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IVF - In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves combining eggs and sperm in a specialized laboratory dish and then transferring the resulting embryos to the uterus.

IVF can be a highly effective fertility treatment for couples struggling to conceive naturally after several unsuccessful attempts.

IVF 2

What is IVF?

In Vitro Fertilization (known as IVF) is a series of assisted reproduction procedures that combines eggs and sperm in a controlled laboratory environment to obtain healthy embryos that can later be transferred to the uterus.

IVF is indicated for couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally for different types of reasons, whether originating in the woman's or the man's body.

After an initial consultation with our IVF Coordinator, we will then schedule a telephone consultation with one of our fertility specialists. Your care plan is personalized, and after taking a detailed medical history, your fertility specialist may require some additional tests to be carried out in your home country. These may include blood tests and an ultrasound scan to see if there is any primary reason why you are not conceiving naturally.

Depending on your specific medical history, your fertility specialist may also want you to consider preimplantation genetic screening prior to embryo transfer.

IVF in 4 Steps

Depending on your personal circumstances, In Vitro Fertilization may be your best option for achieving pregnancy.
Find out the steps we follow to achieve our superior success rates in this procedure below

IVF Step 1

Ovarian Stimulation

Ovarian Stimulation

During this step, we prescribe a hormone medication that stimulates the ovaries to develop multiple follicles, each of which contains an egg. With guidance from your IVF Coordinator, you will inject yourself 2-3 every day, using very small needles for 8-12 days to stimulate the growth of multiple follicles in the ovaries.

You will be monitored during the follicle stimulation phase with a vaginal ultrasound and a blood hormone test to ensure you are on the correct dose of your medication.
On arrival in Panama, you will come into the clinic for an ultrasound scan to check that the follicles are the right size.

The more follicles are achieved the more eggs. More eggs mean more embryos, leading to a higher chance of implantation and birth.  Many In Vitro Fertilization cycles will result in several embryos that can be frozen and stored for future use. 

If your fertility specialist is happy then you will be given an injection to mature the eggs ready for retrieval within the next 24-36 hours.


ovarian stimulation

IVF Step 2

Egg Retrieval & Sperm Collection

ovum-collection

Egg Retrieval

It is a simple and painless procedure in which the eggs are extracted from the woman's ovaries to be fertilized in the laboratory. It takes about 20 minutes and is performed under light sedation. An ultrasound-guided catheter is used.

Your fertility specialist will remove the mature eggs from the ovaries quickly. Patients are usually able to leave the clinic after one hour and only require a mild pain reliever for any discomfort after the sedation wears off.

The number of eggs obtained will depend on your age, medical history, medication protocol, and response to medications.

After the retrieval, we will prescribe progesterone to prepare the uterus for embryo transfer.

Sperm Collection

At the same time, the male partner is asked to provide a semen sample prepared in the laboratory using a technique called sperm washing. This process involves separating the healthy, motile sperm from the semen and preparing it for fertilization.

Once this process is complete, the concentrated motile sperm will be transferred where fertilization will take place.

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IVF Step 3

Fertilization and Embryo Development

fertilization

Fertilization

In this step, the eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish and incubated for about 16-20 hours to achieve fertilization.


Development

16 - 18 hours after fertilization, developing embryos grow under strict conditions in our IVF laboratory. The embryos are monitored for the next 3-5 days until they reach the blastocyst stage. Our IVF laboratory prefers to transfer in the blastocyst stage, as published data support its higher success rates.
During this time, the embryologist will grade the embryos based on their quality and select the best ones for transfer to the uterus.

ovum-culture

IVF Step 4

Embryo Transfer

embryo-transfer-ivf process

Embryo Transfer

This step of the IVF process involves the placement of one or more embryos into the uterus through a thin catheter. The number of embryos transferred depends on several factors, including the patient's age, medical history, and the quality of the embryos.

After the transfer, the patient is advised to rest for a short period before being discharged home. A pregnancy test is typically performed 10-14 days after the transfer to determine if the embryo transfer was successful. 

In certain cases, such as patients opting for Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) or a Frozen Embryo Transfer, the embryo transfer is deferred for about a month and all embryos will need to be cryopreserved.

Also, the rest of the embryos are cryopreserved after a fresh transfer.

What Issues can IVF Help With?

IVF is often recommended for couples trying to conceive for a year or more without success. It may also be
recommended for individuals or couples with certain medical conditions that make natural conception difficult or
impossible. Some indications for IVF include:

  • Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes
  • Low Sperm Count or Poor Sperm Motility
  • Endometriosis
  • Unexplained Infertility
  • Maternal age
  • Genetic diseases
  • Issues related to egg quality or quantity
  • Recurrent pregnancy loss

Want to schedule an IVF Consultation?

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What Are The Different Types of IVF?

There are several different types of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), including:

IVF own eggs

Using Own Eggs

This is the most common type of IVF and involves using the patient's eggs to create embryos.

IVF Donnor egg

Using Donor Eggs

In cases where the patient's eggs are not viable, donor eggs can be used to create embryos.

Co-IVF or Reciprocal IVF

Reciprocal IVF

Reciprocal IVF is a type used by same-sex female couples. In this process, one partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the other partner's uterus.

IVF for Single Mom

IVF for Single Mothers

IVF can help single women who want children but do not want or have a male partner.

IVF Success Rates in Panama Fertility

Panama Fertility's IVF success rates are 30% higher than the region and higher than the United States. Our doctors are highly qualified and use the most advanced technology available. We offer a range of affordable financial options to help make fertility treatment accessible.

First Attempt

66

Using own eggs

73

Using donor eggs

First Attempt

76

Using own eggs

91

Using donor eggs

First Attempt

87

Using own eggs

98

Using donor eggs

Cost of IVF

The cost of IVF may vary depending on each patient's procedure. However, contrary to what many could believe, IVF is usually one of the most economical fertilization methods. 

At Panama Fertility, we are committed to making fertility treatment more affordable and accessible for our patients. We understand that the cost of treatment can be a significant barrier to starting or continuing fertility care, and we have developed a range of financial programs to help ease this burden, and a 100% money-back guarantee. 

We understand that traveling to Panama for treatment may add to the total cost of treatment. To help minimize travel expenses, we offer the option of monitoring ovarian stimulation locally with their local physician (which we arrange), and then traveling to Panama for egg retrieval. The egg retrieval process usually requires only a stay of approximately 48 hours.
IVF-costs

Testimonials

Our high success rates give proof of our experience helping single women, couples, and families to conceive. This is what our patients say about their experience at Panama Fertility.  Find testimonials from other couples in your situation and the techniques we use for patients like you.

Yelenis del Carmen

Los mejores! Su nivel de empatía y amabilidad es algo de otro mundo. Estoy muy agradecida con todo mi control de embarazo. Después de pasar por una dolorosa pérdida y enterarme que estaba embarazada nuevamente, busqué con desesperación que me atendieran, y fueron los únicos con una rápida respuesta y sobretodo empática. El Dr. Vega Crocker muy amable y nos guió súper bien en todo el embarazo. 100% recomendados y muy felices con nuestra bebé.

José Macias

Panama Fertility tiene los mejores Doctores con una reputación impecable en Panamá y a nivel mundial, me complace recomendar la clínica a cualquiera que busque la mejor reputación, servicio e instalaciones. El coordinador financiero fue excepcional aclarando todos los costos y recomendando la mejor opción, gracias Daniel Bello por el aporte de principio a fin. Les deseo lo mejor por allá. ¡Gracias!

Maria Antonia Vergara

Empecé mi tratamiento en España y me hice el procedimiento en Panamá. A lo largo de todo el proceso, los doctores fueron de gran apoyo y ayuda, respondiendo a todas mis preguntas y aliviando mis nervios. Estoy muy feliz de haber congelado mis óvulos y saber que los profesionales los mantienen seguros.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have any doubts or questions about In-Vitro Fertilization? Find answers to your questions in this section.

Does IVF Hurt?

Ovarian stimulation can cause discomfort or bloating, and the egg retrieval procedure may cause mild cramping. However, most patients do not experience significant pain during the IVF process.

What are the success rates of IVF at your clinic, and how do they compare to the regional average?

At Panama Fertility, we take pride in our exceptional success rates for IVF and IVF with donor eggs. Our clinic's success rates are consistently 30% above the regional average. These higher success rates result from our experienced team, state-of-the-art facilities, and personalized treatment approach. We understand the importance of achieving a successful pregnancy and work tirelessly to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Are there any risks associated with IVF?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with IVF. Some potential dangers include multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and bleeding or infection. However, these risks are relatively rare and can be managed with careful monitoring.

How long does the IVF process take?

Depending on the individual treatment plan, the IVF process can take several weeks to a few months. Ovarian stimulation typically lasts around 10-12 days, while embryo transfer occurs 3-5 days. 

What is the recommended length of stay in Panama for IVF, and what support services do you provide to assist international patients during their stay?

The recommended length of stay in Panama for IVF treatment typically consists of 1 week, given that many patients opt for cycle start and monitoring in their home country. At Panama Fertility, we understand the unique needs of our international patients and provide comprehensive support services to make your stay as comfortable as possible. We can assist with travel arrangements, including airport transfers and accommodations, and even day excursions. Additionally, our dedicated team is fluent in English.

I'm interested in traveling to Panama for fertility treatment. What are the advantages of seeking IVF or IVF with donor eggs at your clinic as an international patient?

Choosing Panama Fertility as an international patient offers several advantages. First and foremost, we have a team of highly skilled physicians who are trained and Board Certified in the United States and have extensive experience in fertility treatments. Our clinic has been at the forefront of reproductive medicine for over 30 years, offering a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Additionally, Panama is a convenient destination for international patients, with excellent connectivity through direct flights to the United States and numerous destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean. We also provide personalized care and support throughout your journey, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident in your decision to seek fertility treatment at our clinic.

Do you need more information?

Our team of fertility specialists is glad to answer all of your questions and will review in detail your medical history to offer you personalized solutions. Do not hesitate to contact us, we are happy to help you to achieve parenthood.