How Many Trips for IVF in Thailand? Complete Visit Count & Schedule Analysis

IVF in Thailand typically requires 2 trips: first for egg retrieval (12-14 days), second for frozen embryo transfer (5-7 days). Exact visits vary by protocol, embryo testing, and health. This article details each stage's schedule and tips.

Opening: Real Consultation Scenario

Consultation Scenario
Ms. Wang, 35 years old, AMH 1.8 ng/mL, 5 antral follicles on the left ovary, 6 on the right. During our communication, she repeatedly confirmed one question: "How many trips do I need to make for IVF in Thailand?" This is the first concern for almost all patients planning to go to Thailand. Her situation requires completing ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval first, followed by a frozen embryo transfer, ultimately determining she needs 2 trips to Thailand.

A - Direct Answer: Standard Protocol Requires 2 Trips to Thailand

IVF in Thailand predominantly uses the frozen embryo transfer (FET) protocol. A complete cycle typically requires 2 trips to Thailand:

First Trip: Ovarian Stimulation + Egg Retrieval Surgery — Stay of approximately 12–14 days.
Second Trip: Frozen Embryo Transfer — Stay of approximately 5–7 days.

The interval between the two trips is about 2–3 menstrual cycles, used to wait for embryo testing results, prepare the endometrium, and allow the body to fully recover from stimulation.

When might 3 or more trips be needed?

            If the first transfer is unsuccessful and there are remaining embryos, a second transfer (i.e., a 3rd trip to Thailand) can be arranged; if a hysteroscopy is needed for examination/treatment, or if fresh embryo transfer leads to OHSS requiring a delayed transfer, the number of trips will increase accordingly.

I - Actual Process: The Two Trips to Thailand

First Trip to Thailand: Ovarian Stimulation & Egg Retrieval Phase

Arrive in Thailand on menstrual cycle day 2–3 for baseline checks: hormone panel (FSH, LH, E2), vaginal ultrasound (antral follicle count), AMH re-evaluation.
Start Ovarian Stimulation An individualized protocol is designed based on ovarian function (antagonist protocol is most common). Daily injections of stimulation medications are given, with follicle development monitored via ultrasound every 2–3 days.
After approximately 10–14 days, when follicles are mature (diameter 18–22 mm), an hCG or GnRH-a trigger shot is administered that evening to induce final egg maturation.
36 hours later, the egg retrieval procedure is performed under general anesthesia, lasting about 20 minutes. After 1–2 days of observation post-retrieval, you can return home.

Second Trip to Thailand: Frozen Embryo Transfer Phase

Arrive in Thailand on day 12–14 of the 2nd or 3rd menstrual cycle following the egg retrieval.
Endometrial Preparation Using a hormone replacement or natural cycle protocol, the endometrium's thickness, pattern, and blood flow are monitored. Transfer is scheduled when the endometrium is ≥ 7 mm thick with a pattern of A or B.
Transfer Procedure Performed under ultrasound guidance, takes about 10 minutes, no anesthesia required.
After Transfer Rest in Thailand for 5–7 days while continuing luteal phase support (progesterone). Return home and have a blood pregnancy test 12–14 days after the transfer.

J - Time Schedule & Duration of Stay

Phase	Duration of Stay	Key Milestone Notes
First Trip to Thailand (Stimulation & Retrieval)	12–14 days	Counted from menstrual cycle day 2-3; return home 1-2 days after retrieval
Interval Between Trips	2–3 menstrual cycles	Embryo culture + PGT testing (if needed) + endometrial recovery
Second Trip to Thailand (Frozen Embryo Transfer)	5–7 days	Transfer after endometrial preparation is optimal; rest a few days post-transfer before returning
Total Cycle Length	Approximately 3–5 months	From first departure to pregnancy test, including waiting time in between

Note: If a fresh embryo transfer is performed (less commonly recommended), only 1 trip to Thailand is needed, lasting 15–18 days. However, since fresh transfer success rates are lower than frozen transfer and the risk of OHSS is higher, mainstream Thai fertility centers generally recommend the frozen embryo protocol.

G - 5 Most Easily Overlooked Details

PGT Testing Waiting Time — After embryo biopsy, results take 4–6 weeks. Patients do not need to stay in Thailand during this time, but the overall cycle is extended by 1–2 months.
Embryo Culture Takes 5–6 Days — After retrieval, embryos are cultured to the blastocyst stage (day 5-6), not transferred immediately.
Endometrial Preparation Quality Directly Affects Transfer Outcome — Many patients focus only on embryo grade, neglecting endometrial thickness, pattern, blood flow, and receptivity. Endometrial status must be confirmed via ultrasound and hormone testing before transfer.
Some Test Results Have Expiration Dates — Chromosomal karyotype analysis, infectious disease screening (Hepatitis B, Syphilis, HIV, etc.) are typically valid for 6–12 months. If expired, retesting is required.
Male Partner's Sperm Collection Timing is Flexible — If the male partner cannot be in Thailand on the egg retrieval day, sperm can be collected and frozen in advance, or testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) can be arranged.

H - 4 Common Cognitive Pitfalls

Mistake 1: Thinking everything can be done in one trip
Many patients believe they can complete stimulation, retrieval, and transfer all in one trip to Thailand. In reality, the mainstream protocol in Thailand is frozen embryo transfer, requiring two trips. Only a very small number of patients with ideal conditions can consider fresh transfer.

Mistake 2: "Fresh transfer saves time and has the same success rate"
Although fresh transfer requires one less trip, the high estrogen levels during stimulation can reduce endometrial receptivity, leading to a 10–15% lower clinical pregnancy rate compared to frozen transfer. Thai doctors typically only use fresh transfer in highly selective cases.

Mistake 3: "It's not too late to do tests once in Thailand"
Results for chromosomal karyotype, AMH, infectious disease screening, etc., can take 5–14 days. If an abnormality is found upon arrival in Thailand, the cycle may need to be cancelled or your stay extended. It is recommended to complete basic tests in your home country beforehand.

Mistake 4: "Passport and visa aren't important"
Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months (from the date of entry), and the visa type should be a medical visa or tourist visa (some centers require a medical visa). Issues with documents preventing entry or extension are not uncommon.

N - Changes in Visit Count for Special Situations

Scenarios Requiring Additional Trips to Thailand

PGT Genetic Testing — Waiting for embryo test results extends the overall cycle, but still typically involves 2 trips (with a longer interval).
First Transfer Failed & Embryos Remain — An additional 3rd trip to Thailand for a second transfer.
Hysteroscopy Examination or Treatment — If ultrasound suggests endometrial polyps, adhesions, or fluid, a hysteroscopy procedure is needed before transfer, usually adding 1 trip to Thailand.
Moderate to Severe OHSS — Cancel fresh transfer, freeze all embryos, and wait 2–3 months before a frozen embryo transfer.

Scenarios Where Fewer Trips May Be Possible

Fresh Embryo Transfer — Complete the entire process in 1 trip to Thailand, but conditions must be met: age ≤ 35, AMH ≥ 2.0, 10–15 eggs retrieved, no OHSS risk, excellent endometrial status. Few patients meet these criteria.
Using Donor Eggs — If choosing frozen donor eggs from a Thai egg bank, only 1 trip to Thailand for the transfer is needed.

Q - Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many trips does the male partner need?

The male partner usually only needs 1 trip, arriving in Thailand on the day of egg retrieval to provide a sperm sample. If choosing to freeze sperm in advance, the male partner does not need to travel with the female; sperm can be sent later or shipped (meeting international logistics standards).

Q2: How to schedule trips with irregular periods?

Patients with irregular cycles can use short-term birth control pills or progesterone for 1–2 cycles to regulate, then start the standard stimulation protocol. It is recommended to communicate with your coordinator 1 month in advance to develop a medication adjustment plan.

Q3: AMH is only 0.8, can I still do IVF in Thailand?

Low AMH doesn't mean you can't do it, but the number of eggs retrieved may be low (typically 1–4). A comprehensive assessment including FSH and antral follicle count is needed. If FSH is normal and antral follicles are ≥ 3, a cycle with your own eggs is still possible; if ovarian reserve is severely low, the doctor may suggest a donor egg plan.

Q4: What tests should be completed in my home country before going to Thailand?

At minimum, you should complete: AMH Hormone Panel (FSH, LH, E2) Vaginal Ultrasound Semen Analysis Chromosomal Karyotype Infectious Disease Screening Thyroid Function Complete Blood Count Coagulation Profile. These reports are valid for 6–12 months; it's best to complete them 2–3 months in advance.

Q5: What are the specific passport and visa requirements?

Passport must be valid for ≥ 6 months (from the date of entry) and have at least 2 blank pages. It is recommended to apply for a Medical Visa (allowing a stay of 60–90 days), though a Tourist Visa (30-day stay, extendable once) is also possible. Please check the latest policies of the Thai embassy/consulate in your country.

E - Differences Between Thailand and Other Regions

Comparison Item	Thailand	Mainland China	United States
Standard Number of Visits	2 trips (FET)	1–2 trips (varies by center)	2 trips (FET primarily)
Duration per Stay	12–14 days / 5–7 days	14–20 days (single trip)	14–18 days / 7–10 days
PGT Availability	High, mainly 3rd generation IVF	Available at some centers	Very high, strict lab standards
Stimulation Protocol Flexibility	Highly individualized	Some centers use standardized protocols	Highly individualized
Language Communication	Chinese, English, Thai; excellent Chinese support	Native language communication	Requires translation or English communication
Total Cost (Reference)	9–14万 RMB	4–8万 RMB	18–30万 RMB

The above represents common industry situations; please refer to individual center protocols and quotes for specifics.

⏳ Time Planning Reminder

If you plan to do IVF in Thailand, it is recommended to start preparing 3–6 months in advance. Complete a basic fertility assessment (AMH, FSH, antral follicle count, semen analysis) in your home country first to confirm ovarian function and male factors, then develop a detailed Thailand travel plan based on the results.

Plan the interval between the two trips to Thailand carefully:

After egg retrieval, allow at least 1 normal menstrual cycle before starting endometrial preparation.
If doing PGT testing, reserve 4–6 weeks for waiting for embryo test results.
Before transfer, ensure endometrial status is optimal; complete a hysteroscopy if necessary.

Before each trip to Thailand, ensure thorough medical evaluation and bring complete test reports to avoid extended stays or cycle cancellations due to incomplete documentation.

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