably to any service provider in the world and his 40-50% success rate for PGD is also impressive.

The doctor can provide IVF ICSI or whatever assisted reproductive techniques and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) you need all in one location and using his own lab. During your IVF vacations you can stay near the infertility clinic at a peaceful, romantic and beautiful resort for only about US$50± per night.

About 25 patients each day, 750 per month, come to this advanced laparoscopy, endoscopy and infertility clinic for treatment, including at least one infertility treatment daily. Many of those persons come from other countries. IVF vacations in Bangkok Thailand are affordable, effective, efficient, streamlined and pleasant.

After much time and research, we currently recommend only one infertility clinic which offers the best value for money in Thailand when cost, success, quality and service are considered. If you want one of the best infertility doctors in this part of the world with some of the highest success rates anywhere and supported by his own complete and comprehensive in-house lab with cutting-edge equipment and technology -- all at extremely affordable and competitive prices and in one location then this is our only recommendation. A member of the doctor's team will meet you at the airport when you arrive, transport you to your hotel, and pick you for your meeting with the “The Infertility Doctor” the following day. When you treatment is completed they will take you to the airport.

More than 85,000 people each year get infertility treatment in Thailand, including surrogate mothering. It is completely legal. Infertility treatments, including surrogacy, is a well-established branch of Thai health care. The legal side of it is merely a boring but necessary bureaucratic process, not a barrier or an obstacle.

Our two years of research into IVF, infertility treatment, egg donation, surrogacy, PGD, ICSI and infertility doctors in Thailand was concluded in July 2008 and this service is the only one we recommend wholeheartedly. In 2009, this full-service, one-stop, highly successful infertility clinic remains the clear leader in this field.

Infertility is an important and urgent matter for persons affected by it and we are pleased to be able to help. We appreciate questions about in vitro fertilization, surrogate motherhood, surrogates, fertility clinics, IVF cost or anything related to fertility treatments because it helps us know what issues need to be addressed. We get answers to every question we receive and publish the response here (with no personal details) on the web site for the benefit of prospective parents worldwide.

Q & A From and About “The Infertility Doctor”
[All references to parents and patients mean the couple seeking infertility services.]
[All o r a n g e statements in quotation marks are direct quotes from the doctor.]
[Newest questions at the top, oldest at the bottom.]

My wife is over 60 but I am under 40. We want two children using your egg donors and surrogates and my sperm. Can you help us?

The Infertility Doctor says: “We will provide both an egg donor and a surrogate for couples only after we have interviewed both persons face to face.”

Do you offer "short-course IVF"?

“Yes. Short course means we start the treatment after the woman's period and it takes around 20 days to finish the process. Ordinary course means we start the treatment around seven days before the period so it takes around 30 days. I do both and the cost is the same.”

How much do you charge to enable a fertile couple to have twins?

“I charge the same. The chance of having twins is around 30-40%. I just put one more blastocyst embryo in. The length of time the couple would need to stay in Bangkok depends on many factors. If they use their own eggs, around 20 days. If they use donor eggs, around seven days.”

Does overweight disqualify a woman from getting IVF from you even if everything about her reproductive system is reported to be normal and she has no problems being under anesthesia? If weight is a factor, what Body Mass Index range is acceptable in order for you to provide infertility treatments?

“Obesity has effect on success rate. She has to lose her weight before treatment in order to increase the success rate. BMI should not be over 25-30 kg/cm2. She may try even if she can't lose weight. There is no need to use surrogate.”

We're Australians. Can children born of surrogate mothers return to Sydney or Melbourne with their real parents?

The Australian Embassy consular official in Bangkok reports the official stance is "sympathetic" regarding Australians seeking IVF, PGD, infertility treatment and surrogate mothering abroad. At least one parent must be an Australian citizen for the child to get citizenship by descent.

The official said every case of eligibility for Australian citizenship is determined on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes it is granted swiftly, other cases can take months.

Issuing an emergency passport for the child to return to Australia with the parents can be done in two days but awarding citizenship will take "at best" one month. Australians leaving Thailand for a country other than Australia will experience increased bureaucratic viscosity.

The official said the doctor's policy that a surrogate mother is never the genetic mother of any child she bears is good in terms of getting the child Australian citizenship.

In cases where both Australian "parents" are infertile and a sperm donation and an egg donation are used as well as surrogate motherhood may be difficult to judge as deserving Australian citizenship. More details will be provided in the near future.

Can unmarried couples get infertility treatment from you?

The Infertility Doctor responds: “Yes, if they carry the pregnancy by themselves. Actually, we don't know whether a couple are legally married or not. Whenever the couples come together, we always think that they are husband and wife.”

What factors about the relationship of two persons not legally married do you consider when evaluating their candidacy for your infertility treatment?

“None.”

Can you help same-sex couples produce their own child?

“No.”

How can I control my period so it will come on time? I'm afraid my period will come late and delay the whole treatment? Is it a problem?

The Infertility Doctor answers: “We use birth control pills for controlling your period. I suggest you take birth control pills starting from Day Three of your period. The best time for you to come to Thailand is based on your LMP (last menstruation period) which I define as 'bleeding on the expected date'.”

Can I have a surrogate use her own eggs?

“No. But the mother of the couple can use donor eggs and put the embryo in the surrogate.”

My wife is not young. At what age should a wife consider using the eggs of a donor rather than her own?

“After you have tried your own eggs and you get poor quality eggs or no eggs, if you are over 45 years old, or when you have entered menopause.”

Is there anything parents/patients can do themselves to increase the success rate of fertility treatment?

The Infertility Doctor advises: “The most important thing you can do to increase the success rate of these procedures is to relax and avoid getting stressed.”

Do you recommend using a surrogate?

“Yes, but ONLY if they cannot carry the pregnancy on their own (e.g.; the mother has had a hysterectomy done).”

Do the potential benefits of using a surrogate clearly outweigh the potential risks?

“The parents have to weigh those by themselves.”

Can you tell me how long I will have to be in Bangkok for IVF/PGD if I don't start my cycle with Sydney IVF & I decide to start my cycle with you instead? What is my next step? Is there any need or advantage for me to contact Sydney IVF?

The Infertility Doctor replies: “You have to stay in Bangkok around 20 days. If you'd like to shorten your stay, you may do some injections in your hometown. I prefer you start with me. I will give you the timeline, you just let me know when was your last period and when you'd like to do treatment.”

The web page says that PGD costs Baht 100,000. This seems very cheap compared to your competitors! Is this price correct? Does this price include medications, etc?

“The price is correct. PGD costs Baht 100,000 (US$2,941±.). If you'd like to do a boy transfer, you have to do IVF+PGD = Baht 250,000 (US$7,353±.).”

When a surrogate is used, whose names appear on the birth certificate as the parents of the child?

“The woman who gives birth must be the mother. Regarding the father's name, we can put the name of the infertility patient's husband.”

Do biological parents need to adopt their own genetic child?

“It's up to the laws of their country and their own needs.”

What are the relevant Thai laws on the subject of surrogate mothering?

“There are no laws or regulations now. A law may be enacted in 2-3 years.”

How many medically, psychologically and emotionally pre-screened surrogates to you have at present?

“Approximately 10.”

How can prospective parents review surrogate candidates?

“We have profiles.”

How do we get started?

We can put you in touch with the doctor promptly and you can get treatment as soon as you want — no delays. You have the options of submitting a medical history on this web site, indicating the treatment you require or you can give us your name and contact information by phone or email which we provide directly to the doctor so he can call or write to you to arrange treatment. You can expect him to contact you within 12-48 hours.

Our two years of research about infertility treatments in Thailand was concluded in July 2008 and we review our recommendation every quarter. This page is often updated and revised.

If there is a pregnancy, where will the surrogate reside?

The Infertility Doctor answers: “At her home in Thailand.”

Are there any other additional costs for the surrogacy procedure? Are there any hidden costs?

“There are no hidden costs. But the patients do need to pay for antenatal care, medicines, vitamins, maternity clothes and delivery cost.”

What are the costs of delivery?

“For a vaginal birth, the cost is approximately Thai Baht 30,000 (US$883±). For a caesarean section the cost is approximately Thai Baht 50,000 (US$1,471±).”

Are there any additional costs for a twin pregnancy?

“Yes. If the pregnancy results in twins, the patients/parents will need to pay an additional Thai Baht 50,000 (US$1,471±).”

You say “costs ABOUT” on this page. What are the exact costs? We cannot go there knowing only the “ABOUT” costs.

All prices are in Thai Baht (฿) and we state precisely how much is charged whenever possible. Everyone who is not Thai and doesn't have a Baht bank account, will need to exchange money to pay fees. Currency exchange rates change 3-4 times each day. Until the moment you buy the Thai Baht needed for the infertility treatment, it will be impossible for you to know exactly how much the amount will be in your local currency. Until then you can know the exact price in Thai Baht but only "ABOUT" how much the fee will be in your local currency.

Is there any additional charge if a Caesarean section is required or the mother experiences any other complications?

The Infertility Doctor responds: “Yes. The patients/parents will need to pay all the costs related to that pregnancy (e.g.: Toxemia, postpartum hemorrhage).”

Are there any insurance costs for the surrogate?

“No, there are none.”

Do the prospective parents need to pay a living allowance to cover the food, maternity clothing and travel expenses of the surrogate?

“They only need to pay for her maternity clothes.”

What is the costs of the surrogate's check-ups, ultrasound exams, blood tests and any other tests once pregnant?

“Approximately Thai Baht 3,000 (US$88±).”

Does the doctor charge a "finder's fee" for finding the surrogate?

“No, I don't.”

What will be the legal costs of the surrogacy process?

“There are no legal costs per se. However, in some cases, if patients/parents need a document published by a law firm, they will need to pay for them themselves. The cost varies between Baht 30,000 (US$882±) to Baht 50,000 (US$1,471±).”

For what legal services will the patients/new parents need to pay?

“Maybe none.”

I am a single male wishing to become a father. Can I get egg donation and a surrogate in Thailand?

“We don't provide this kind of service.”

What legal procedures are involved if my biological child is born in Thailand? Would that child be considered adopted?

“There are no Thai legal procedures involved. You must contact the embassy of your own country regarding their requirements in order for you to take your baby or babies back to your country.”

How can a single American man have a child in Thailand?

“We don't provide this kind of service.”

Is it true that Thai law considers a child born to a Thai surrogate to belong to her and her husband and not the biological parents?

The Infertility Doctor explains: “The child belongs to the surrogate. So she must sign a document giving the rights of a parent to the child's father (the patient).”

Will the Thai birth certificate state that the male patient/husband is the father?

“Yes, certainly.”

After the district office issues the original Thai birth certificate, who will get that document?

“The hospital staff will get it for you.”

How many days after the birth will the official birth certificate be issued?

“It takes seven days.”

Will the hospital staff take care of processing and obtaining the official birth certificate?

“Yes ,the hospital staff take care of it for you.”

Do you issue any documents for the embassy of the patients confirming the husband is the genetic father of the child and wife is the genetic mother and the mother named on the birth certificate was only a surrogate?

“Yes, I will be happy to prepare a document for them.”

Please tell me more about the document the surrogate "must sign to give the right of the parent to the child's father." Is it a form? In what language?

“All of those types of document are supplied by the foreign national's (patient's) embassy and they very from one country's government to another.”

Are any of your surrogates married? Have any of them had children before?

The Infertility Doctor explains: “Almost all of them have had kids before, but they are not legally married to anyone and have no marriage license. If a surrogate was ever legally married and registered the marriage and has a license, the surrogate must get legally divorced and have a certificate of divorce before going through the surrogacy process.”

If a surrogate is married, does her husband have any rights in this matter of her being the surrogate for another couple's baby?

“See the previous response.”

Are there any Thai barriers or Thai obstacles that would hinder or prevent them taking the baby out of the country?

“Depending on the laws of their own nation, they might need to go through an adoption process in their country. If your baby gets a passport from your embassy here in Bangkok, he or she or they are able to go anywhere.”

Have any past patients using a surrogate encountered any difficulties and how were they resolved?

“Yes, some have experienced various difficulties but we were able to solve all the problems.”

What is included & excluded in the compensation for a surrogate?

“The compensation includes everything except antenatal care, medicines, vitamins, maternity clothes and delivery. All these things the patients/parents must pay, are itemized and clearly billed by the hospital throughout pregnancy and will total approximately Baht 25,000 (US$73±). For maternity clothes, I think I will waive that for them because it's not a large amount of money. For delivery at our large, ISO-certified, private hospital where my infertility center is located, a Caesarean section is around Baht 50,000 (US$1,471±) and a vaginal delivery is about Baht 40,000 (US$1,176). We can also give patients the option of having their baby delivered at either of two other large, modern, private, well-equipped, highly-qualified, fully-licensed ISO-certified hospitals in Bangkok.”

What if there are unforeseen complications? Will that incur additional expenses?

“When there are complications, sometimes we cannot estimate the exact cost in advance such as pre-term delivery which may cost over Baht 1 million (US$29,412±) if they are triplets. Patients receive an itemized bill from the hospital for all services provided and pay that amount.”

For twins, must the parents/patients pay the stated delivery fee + Baht 50,000 or does a vaginal birth of twins cost only Baht 50,000?

“There is a fee of an additional Baht 50,000 (US$1,471±) which will go to the surrogate. The hospital cost of twins in cases where there were no complications, will exceed the cost of a single child by approximately Baht 10,000 (US$294±).”

In past years, I've done many IVF cycles in several other countries, consulted more than a half-dozen different specialists, and have hundreds of pages of medical documentation. Does The Infertility Doctor need or want any of that old documentation?

“Yes, I do. But please summarize the: a) year; b) how many eggs; c) how many embryos; d) medicines used; and e) the result. I will give you the summary paper when we meet.”

At what point/stage is a surrogate paid or at what point/stage must the parents pay for the cost of the surrogate?

The Infertility Doctor says: “The parents/patients pay the entire fee at the beginning. If the surrogate does not get pregnant, we will refund approximately 90% (ninety per cent) of the compensation paid to her. However, we usually suggest they try again.”

Do the parents pay the surrogate or do they pay you?

“They pay my agency.”

Is the surrogate paid in installments or a lump sum?

“We will pay the surrogate in installments. However, we collect the entire amount because we need it as a deposit.”

Is a deposit required to book and reserve a surrogate? If so, how much? When is that paid? How is it paid?

“The parents/patients must pay before starting the treatment. They may pay by bank transfer.”

Can patients/parents pay by credit card?

“For medical expenses, yes. But for egg donor compensation or surrogate compensation, they must pay in cash only.”

Are there additional unstated fees in addition to the lump sum the surrogate is compensated?

Surrogate mothering compensation is exact. The fees of “The Infertility Doctor” are all-inclusive and published on our site. These medical procedures have no additional or hidden costs. We strongly support the policy of Thai health care providers publishing, all-inclusive package prices or clearly stating what other costs will occur that are not included in a package price quotation. We recommend only persons and institutions that adhere to that policy and who are also honest, straightforward, transparent, highly ethical, well qualified and very good value for money. Of course, things not directly related to the infertility treatments are excluded such as airfare, accommodations, food, drink, shopping, touring, and getting a passport from your embassy.

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