Why choose Iran for infertility treatment?
Infertility is a challenge that affects many couples worldwide. Fortunately, advancements in medical science have led to the development of various treatment methods to address this issue. Iran has made significant progress in the field of infertility treatment, becoming a popular destination for couples seeking assistance. But what factors have contributed to the decision of many couples from around the globe to travel to Iran for infertility treatment?
Infertility is a complex issue with various causes that can stem from either the male or female partner or a combination of both. Accurately diagnosing the causes of infertility and selecting the appropriate treatment often requires specialized expertise and experience. In Iran, infertility treatment centers utilize advanced knowledge and technology, successfully addressing this challenge. In the following sections, we will explore infertility, its treatment options, and the reasons why Iran is an attractive destination for foreign couples seeking infertility treatment.
What is infertility?
Infertility is a condition in which a person is unable to conceive after one year of trying to become pregnant. For individuals under 35 years old, healthcare providers typically diagnose infertility after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. For those aged 35 and older, doctors may begin investigating potential causes of infertility after just six months of trying to conceive.
Infertility can arise from various causes, including ovulation disorders, uterine conditions such as endometriosis, poor quality of eggs or sperm, and hormonal imbalances. The quantity and quality of eggs, as well as sperm health, are closely associated with age, which means that the likelihood of infertility increases as people get older. For women, the ovarian reserve begins to decline after the age of 30 and decreases more rapidly after reaching 40. Ultimately, this reserve is depleted at menopause. In men, although sperm production typically does not stop with advancing age, the quality and health of the sperm may still be negatively affected.
To understand the causes of infertility, it is best first to review the stages of pregnancy. Pregnancy involves the following stages:
- A woman’s brain must produce reproductive hormones that control the function of the ovaries.
- At least one egg must mature in a woman’s ovary.
- Your ovary must release the mature egg (ovulation).
- The fallopian tubes (uterine tubes) help the egg travel.
- Sperm move rapidly and forward through the vagina and uterus to your fallopian tube.
- One of the sperms that is the right shape and quality fertilizes the egg, and an embryo is formed.
- The embryo travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it implants.
If every step of this process is not performed correctly, pregnancy will not occur. Remember that infertility is more common than you think. Fortunately, with the advancement of science, many treatment options are available today for infertile couples who wish to expand their family.
The history of infertility treatment in Iran: from travel to hosting
Until the 70s, Iranian couples who wished to have a child had to travel to European countries for infertility treatment. However, with the passage of time and the efforts of caring Iranian doctors, this practice changed and Iran also took great strides in the field of infertility.
The first major milestone in infertility treatment in Iran was the establishment of the first infertility treatment center in Yazd in 1990. This historic event marked the beginning of a significant transformation in infertility care within the country. Less than a year later, on December 28, 1990, the first Iranian baby conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) was born, offering hope for a brighter future for Iranian couples facing infertility.
Over the last two decades, Iran has seen a significant increase in infertility treatment centers. Currently, there are more than 80 specialized facilities throughout the country. Thanks to the efforts of Iranian specialists and the adoption of modern therapeutic technologies, considerable progress has been made in diagnosing and treating infertility. According to available statistics, approximately 65 percent of infertile couples who have received treatment have successfully had children.
Why is Iran a good destination for infertility treatment?
In recent years, Iran has become one of the hubs for infertility treatment in the region, and many couples from all over the world come to this country for treatment. The reasons that make Iran an ideal destination for infertility treatment include:
-
World-Class Quality at Affordable Prices
- Advanced and Modern Equipment: Infertility treatment centers in Iran are equipped with the latest medical and laboratory technology, ensuring accurate diagnoses and complex treatment methods. This equipment is regularly updated to reflect the latest scientific advancements.
- Experienced and specialized medical professionals: Iranian doctors and specialists possess extensive knowledge and experience in infertility treatment and regularly participate in educational and specialized courses. By implementing the latest treatment methods and clinical protocols, they deliver optimal results for patients.
- Much lower cost than other countries: One of the main reasons Iran is appealing for infertility treatment is the combination of high-quality medical services and lower costs compared to many European and American countries. This affordability enables couples with financial constraints to access effective treatments.
-
Variety of services and treatment methods
- A wide range of infertility treatment methods: In Iran, all infertility treatment methods, including IVF, ICSI, IUI, egg donation, embryo donation, surrogate uterus, determining the sex of the fetus and determining the health of the fetus with PGD/PGS methods, etc., are performed. This variety of methods allows doctors to choose the best treatment for each patient’s condition.
- Specialized treatment of infertility problems: Some medical centers in Iran specialize in specific methods, such as treating infertility due to endometriosis, male infertility, or infertility due to genetic factors. This allows patients with specific problems to be referred to more specialized centers.
- Possibility of performing complementary treatments: In infertility treatment centers in Iran, patients have the opportunity to undergo complementary tests and treatments, including laparoscopy, testicular biopsy (TESE), and stem cell therapy. Offering these integrated services not only saves time and provides comfort for patients but also enhances the chances of successful treatment.
-
Flexible laws and government support
- Support for assisted reproductive technologies: The Iranian government supports assisted reproductive technologies and has relatively more flexible laws in this area than some other countries. This support has allowed medical centers to provide services with greater freedom.
- Legal surrogacy: One of the key advantages of infertility treatment in Iran is the availability of legal surrogacy. This option is often banned or restricted in many other countries, making it a valuable opportunity for couples who are unable to conceive for various reasons.
- Determining the sex of the fetus: Some couples desire to have a child of a specific sex to create balance in the family. In Iran, unlike some countries, determining the sex of the fetus is done legally.
-
Rich culture and hospitality
- Medical tourism: Iran is an attractive tourist destination with many historical, natural, and pilgrimage attractions. Couples traveling to Iran for infertility treatment can also benefit from visiting these attractions.
- Hospitality of the people: The people of Iran are known for their hospitality, which can help reduce patients’ stress and anxiety and make their stay memorable.
-
Comprehensive Support
- Diverse Welfare Services: Iran offers a range of hotels and accommodation options that patients can select based on their needs and budget. At Hayat Medtour, we help you find the ideal hotel. Additionally, we provide services such as airport transfers, city tours, and more.
- Counseling and Support: Foreign couples can receive counseling from specialized Iranian doctors before traveling to Iran. In addition to offering pre-travel treatment counseling, Hayat Medtour provides support throughout the treatment process. This ensures that you can navigate your treatment with peace of mind and work towards achieving your dream of having a child.
Other Reasons to Consider Infertility Treatment in Iran
- Cultural Adaptation: Cultural adaptation can help alleviate stress for couples traveling to Iran from neighboring countries. This issue is particularly beneficial for Muslim couples, as all medical staff involved in the treatment process are female, and female doctors oversee every aspect of the care. Cultural Adaptation: Cultural adaptation can help alleviate stress for couples traveling to Iran from neighboring countries. This issue is particularly beneficial for Muslim couples, as all medical staff involved in the treatment process are female, and female doctors oversee every aspect of the care.
- Shorter waiting time: Infertility treatment centers in Iran strive to provide services to their patients with the shortest waiting time, which can be helpful for foreign patients who have more time constraints.
- High security: Iran is a safe country to travel to, and couples can go for their treatment with peace of mind.
- Easy access: Iran has direct flights to many countries worldwide and is easy to access.
What methods are available for infertility treatment in Iran?
The first step in addressing infertility is to diagnose its underlying causes accurately. Experienced doctors and specialists in Iran conduct thorough reviews of test results and various examinations to identify the reasons for infertility in couples. Based on these findings and the specific circumstances of each couple, they can recommend the most effective treatment plan. Depending on the diagnosed causes of infertility and the couple’s unique situation, several treatment options are available in Iran. These methods include:
1. Prescribing Fertility-Stimulating Medications:
Infertility can sometimes result from conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and impaired ovulation. In such cases, after assessing the couple’s situation, the doctor may prescribe ovulation-stimulating medications to enhance the ovulation process and promote natural pregnancy. Additionally, by recommending nutritional supplements to support both sperm and egg health, natural conception may occur.
2. Assisted Reproductive Techniques:
Iranian infertility treatment centers utilize advanced techniques such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): This method involves directly injecting sperm into the woman’s uterus. IUI is usually recommended for couples experiencing mild infertility or when the cause of infertility is unknown.
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is another technique in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to create an embryo. ICSI is typically used for men who have sperm issues or who have not succeeded with previous IVF attempts.
- Donor eggs: The quality and number of eggs can decrease due to aging, genetics, certain diseases, chemotherapy, etc. In cases where the eggs are unsuitable for fertilization, the doctor recommends IVF with donor eggs.
3. Complementary Treatment Methods:
In some cases, undergoing certain surgeries before starting infertility treatment can enhance the chances of success. These surgeries may also be essential for diagnosis or treatment. The best Iranian fertility treatment centers offer the following methods:
- Laparoscopy: This procedure diagnoses and treats uterine issues, including the removal of endometriosis, fibroids, and internal pelvic adhesions.
- Hysteroscopy: This method addresses uterine abnormalities, such as polyps or septums. –
- Testicular Biopsy (TESE): When the semen sample lacks high-quality sperm, a sample of testicular tissue is collected to facilitate embryo creation.
4. Determining the sex of the fetus and diagnosing the health of the fetus:
In Iranian infertility treatment centers, it is possible to do gender selection and diagnose the health of the fetus using advanced PGD and PGS methods.
Note: Choosing the proper treatment method depends on various factors, including age, cause of infertility, health status, and personal preferences. Therefore, it is essential to consult an infertility specialist to choose the best option.
Is infertility treatment legal in Iran?
With its legal framework, Iran has become one of the leading destinations for infertility treatment in the Middle East. All assisted reproductive technologies, including IVF, egg and embryo donation, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and even surrogacy, are legal in Iran. On the other hand, these methods are carried out by Islamic principles and approved by many Islamic jurists. These services are only provided to couples (man and woman) who have officially registered their marriage.
Ayatollah Khamenei’s Historic Decision on Infertility Treatments
In 1999, Ayatollah Khamenei issued a groundbreaking fatwa that allowed surrogacy, as well as egg and embryo donation, under specific conditions. This decision significantly advanced infertility treatments in Iran. It included regulations for in vitro fertilization (IVF), positioning Iran as one of the most progressive countries in the region in this field.
What is the success rate of IVF in Iran?
The success rate of IVF in Iran is at the level of the best infertility treatment centers in the world due to the use of advanced equipment, the latest technologies, and experienced specialists and doctors. Every year, many couples travel to Iran to treat infertility problems and fulfill their dream of becoming parents.
- Age-related success: The couple’s age significantly impacts the success rate of IVF. In cases where the quality of the eggs or embryos is not suitable for fertilization, the use of donated eggs and embryos can significantly increase the chances of IVF success.
- Chances of success in infertility centers in Iran: The success rate varies between infertility centers. This difference is due to differences in the experience of the doctors, the equipment used, and the level of services provided. Therefore, foreign patients need to do sufficient research before traveling to Iran to find the best infertility treatment centers.
At Hayat Medtour, we work with the best doctors and infertility treatment centers in Iran to help you realize your dream of having a happy family.
How much does infertility treatment cost in Iran?
The cost of infertility treatment in Iran is a complex issue, but it also offers potential for cost savings. The treatment method, treatment center, doctor’s experience, need for complementary treatments, services provided in the treatment package, etc. can affect the cost of fertility treatment in Iran. However, by carefully considering these factors, you can find a cost-effective solution. The cost of infertility treatment with different methods, in the best infertility treatment centers in Iran, is as follows:
- IVF/ICSI cost: between 2,500-3,500 USD
- Donor egg cost: between 3,500-5,000 USD
- Gender determination cost: between 1,500-2,000 USD (for gender determination of 8 embryos)
The cost of infertility treatment in Iran is lower than in many other countries. However, the quality of these services is comparable to that of the best infertility centers worldwide. A variety of treatment methods, along with specialized and skilled doctors, contribute to high-quality services and a favorable success rate. Additionally, the reasonable treatment and accommodation costs have made Iran an attractive destination for many infertile couples seeking assistance.
Conclusion about infertility treatment, IVF and donation in Iran
In recent years, Iran has become one of the leading destinations for infertility treatment in the region. The high quality of medical services, reasonable costs compared to many other countries, and supportive laws are among the main reasons for this. Iranian doctors help infertile couples achieve their dream of having children by using accurate diagnostic methods and advanced treatment techniques. Government support and investment in the health sector have also contributed significantly to improving the quality of medical services in the field of infertility treatment in Iran.
References: