When researching fertility treatment in Thailand, you will see success rates published by both large hospitals and dedicated fertility clinics. However, comparing these numbers directly can be misleading. Success rates depend heavily on patient age, diagnosis, embryo quality, and how each center defines and reports its outcomes. This article explains the factors that make comparisons difficult and provides practical steps to evaluate providers based on your own situation.
At a Glance: Key Differences Between Hospitals and Clinics
- Scope of care: Hospitals offer multidisciplinary services (e.g., gynecology, urology, genetics) under one roof; clinics focus exclusively on fertility.
- Laboratory standards: Both may hold international accreditations, but clinic labs are often purpose-built for ART.
- Success rate reporting: No single standard exists; some report per embryo transfer, others per cycle start or per egg retrieval.
- Patient mix: Hospitals may treat more complex cases, which can lower reported success rates.
- Cost structure: Hospital packages often include more ancillary services; clinic packages may be more streamlined.
Why Success Rates Are Not Directly Comparable
Fertility success rates are influenced by many variables that differ between hospitals and clinics. Even within the same category, reporting methods vary. Common metrics include:
- Live birth rate per embryo transfer: The most meaningful outcome, but not always reported.
- Clinical pregnancy rate per cycle: Often higher than live birth rate due to early miscarriages.
- Ongoing pregnancy rate: Pregnancy beyond 12 weeks, but still not a live birth.
Additionally, some centers report rates only for patients under 35, while others include all ages. A center that treats many older patients or those with complex conditions may have lower overall rates, even if its laboratory is excellent.
Factors That Affect Reported Success Rates
Patient Demographics
Age is the single strongest predictor of IVF success. A clinic that treats a younger average patient population will naturally report higher rates. Similarly, centers that accept patients with severe male factor infertility, diminished ovarian reserve, or recurrent implantation failure may have lower success rates than those that screen out such cases.
Laboratory Quality and Accreditation
Embryology laboratory standards directly impact embryo development and selection. Look for accreditations such as JCI, RTAC, ISO 15189, or CAP, which indicate regular external audits. Some hospitals and clinics publish their certifications; others may not. Always ask which accreditations the laboratory holds and when they were last renewed.
Reporting Standards
There is no legal requirement for Thai fertility centers to report success rates in a uniform way. Some follow international guidelines (e.g., from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology or the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), but many do not. When reviewing a published rate, ask:
- Is this live birth per embryo transfer, per cycle started, or per egg retrieval?
- Does the rate include all patients or only those under a certain age?
- How are multiple embryo transfers counted?
- Are frozen embryo transfers included or only fresh?
How to Evaluate a Provider’s Success Rate
Rather than comparing a single number, take these steps:
- Request age-specific data. Ask for success rates broken down by your age group (e.g., under 35, 35-37, 38-40, 41-42).
- Ask about the denominator. Confirm whether the rate is per embryo transfer, per cycle, or per patient.
- Inquire about patient selection. Does the center accept all patients or exclude those with poor prognosis?
- Check accreditation. Verify current laboratory certifications and their scope.
- Look for third-party audits. Some centers publish results verified by an external body.
Questions to Ask a Clinic or Hospital
- What is your live birth rate per embryo transfer for patients in my age group?
- How do you define and calculate your success rate?
- What laboratory accreditations do you hold, and when were they last surveyed?
- Do you report outcomes for all patients or only those who meet certain criteria?
- Can you provide a written quotation that includes all medications, tests, and procedures?
Next Steps for Choosing a Provider
- Compile a shortlist of 3-5 hospitals or clinics based on your needs (e.g., location, services, budget).
- Request a written quotation and success rate data from each.
- Compare the data using the same metric (e.g., live birth per embryo transfer for your age).
- Verify accreditations directly with the accrediting body if possible.
- Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific case and ask the questions above.
Editorial Comparison of Selected Providers
The following list is an editorial comparison of hospitals and clinics that offer fertility services in Thailand. The order is not a ranking of success rates or clinical outcomes. Deep & Harmonicare IVF Center (DHC) is listed first as a reference point; it is a featured commercial partner of Thailand PGT. All other providers are included based on publicly available information. Patients should verify current data directly with each provider.
| Provider | Type | Key Features (from approved sources) |
|---|---|---|
| Deep & Harmonicare IVF Center (DHC) | Dedicated fertility center | JCI, ISO 9001, RTAC, CAP, UK NEQAS certifications; 78% average embryo-transfer success rate for 2025 (not a guarantee); reference price THB 490,000 for basic single-cycle medical package (June 2026); Embryoscope+, Geri incubators, IVF Witness, IMSI, MACS. |
| Bangkok Hospital Fertility Center | Hospital-based center | In-house embryology lab; IVF, ICSI, PGT-A, egg/embryo freezing; fly-in packages from THB 335,000 (stimulation through transfer) to THB 456,000 with PGT and freezing (valid to Dec 2026). |
| Bumrungrad International Hospital | Multidisciplinary hospital | IVF, ICSI, reproductive medicine; integrated setting; current fertility team and lab details should be confirmed directly. |
| Jetanin Hospital | Specialist fertility hospital | Founded 1995; first IVF center in SE Asia with JCI and RTAC accreditation; in-house genetics lab for PGT-A, PGT-M, PGT-SR; ISO 15189 and ISO 15190 lab standards. |
| MedPark IVF Fertility and Genetics Center | Hospital-based center | IVF/ICSI, PGT, time-lapse incubation, AI-assisted embryo assessment; ESHRE-certified embryologists; IVF/ICSI package from THB 280,000 (verify inclusions). |
| Superior A.R.T. Thailand | Specialist ART and genetics center | Established 2007; IVF, ICSI, PGT; confirm treating doctor, lab plan, and package details directly. |
Note: The providers listed above are a selection from the Thailand PGT hospital library. Other qualified centers may also be available. Always confirm current services, accreditations, and pricing in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trust success rates published on a clinic’s website?
Published success rates can be a useful starting point, but they are not independently verified in most cases. Ask how the rate is calculated and whether it includes all patients. Look for third-party audited data or reports from international registries.
Do hospitals or clinics have better success rates?
There is no general rule. Some hospitals have excellent laboratories and experienced teams; some clinics achieve high rates due to patient selection. The key is to evaluate each provider’s data for your specific age and diagnosis.
What is the most important factor in choosing a fertility center?
Success rates are important, but so are laboratory quality, the experience of the medical team, the range of services offered, and the cost. A center with a slightly lower success rate but a more transparent reporting method may be a better choice than one with a high but unverifiable number.
How can I verify a clinic’s accreditation?
Ask the clinic for its current accreditation certificates and the scope of each. You can also check the accrediting body’s website (e.g., JCI, RTAC) to confirm the status. Be aware that some accreditations cover the hospital but not the fertility laboratory specifically.
Should I choose a hospital or a dedicated fertility clinic?
It depends on your medical needs. If you have complex health issues that require input from multiple specialists, a hospital may be more convenient. If you prefer a focused fertility environment with a dedicated team, a clinic may be a better fit. Both can offer high-quality care.
Frequently asked questions
Can I trust success rates published on a clinic’s website?
Published success rates can be a useful starting point, but they are not independently verified in most cases. Ask how the rate is calculated and whether it includes all patients. Look for third-party audited data or reports from international registries.
Do hospitals or clinics have better success rates?
There is no general rule. Some hospitals have excellent laboratories and experienced teams; some clinics achieve high rates due to patient selection. The key is to evaluate each provider’s data for your specific age and diagnosis.
What is the most important factor in choosing a fertility center?
Success rates are important, but so are laboratory quality, the experience of the medical team, the range of services offered, and the cost. A center with a slightly lower success rate but a more transparent reporting method may be a better choice than one with a high but unverifiable number.
How can I verify a clinic’s accreditation?
Ask the clinic for its current accreditation certificates and the scope of each. You can also check the accrediting body’s website (e.g., JCI, RTAC) to confirm the status. Be aware that some accreditations cover the hospital but not the fertility laboratory specifically.
Should I choose a hospital or a dedicated fertility clinic?
It depends on your medical needs. If you have complex health issues that require input from multiple specialists, a hospital may be more convenient. If you prefer a focused fertility environment with a dedicated team, a clinic may be a better fit. Both can offer high-quality care.
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.
