If you're reading this, you've probably already done a cycle - maybe two. You've learned the language of follicle counts and trigger shots and two-week waits. You know what a failed transfer feels like.
And now you're doing the maths. Because the maths eventually forces the question: is there another way?
India is where many couples find that other way. Not because it's a compromise - but because the care is genuinely good, the cost is a fraction of what you've been paying, and the waiting lists that exist in the UK, Canada, and Australia simply don't exist here.
What's Available
Every mainstream fertility treatment is available at India's accredited clinics:
- IVF - ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, embryo transfer
- ICSI - single sperm injection, used for male factor infertility; included in most Indian IVF packages
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) - transfer of embryos from a previous cycle, far cheaper than a full fresh cycle
- Donor Egg IVF - available and regulated under India's ART Act 2021; donors are screened for genetics, infectious disease, and hormonal profile
- PGT-A / PGD - genetic testing of embryos before transfer, available at leading centres
- Sperm donation - available at regulated sperm banks
One important note on surrogacy: India's 2021 ART Act restricted commercial surrogacy. Altruistic surrogacy involving a close relative remains possible under specific legal conditions. If surrogacy is relevant to your situation, take legal advice before travelling.
What It Costs
| Treatment | USA | UK (Private) | India |
|---|---|---|---|
| IVF - one cycle, own eggs | $15,000–$25,000 | £5,000–£8,000 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| ICSI (added to IVF) | $1,500–$3,000 extra | £1,000–£2,000 extra | $300–$600 extra |
| Frozen Embryo Transfer | $3,000–$6,000 | £2,000–£3,500 | $500–$1,200 |
| Donor Egg IVF | $25,000–$45,000 | £8,000–£15,000 | $3,500–$6,000 |
| PGT-A per embryo | $300–$600 | £200–£400 | $80–$150 |
Medications are charged separately and vary by protocol. Request a personalised estimate from Sano →
Even budgeting for two or three cycles in India, most couples spend less than a single cycle at home.
Understanding Success Rates — Read This Before You Trust Any Number
This matters more than most clinics want you to know.
The figure that actually counts is live birth rate per embryo transfer - the proportion of transfers that result in a baby brought home. This is different from - and always lower than - "clinical pregnancy rate" (a heartbeat on scan) or "positive test rate."
India's leading accredited clinics report live birth rates per transfer of:
- 40–50% for women under 35, own eggs
- 30–40% for women aged 35–40
- 15–25% for women over 40, own eggs
- 50–65% for donor egg cycles
These are comparable to the best fertility centres in Europe and North America. The difference is not outcomes - it's cost.
When evaluating any clinic, ask specifically for their live birth rate per embryo transfer, for your age group and diagnosis. A clinic that won't share this number is not a clinic to trust.
What to Look For in a Clinic
Registered and accredited. The clinic must be registered under India's ART Act 2021. NABH accreditation is the additional quality marker to look for.
In-house embryology laboratory. The quality of the lab - the embryologist's skill, temperature stability, CO₂ levels, equipment - has more impact on outcomes than almost any other factor. The lab should be on-site, not shared.
Same doctor throughout your cycle. For international patients especially, being rotated between whoever is available that day is not acceptable. Ask explicitly how continuity is managed.
Language support. Medication instructions, protocol changes, and results conversations are clinical matters, not administrative ones. Miscommunication here has consequences. Sano Healthcare and Tourism provides multilingual support in 120+ languages throughout your treatment.
The Journey, Practically
A fresh IVF cycle from the start of stimulation to embryo transfer takes 14–20 days. Add a few days for initial consultations and baseline investigations - plan for a 3–4 week stay for a complete fresh cycle.
Some clinics allow early stimulation monitoring to be done at home, with results shared remotely, then travel to India for egg retrieval and transfer. Ask about this - it can shorten your time in India significantly.
The male partner typically only needs to be in India for egg retrieval day. Logistics for both partners should be discussed with Sano's team during planning.
If you have frozen embryos from your first cycle, a future FET requires only a short return visit - far less travel, far less cost.
After you're home, Sano coordinates remote follow-up with your fertility specialist: two-week test support, early scan guidance, and ongoing contact until you're back under your home doctor's care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cycles should we budget for?
Most specialists suggest planning for two to three if the first doesn't succeed - cumulative success rates are significantly higher than a single cycle. Even across three cycles in India, the total cost usually stays below a single cycle in the US or UK.
Can we bring frozen embryos from home?
It's possible but legally and logistically complex. It needs advance coordination between your home clinic, the Indian clinic, and a specialist medical transport provider. Raise this early if it's relevant.
What are the legal requirements for donor egg IVF?
Available to married couples at registered ART clinics under India's 2021 ART Act. The clinic verifies documentation. Unmarried couples or same-sex couples should seek specific legal advice on eligibility before travelling.
Is there an age limit for IVF in India?
Most clinics follow guidelines recommending IVF up to age 50 for the female partner, with donor eggs where appropriate. Individual clinic policies may vary.
One Last Thing
Fertility treatment is one of the most personal decisions a couple makes. The inquiry process at Sano is designed to be honest, not transactional - you share your history, you hear what's realistic for your situation, and you decide from there. No pressure.
Book a free fertility consultation with Sano →
WhatsApp: +91 85300 54299 - 24/7, in your language, fully confidential.
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