At a glance
A plain-English guide to the stages of a PGT IVF cycle in Thailand, from first consultation to follow-up, explaining where PGT fits and what to confirm with your clinic.
PGT IVF in Thailand follows the same broad sequence as IVF anywhere: consultation, ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, embryo culture, a biopsy if PGT is used, genetic testing, and then a transfer or storage decision. PGT is added after embryos reach a suitable stage, and it is optional rather than automatic. This guide outlines each stage, explains where PGT fits, and lists questions to ask your clinic so you can plan with realistic expectations.
At a glance
- PGT is a laboratory add-on to IVF, not a separate treatment.
- It is used to look at chromosome number (PGT-A), a known single-gene condition (PGT-M), or a known structural chromosome rearrangement (PGT-SR).
- PGT does not guarantee a pregnancy, a live birth, or a healthy child.
- Not every patient needs PGT; suitability depends on your history and the reason for testing.
- Costs, timelines, and legal or documentation requirements vary and should be confirmed directly with your clinic and relevant authorities.
Step 1: Initial consultation and planning
The first stage is a conversation, not a procedure. A fertility specialist reviews your medical and reproductive history, any previous IVF cycles, and any known genetic conditions in your family. If PGT is being considered, the clinic may also involve a genetic counsellor.
At this stage, you should expect to discuss:
- Whether IVF is appropriate for your situation.
- Whether PGT could add useful information, and which type might be relevant.
- What the testing can and cannot tell you.
- Alternative options, including IVF without PGT or no treatment.
- What pre-treatment tests the clinic requires, and whether they can be done locally or in Thailand.
For international patients, this is also the time to ask about remote consultation options, how records are shared, and what a realistic schedule might look like. You can read more about planning your visit on our international patients page.
Step 2: Ovarian stimulation and monitoring
If you proceed, the next stage is ovarian stimulation. Medication is used to encourage several follicles to develop, and the clinic monitors progress with blood tests and ultrasound scans. Your clinic will give you specific instructions about medication, timing, and monitoring appointments.
For international patients, monitoring may be partly arranged in your home country if your clinic agrees. This depends on the clinic’s policy and on whether local monitoring can be coordinated reliably. Ask how this works before you commit to a schedule.
Step 3: Egg retrieval and sperm collection
When the follicles are ready, eggs are collected in a short procedure, usually under light sedation. On the same day, a sperm sample is collected or previously frozen sperm is used. The eggs and sperm are then combined in the laboratory.
This stage is standard IVF. PGT does not change how retrieval is performed; it changes what happens to the embryos afterwards.
Step 4: Fertilisation and embryo culture
After fertilisation, embryos are kept in the laboratory for several days. Not every egg fertilises, and not every fertilised egg develops into an embryo suitable for biopsy or transfer. Your clinic will explain how many embryos are developing and what that means for the next steps.
Step 5: Where PGT fits in
PGT is performed on embryos, not on eggs or sperm directly. If PGT is planned, a small number of cells is removed from each embryo at a suitable stage, usually when the embryo has reached the blastocyst stage. The embryos are then typically frozen while the genetic analysis is carried out.
There are three main types of PGT, and they answer different questions:
| Type | What it looks at | Typical reason it is discussed |
|---|---|---|
| PGT-A | Chromosome number (aneuploidy screening) | To look for extra or missing chromosomes in embryos |
| PGT-M | A specific gene change known to run in the family | When a parent is known to carry a condition such as cystic fibrosis or Huntington’s disease |
| PGT-SR | Structural chromosome rearrangements | When a parent has a known translocation or similar rearrangement |
PGT-A is sometimes described as screening, but it is not a guarantee. It can reduce the chance of transferring an embryo with an abnormal chromosome number, but it cannot eliminate all risk, and it does not test for every possible condition. PGT-M and PGT-SR are more targeted and usually require a specific genetic diagnosis and laboratory setup.
You can read more about the types of testing and how they are approached in Thailand on our PGT in Thailand page.
Step 6: Genetic testing and results
The biopsy samples are analysed in a genetics laboratory. The time this takes varies. Results are usually reported as:
- Euploid (for PGT-A): the expected number of chromosomes.
- Aneuploid: an abnormal number of chromosomes.
- Mosaic: a mix of cells with different chromosome numbers, which may require specialist interpretation.
- Affected or unaffected (for PGT-M or PGT-SR): whether the specific condition or rearrangement was detected.
Results can be complex, and some findings are uncertain. A genetic counsellor or your specialist can explain what the result means for your specific situation. No result can guarantee a healthy pregnancy or child.
Step 7: Embryo transfer or storage
If you have embryos suitable for transfer, one may be transferred to the uterus, usually in a later cycle if the embryos were frozen for testing. Any remaining suitable embryos may be stored, depending on your clinic’s policy and your preferences.
If no embryos are suitable for transfer, your clinic will discuss what that means and what options may be available. This is a difficult outcome, and it is important to have support and clear information.
Step 8: Follow-up and next steps
After a transfer, there is usually a wait before a pregnancy test. Your clinic will tell you when to test and how to interpret the result. If the cycle does not result in a pregnancy, a follow-up consultation can help review what happened and whether any changes to the plan make sense.
PGT is one part of a wider decision. It does not replace a discussion about your overall health, your goals, and the limits of what reproductive medicine can do.
Questions to ask your clinic
- Which type of PGT are you recommending, and why?
- What are the chances of having no embryos suitable for transfer after testing?
- How long do results usually take, and how will they be explained to me?
- What are the costs of IVF, PGT, medication, storage, and any additional tests?
- What documentation do I need as an international patient, and can any of it be handled remotely?
- What are the legal and regulatory requirements in Thailand that apply to my situation?
- What alternatives should I consider, including IVF without PGT?
Planning checklist for international patients
- Clarify your reasons for considering PGT and what you hope to learn.
- Ask for a written outline of the proposed cycle, including likely time in Thailand.
- Confirm what can be done locally and what must be done at the clinic.
- Ask for a full cost breakdown in writing, including potential extra costs.
- Check passport, visa, and any medical documentation requirements with the relevant authorities.
- Arrange interpretation or translation if you need it.
- Plan for emotional and practical support during and after treatment.
For more general planning advice, see our guides section, and for common questions, visit our FAQ page.
Frequently asked questions
Is PGT required for IVF in Thailand?
No. PGT is an optional add-on to IVF. Whether it is appropriate depends on your medical history, the reason for testing, and your clinic's assessment. Some patients choose IVF without PGT.
Does PGT guarantee a healthy baby?
No. PGT can provide information about chromosome number or a specific genetic condition in the tested embryos, but it cannot guarantee a pregnancy, a live birth, or a child without any health condition. No test can eliminate all risk.
How long does a PGT IVF cycle take in Thailand?
Timelines vary depending on your protocol, monitoring arrangements, and how long genetic testing takes. Your clinic can give you an estimate based on your situation. It is best to ask for a written outline of the expected schedule.
What should I ask about costs?
Ask for a full written breakdown covering consultation, medication, monitoring, egg retrieval, laboratory work, PGT, embryo storage, and any additional tests. Costs vary between clinics and are not standardised, so confirm all figures directly.
Can I do some monitoring in my home country?
Some clinics can coordinate part of the monitoring locally, but this depends on the clinic's policy and on whether reliable local monitoring is available. Ask your clinic whether this is possible for your cycle.
Continue your research
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.
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