How to Prepare for Your First IVF Consultation in Bangkok: Questions to Ask

Why Preparation Matters

Your first IVF consultation in Bangkok is your opportunity to gather information, clarify expectations, and build trust with your fertility team. Walking in prepared helps you make the most of your time and ensures you leave with a clear picture of what lies ahead. This guide provides a structured checklist of questions to ask, covering success rates, PGT options, medication protocols, costs, timeline, legal aspects, and support for international patients. Bring a notebook or use your phone to record answers—you will want to refer back to them later.

Before the Consultation: What to Bring

• Your medical records, including previous fertility treatments, test results, and surgical history.
• A list of all medications and supplements you currently take.
• Your partner’s medical information if applicable.
• Identification documents (passport, visa if relevant).
• A list of questions (use this article as a starting point).
• A notebook or digital device for note-taking.

Questions About Success Rates

Success rates vary by age, diagnosis, and clinic. Ask for data specific to your situation.

• What is your clinic’s live birth rate per embryo transfer for women in my age group?
• How do you define success (e.g., clinical pregnancy, live birth)?
• Do you have success rate data for patients with my specific diagnosis (e.g., PCOS, male factor, recurrent miscarriage)?
• How many cycles do patients in my age group typically need to achieve a live birth?
• Can you provide your most recent annual report or registry data?

Questions About PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing)

PGT can screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities (PGT-A) or specific genetic conditions (PGT-M). Ask about availability, process, and limitations.

• Do you offer PGT-A, PGT-M, or PGT-SR? Which do you recommend for my situation?
• What is the biopsy stage (day 5 or day 6 blastocyst)?
• How long does genetic testing take, and how does it affect the transfer timeline?
• What is the accuracy of the testing? Are there risks of misdiagnosis or embryo damage?
• Do you have an in-house lab, or do you send samples to an external lab? Which lab?
• What are the costs for PGT, and are they separate from the IVF cycle fee?

Questions About Medication Protocol

IVF involves hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries and prepare the uterus. Understand the plan before you start.

• What medication protocol do you recommend for me, and why?
• What are the names, dosages, and administration routes (injections, pills, vaginal suppositories) of each medication?
• How long will I need to take each medication?
• What are the common side effects, and how can I manage them?
• Can I obtain medications in Bangkok, or do I need to bring them from home?
• Are there any medication interactions I should be aware of?

Questions About Costs

IVF costs in Bangkok can vary widely. Get a detailed breakdown to avoid surprises.

• What is the total cost of one IVF cycle, including consultations, monitoring, egg retrieval, lab fees, and embryo transfer?
• What is included in the package price, and what is extra (e.g., medications, PGT, anesthesia, embryo freezing, storage)?
• Are there any discounts for multiple cycles or package deals?
• What payment methods are accepted? Do you offer payment plans?
• Is there a refund policy if the cycle is cancelled before retrieval or transfer?
• What are the costs for embryo freezing and annual storage?

Questions About Timeline

Understanding the timeline helps you plan your stay in Bangkok.

• How long does one full IVF cycle take from start to transfer?
• How many monitoring visits are required, and on which days of the cycle?
• Can monitoring be done remotely (e.g., at a local clinic in my home country) for part of the cycle?
• How long after the transfer do I need to stay in Bangkok for the pregnancy test?
• If I need multiple cycles, what is the recommended gap between them?

Questions About Legal Aspects

Legal regulations for IVF and PGT vary by country. Confirm what is allowed in Thailand and how it applies to you.

• What are the legal requirements for IVF treatment in Thailand for international patients?
• Are there any restrictions on PGT (e.g., sex selection, genetic testing for non-medical reasons)?
• What are the laws regarding embryo creation, freezing, and disposal?
• If I use donor eggs, sperm, or embryos, what are the legal implications for parentage and anonymity?
• Can I take embryos out of Thailand? What documents are needed?

Questions About Support for International Patients

Bangkok is a popular destination for medical travel. Ensure the clinic can meet your needs.

• Do you have a dedicated international patient coordinator who speaks my language?
• Can you assist with travel arrangements, visa letters, and accommodation recommendations?
• Is there a translator available for consultations and procedures if needed?
• How do you handle communication with my home doctor or clinic?
• What support is available after I return home (e.g., remote follow-up, medication adjustments)?

Additional Tips for Your Consultation

• Take notes or record the conversation (with permission).
• Ask for written summaries of the treatment plan and cost estimates.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if something is unclear.
• Consider a second opinion if you have doubts.
• Check the clinic’s credentials and accreditations (e.g., ISO, RTAC, JCI).

After the Consultation: Next Steps

Review your notes and discuss with your partner or support person. Compare the information you gathered with your personal goals and budget. If you feel confident, proceed with the recommended next steps. If not, seek additional consultations. Remember, this is your journey—take the time you need to make informed decisions.

For more resources, visit our Patient Resources page, contact us for personalized assistance, or check our FAQ for common questions.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring to my first IVF consultation in Bangkok?

Bring your medical records, a list of medications, identification documents, and a notebook to take notes. It's also helpful to have a list of questions prepared.

How do I choose the right IVF clinic in Bangkok?

Research clinics based on success rates for your age group, available treatments (like PGT), costs, and support for international patients. Schedule consultations with a few clinics to compare.

Is PGT available in Bangkok?

Many clinics in Bangkok offer PGT-A and PGT-M. Ask your clinic about their specific testing options, accuracy, and costs during your consultation.

How long do I need to stay in Bangkok for IVF?

The duration varies by clinic and protocol. Typically, you may need to stay for 2-4 weeks for monitoring, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. Confirm the timeline with your clinic.

Can I get IVF treatment in Bangkok as a foreigner?

Yes, Thailand welcomes international patients for IVF. However, you should verify legal requirements, visa options, and any restrictions with the clinic and Thai authorities.

Continue your research

• Patient resources
• Prepare a private case review
• Frequently asked questions

Medical information notice: This article is educational and does not replace individual assessment, diagnosis, genetic counselling or treatment advice from a licensed clinician. Provider services, availability, fees and policies should be verified directly before booking.