IVF-ICSI (In Vitro Fertilization – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is currently the fertility treatment with the highest chance of pregnancy. It can also address various causes of infertility, such as blocked or surgically removed fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and ovulation problems.
IVF-ICSI creates the optimal environment for fertilization outside the body, allowing the egg and sperm to combine under controlled conditions. The treatment process includes:
- Hormone injections that mimic natural hormones to stimulate multiple eggs.
- Monitoring appointments to check the response to ovarian stimulation.
- Egg retrieval and sperm collection.
- Direct injection of sperm into the egg, known as ICSI.
- Culturing embryos to the blastocyst stage.
- Selecting the healthiest embryos, which are most likely to result in a successful pregnancy.
- Embryo transfer using advanced techniques to maximize the chance of pregnancy.
- Freezing remaining high-quality embryos for future attempts, if desired.
Pregnancy success depends on the overall health of both partners. You are invited to learn more about planning your personalized treatment here.
All steps are performed under the supervision of fertility specialists. IVF-ICSI carries certain risks, so it is important to fully understand the procedure before starting treatment.
>> Preparing for IVF/ICSI <<
A preliminary health check is required for both partners. This may include an ultrasound to assess egg quality and the uterine lining, as well as a semen analysis.
Couples need to provide a marriage certificate during treatment, as required by law.
While some countries legally limit the age for treatment (e.g., under 55 years), medically there is no strict age limit. However, ovarian function naturally declines with age, which may affect egg stimulation.
- IVF : Fertilization occurs in the laboratory by combining eggs and sperm.
- ICSI : Sperm is directly injected into the egg.
Transferring embryos on day 5 (blastocyst stage) increases the chance of pregnancy, as this allows only the strongest, healthiest embryos to be used, simulating natural embryo development.
The procedure is generally not painful. Most patients feel only mild discomfort, similar to a routine gynecological exam.
Frozen embryo transfers have higher pregnancy rates than fresh cycles because hormones used in ovarian stimulation can sometimes negatively affect the uterine lining in fresh cycles.
Studies show that children born via IVF have similar growth, development, and health outcomes compared to naturally conceived children.
The risk of miscarriage with IVF is not significantly higher than natural conception. Miscarriage depends on various factors.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) can reduce the risk of genetic disorders.
IUI is a procedure in which sperm is prepared in the laboratory and then placed directly into the uterus. It mimics natural intercourse but with higher quality and better chances of fertilization.
In natural conception, only about 1 in 100 sperm reach the uterus. IUI helps sperm start their journey toward the egg more effectively. It is often combined with ovulation-stimulating medications, such as Clomiphene, to increase the number of eggs released from one to two or three.
Who is IUI Suitable For?
- Couples who have recently decided to seek fertility treatment.
- Couples who have not conceived after one year of trying.
- Couples with minor, uncomplicated fertility issues in either partner.
- Men with mild sperm abnormalities.
Advantages and Limitations of IUI
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IUI Procedure
- Initial consultation and examination with a fertility specialist.
- Planning the treatment protocol.
- Starting ovulation-stimulating medications.
- Monitoring with follow-up appointments.
- Insemination performed by the doctor.
- Waiting 14 days for a pregnancy test.
- Recommended Age : Generally, egg freezing is recommended between ages 30–35, but it can be done from age 25 onwards. Freezing eggs before age 35 increases the chance of success due to better egg quality and quantity.
- Preparation: Consult a doctor to assess your health and plan the treatment.
- Before Egg Retrieval : Fast (no food or drink) for at least 8 hours before the procedure. Avoid foods that may cause constipation or diarrhea.
- Stimulation and Egg Retrieval : Hormones are given to stimulate egg growth. Egg retrieval typically takes 2–3 weeks, and the entire stimulation cycle lasts about 6–8 weeks.
- Number of Eggs to Freeze : The recommended number depends on age, with an average of about 10 eggs to increase chances of success. At Prime Fertility Clinic, there is no limit on the number of eggs that can be frozen.
- Children Born from Frozen Eggs : Current follow-up studies show no difference in growth or development between children born from frozen eggs and those from fresh eggs.
- Success Rate : On average, 75–80% of frozen eggs survive thawing. Pregnancy success depends on egg and sperm quality.
- Medication Side Effects: Mild nausea, clear vaginal discharge, bloating, or weight gain, usually resolving after egg retrieval.
- After Egg Retrieval: Some women may experience nausea, vomiting, lower abdominal pain, breast tenderness, or bloating. Menstrual cycles may be temporarily irregular.
- Gender Selection: Egg freezing cannot be used to choose the baby’s sex.
- Storage: Eggs can theoretically be stored indefinitely, as their biological activity stops at freezing temperatures. They can be used whenever desired without limitation.
Surrogacy in Thailand
Having a child is the dream of many families. However, some couples face infertility and cannot conceive naturally. One increasingly popular option is surrogacy, along with egg or sperm donation. These assisted reproductive technologies allow couples to have a child genetically related to them. In Thailand, surrogacy and gamete donation are strictly regulated by law to prevent ethical and legal issues.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a process in which a woman carries a pregnancy on behalf of an individual or couple who wish to have a child. The embryo, created from the intended parents’ egg and sperm, is transferred into the surrogate’s uterus. She then carries the pregnancy and gives birth, completing the process.
>> Egg and Sperm Donation in Thailand <<
Egg Donation
Egg donation is an option for women undergoing fertility treatment who have poor egg quality or do not produce eggs, such as those who have undergone multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles or have diminished ovarian reserve.
Egg Donation Process
- Health screening of the donor
- Hormonal stimulation of the ovaries
- Egg retrieval from the ovaries
- Use of the eggs for fertilization in the laboratory
Eligibility for Egg Donors
- Age 20–35 years
- Good health with no genetic disorders
- No history of infertility
Sperm Donation
Sperm donation helps men with sperm-related issues, such as low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or congenital absence of sperm.
Sperm Donation Process
- Health screening of the donor
- Assessment of sperm quality
- Collection and freezing of sperm
- Use in IVF or IUI procedures
Eligibility for Sperm Donors
- Age 20–45 years
- Good health with no genetic disorders
- Normal sperm quality
Legal Restrictions
- Egg or sperm donation for commercial purposes or sale is prohibited.
- Donated eggs or sperm cannot be used outside of Thailand.
The Future of Surrogacy and Gamete Donation in Thailand
Although Thai law currently places restrictions on surrogacy and egg/sperm donation, there is potential for legal adjustments to reflect societal and technological changes. Fertility organizations are advocating for legal reforms to provide more options for families, including LGBTQ+ couples, who wish to have children through these reproductive technologies in the future.
Fertility Options for Transgender Individuals
Planning for a Child in the Future
- About 33% of transgender people hope to have children in the future. Even if you are unsure about starting a family, freezing your eggs or sperm today can provide more options later.
- It is recommended to plan fertility preservation before starting hormone therapy or gender-affirming procedures. This ensures you have the option to have biological children in the future.
Prime Fertility Clinic offers a range of packages designed to support everyone. We provide a welcoming environment for people of all genders and sexual orientations to discuss their fertility goals. No matter where you are in your gender journey, we can support you in managing your reproductive health.
Options Based on Your Goals
If You Want to Plan for the Future
- Once you are certain you want children in the future, it is important to plan ahead to secure your fertility options.
- In Thailand, you can preserve your reproductive cells for future use immediately.
- Trans men (female-to-male) : Consult about egg freezing as soon as possible.
- Trans women (male-to-female) : Consult about sperm freezing as soon as possible.
If You Want to Have a Child Now
- LGBTQIA+ couples who wish to have children now may face legal limitations in Thailand, as current law does not allow same-sex couples to use assisted reproductive technologies.
- We hope that future legal changes will provide more inclusive options for everyone.
>> Female Gender Identity <<
Egg Freezing
For transgender men or gender-diverse individuals whose gender identity is female:
Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is the process in which individuals with ovaries collect eggs from their ovaries. The eggs are then frozen and stored until they are ready to be used in future fertility treatments, such as IVF (in vitro fertilization).
How Egg Freezing Works :
- Ovarian Stimulation: Hormonal medications that mimic natural reproductive hormones are used to increase the number of eggs available for retrieval.
- Egg Retrieval and Freezing: When eggs are ready, they are collected through a medical procedure and frozen using a method called vitrification.
If you were assigned female at birth and have started testosterone therapy, you may need to pause testosterone for about three months before starting egg freezing. Newer evidence suggests that in some cases, testosterone may not need to be paused.
The decision should be individualized based on your medical history, personal circumstances, and risk of gender dysphoria. Our team works with you to determine the best approach.
Screening : Before starting egg freezing, patients must be screened for hepatitis B and C, HIV, and syphilis.
>> Male Gender Identity <<
If you were assigned male at birth and have started estrogen therapy for feminization, you may need to consider pausing estrogen before beginning sperm freezing. Evidence suggests that stopping estrogen can improve sperm retrieval, as estrogen affects sperm production. However, this decision should take into account your personal circumstances, medical history, and the risk of gender dysphoria. Our specialists will help you choose the most appropriate treatment path.
Note : Before starting sperm freezing, patients must be screened for hepatitis B and C, HIV, and syphilis.
Sperm Freezing
For transgender women or gender-diverse individuals whose gender identity is male:
Sperm freezing is the process in which an individual with testes chooses to collect and store sperm samples to preserve fertility for future use. Sperm freezing may also be referred to as sperm banking or cryopreservation.
How Sperm Freezing Works :
- Provide a sperm sample, which will be analyzed for quality and quantity.
- High-quality sperm are frozen for future use (multiple samples may be required).
>> Effects of Hormone Therapy on Fertility <<
Gender-affirming hormones and gender-affirming surgeries can affect an individual’s ability to have biological children.
Female Gender Identity : Testosterone affects the following:
- Masculinization (deepening of the voice, increased body hair, increased muscle mass)
- It is recommended to consider pausing testosterone for 3 months before fertility preservation, as hormone therapy may impact gender dysphoria. Consultation with our specialists is advised.
- Uterine atrophy
- Suppression of ovarian function
However, some of these effects may be reversible. For example, ovarian suppression is often reversible.
Male Gender Identity : Estrogen affects the following:
- Testicular atrophy
- Reduced sperm production → azoospermia while using estrogen
Some effects may be reversible if estrogen use is discontinued.
Want to Have Twins? How to Increase the Chance of a Natural Twin Pregnancy
Many mothers know that genetics and ethnicity can increase the likelihood of having twins. However, it is still possible to conceive twins naturally with the right preparation.
Here are some tips to increase your chances of a natural twin pregnancy :
- Eat Calcium-Rich Foods : Research suggests that mothers who consume significantly more milk may have a higher chance of conceiving twins.
- Take Folic Acid: Foods rich in folic acid, such as spinach, broccoli, and avocado, are recommended. Start taking folic acid at least three months before trying to conceive.
- Other Factors :
- Long-term use of birth control (over 3 years) may increase ovulation after discontinuation, slightly raising the chance of twins.
- Fertility medications that stimulate multiple eggs can also increase the likelihood of twin pregnancies.
Important: Twin pregnancies carry higher risks, so it is best to consult a doctor to prepare and plan for a safe pregnancy.
Doctors at Prime Fertility Clinic
- Dr. Poonkiat Punyamitr – Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Infertility Treatment Specialist
“Serve Humanity, Fulfill Everyone” - Dr. Punika Panichaya – Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Infertility Treatment Specialist (Part-Time)
“No one knows what the future holds, that’s why its potential is infinite.“
Scientists at Prime Fertility Clinic
- Jitlada Udompol – Senior Embryologist / Lab Director
“Our achievement is to make your dream come true.” - Pawonrat Sungkhasawas – Senior Embryologist
“Miracles happen everyday, if you believe in them”
What to Consider Before Choosing ICSI
- Experience and Credentials of the Medical Team : Look for specialists certified in reproductive medicine.
- Quality of the Laboratory and Medical Equipment : Advanced technology and well-maintained facilities are essential.
- Clinic Success Rates : Transparent reporting of success rates helps you make informed decisions.
- Post-Treatment Care : Follow-up support and guidance are important for your fertility journey.
- Clinic Environment : A welcoming and comfortable atmosphere ensures you feel relaxed and cared for.
Where to Choose ICSI?
Prime Fertility Clinic provides friendly consultations and boasts a high success rate, based on experience with over 150 couples. The clinic is led by Dr. Poonkiat Punyamitr, a fertility specialist with more than 25 years of experience in treating infertility.
About Prime Fertility Clinic
Prime Fertility Clinic is a clinic dedicated to infertility care and is trusted by patients. We use advanced technology to support fertility care and help couples achieve their dreams of having children.
Our clinic is accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International), USA, and holds ISO 15189 and ISO 15190 certifications, ensuring the competence and safety of our medical laboratories.
With state-of-the-art technology, standardized equipment, and treatment procedures conducted by fertility specialists, we deliver effective results while increasing patient satisfaction and peace of mind, regardless of age.
Location & How to Get Here
Address :
1177 Pearl Bangkok Building, 22nd Floor, Phahonyothin Road, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
(Conveniently located near Ari BTS Station, Exit 1)
Opening Hours :
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday – Sunday : 08:00 – 16:00
- Closed on Tuesday, Thursday, and public holidays