The ultimate guide to In Vitro Fertilization in Mexico City

Last fact-checked: 13 August 2020

For couples who haven’t been able to get pregnant naturally, in vitro fertilization in Mexico City provides the opportunity for prospective parents to undergo fertility procedures in world-class, quality-checked clinics by Medical Departures. The best part? This highly technical procedure costs thousands less than in the US and Canada. 

What Is In Vitro Fertilization?

In vitro fertilization, also referred to as IVF, is a complex procedure that helps couples conceive. These couples are normally otherwise unable to do so due to fertility problems or genetic issues. 

“In vitro” essentially means “outside the body;” as part of the treatment, mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries of a woman and fertilized by sperm in a laboratory dish. IVF can be carried out using the couple’s own eggs and sperm, or using donor eggs, sperm or even embryos. Sometimes, a gestational carrier can be used if the woman herself is unable to carry the fetus.

IVF is the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology, with a global average success rate of around 25%.

Why Would I Need to Consider IVF?

In vitro fertilization is offered as a primary treatment for women above the age of 40, although it is also a viable option for younger women as well. IVF is a great option for people who suffer from fertility problems or genetic disorders that makes conception difficult for them. 

IVF is suitable for patients/couples who suffer from the following:

• Fallopian tube damage or blockage

• Ovulation disorders

• Premature ovarian failure

• Endometriosis (which is when uterine tissue starts to grow outside the uterus)

• Uterine fibroids (fibroids are benign tumors on the wall of the uterus)

• Previous tubal sterilization

• Impaired sperm production 

• Functional genetic disorders

Why Is Mexico City Such a Good Option for IVF Treatment?

Mexico is now at the forefront of the global medical tourism sector thanks to its low prices available for a range of medical procedures coupled with the level of expertise of its doctors. Globalization and cross-border training have seen a move towards standardized medical procedures throughout the world. The doctors and surgeons we work with in the country are also members of national professional, foreign and international professional associations.

For IVF treatments, Mexico City is a good option, especially for couples living in the US and Canada. First and foremost, Mexico City is approachable for couples living in North America with cheap, regular air flights.

Medical tourism is one of Mexico’s success stories. New facilities are springing up to cater for increasing numbers of foreign patients. As more patients visit, more money is brought in, and this, in turn, is invested back into making facilities even better. It is a symbiotic relationship that works well and healthy competition between providers ensures that clinics are keen to maintain high standards so that patients don’t go elsewhere.

However, checking out any facility’s credentials is a necessary step before you make your final decision. At Medical Departures, our primary goal is to connect our patients to doctors that we feel comfortable with. We perform thorough background checks on qualifications, professional memberships, safety standards, and criminal records. While also taking into account real patient reviews and personally visiting the facilities, we only recommend doctors and facilities that have passed all our tests.

What Does the Procedure Involve and How Long Does It Take?

The IVF procedure generally follows five steps, which are outlined as follows: 

1. The procedure starts with ovulation induction in which the woman is given synthetic hormones to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Several different medications will also be prescribed by the doctor depending on each individual case. 

2. To determine whether eggs are ready for retrieval, the doctor will perform ultrasound and blood tests. Once ready, the eggs are retrieved 34-36 hours before ovulation begins in the clinic. 

3. A sperm sample is collected from the partner on the morning of egg retrieval. 

4. Once both the eggs and sperm have been collected, the doctor will proceed to fertilize multiple eggs. 

5. When one egg is successfully fertilized and the doctor has a healthy embryo, the next step is to place the embryo in the woman’s uterus. This is usually done two to six days after egg retrieval.

The process can be completed in 10 days, although it could be up to a few weeks. Your chosen clinic can confirm this before you head to Mexico City. 

What Is the Recovery Time and Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

After the embryo has been implanted in the uterus, she can return to her normal, daily activities. It is advised that she avoid strenuous activities for a couple of weeks as the ovaries are still slightly swollen and may cause discomfort.

Side effects include passing a small amount of clear or bloody fluid after the procedure, breast tenderness, mild bloating, mild cramping and constipation.

Although risks of this procedure are not commonly seen, you should discuss them in length with your doctor. Most risks are associated with fertility medications, such as headaches, hot flashes, abdominal pain and bloating. Although rare, fertility medication can cause ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS). Symptoms for this include nausea, decreased urinary frequency, shortness of breath, faintness, severe stomach pains, and more than ten-pound weight gain within the first three to five days. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

How Much Can I Save on In Vitro Fertilization in Mexico City Compared to the US and Canada?

You can save up to 50% on IVF procedures in Mexico City compared to in the United States. 

For many patients undergoing just one round of treatment, this can mean savings of several thousand dollars. However, more than one round is usually required before successful pregnancy (averaging two or three), and so these savings will obviously increase, potentially to over $10,000 even when taking into consideration travel expenses. 

[Please note: these prices are approximate estimates based on international data, calculated at the time of writing.]

To get started, take a look at these three leading clinics in Mexico City for IFV listed on our site:

• CITMER

• New Hope Fertility Center

• Instituto Ingenes

Booking with Medical Departures

Search our full list of quality-checked IVF facilities in Mexico City here.

Our Customer Care Team can be reached day or night for no cost (via toll-free numbers, email or online chat). They can help you set up an appointment, provide a no-obligation quote or answer any questions about IVF treatment in Mexico City. 

Sources:

In vitro fertilization (IVF). Mayo Clinic. 22 June 2019.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716" target="_blank

IVF. NHS. Website accessed: 5 February 2020. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ivf/" target="_blank

Mexico: among the Top 6 countries with the Best Healthcare in the world. The Yucatan Times. 20 June 2019. https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2019/07/mexico-among-the-top-6-countries-with-the-best-healthcare-in-the-world/" target="_blank

Da Silva, Chantal. Thousands Of Americans Are Crossing The Border Into Mexico Every Year To Get Affordable Medical Treatment. News Week. 18 May 2019. https://www.newsweek.com/thousands-americans-cross-border-mexico-affordable-medical-treatment-each-1426943" target="_blank