IVF Process for International Parents: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2026
IVF Process for International Parents: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2026
Last updated: June 2026 by TCC Surrogacy Service Medical Team
For international parents pursuing overseas surrogacy, understanding the IVF process is essential. Whether you are using your own eggs/sperm or donor gametes, IVF is the foundation of every successful surrogacy journey.
Quick Summary: The IVF process takes 2-3 months from initial consultation to embryo transfer. Key stages: ovarian stimulation (10-12 days), egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture (3-5 days), and embryo transfer. Success rates: 50-60% per transfer for women under 35.
1. What Is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)?
IVF is a process where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. For international parents, IVF is typically performed at a fertility clinic in the destination country (Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Kenya, etc.).
2. Step-by-Step IVF Timeline
Phase 1: Consultation & Testing (Weeks 1-4)
Before starting IVF, both intended parents undergo comprehensive medical testing:
- Blood tests: Hormone levels (AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol)
- Ultrasound: Antral follicle count to assess ovarian reserve
- Sperm analysis: Count, motility, morphology
- Infectious disease screening: HIV, hepatitis, syphilis
Phase 2: Ovarian Stimulation (Days 1-12)
The egg provider (intended mother or donor) takes daily hormone injections to stimulate multiple follicles to develop:
- Medications: FSH (Gonal-F, Follistim), LH (Luveris), GnRH antagonist (Cetrotide)
- Monitoring: Every 2-3 days via ultrasound and blood estrogen levels
- Duration: Typically 10-12 days
Phase 3: Egg Retrieval (Day 13-14)
When follicles reach 18-20mm, a trigger shot (hCG) is given, and egg retrieval is scheduled 36 hours later:
- Procedure: Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration under sedation
- Duration: 15-20 minutes
- Recovery: Same-day discharge, mild cramping for 1-2 days
Phase 4: Fertilization & Embryo Culture (Days 14-19)
Retrieved eggs are fertilized via conventional insemination or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection):
- Day 1: Fertilization check — 2 pronuclei visible
- Day 3: 6-8 cell embryo stage
- Day 5-6: Blastocyst stage (ideal for transfer/freezing)
Phase 5: Embryo Transfer (Day 20-21)
The best-quality embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus via a thin catheter:
- Procedure: Painless, no anesthesia needed
- Embryo grade: AA, AB, or BA blastocysts preferred
- Number transferred: Typically 1-2 embryos (depends on clinic policy)
3. The Two-Week Wait (TPW)
After embryo transfer, the surrogate rests for 48 hours, then resumes normal activities. Pregnancy test (beta hCG blood test) is done 10-14 days later.
4. Costs of IVF for International Parents
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| IVF cycle (one attempt) | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| ICSI (if needed) | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Embryo freezing (annual) | $500 – $800 |
| PGT-A genetic testing | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Donor eggs (if needed) | $8,000 – $15,000 |
5. Success Rates by Age
- Under 35: 50-60% per transfer
- 35-37: 40-50% per transfer
- 38-40: 25-35% per transfer
- 41-42: 10-20% per transfer
6. Preparing for Your IVF Journey
International parents should:
- Start prenatal vitamins (folic acid 400mcg daily) 3 months before
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs
- Maintain normal BMI (18.5-24.9)
- Get infectious disease screening done in home country
Conclusion
The IVF process is complex but well-established. With the right clinic and a qualified medical team, international parents can achieve their dream of building a family through surrogacy. Contact TCC Surrogacy Service for a free consultation about your IVF and surrogacy options.