How much is IVF Gender Selection in Dubai?

Your Guide to IVF Gender Selection Costs & Procedures in Dubai

IVF with gender selection in Dubai generally ranges from AED 35,000 to AED 65,000 (approximately USD 9,500 to USD 17,700) per cycle. This cost typically includes the core IVF procedures, Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) for gender determination, and standard clinic fees. However, it's crucial to understand that this is an estimated range, and the final IVF gender selection cost in Dubai can vary based on several individual and clinic-specific factors. This guide aims to break down the expenses and answer common questions surrounding this advanced fertility treatment.

For many hopeful parents, IVF with gender selection, also known as family balancing, offers a unique opportunity to choose the sex of their child for various personal or medical reasons. Dubai has emerged as a prominent destination for this procedure, boasting state-of-the-art medical facilities and experienced fertility specialists. While the prospect is exciting, understanding the financial implications is a vital first step. This blog post will delve into the nuances of IVF gender selection pricing in Dubai, exploring what influences the cost, what's typically included, potential additional expenses, and other key considerations.

What is the average cost of IVF with gender selection in Dubai?

This estimated range covers the fundamental components of an IVF cycle combined with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A or PGT-M) used for gender identification. It's important to note that "average" implies that some individuals might pay less, while others might pay more. The specific clinic, the complexity of the individual case, and the comprehensiveness of the package will significantly impact the final figure. Always seek a detailed cost breakdown from your chosen clinic.

The cost encompasses a series of intricate medical procedures. These include ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization in the laboratory, embryo culture, the PGT biopsy and analysis, and finally, the embryo transfer. Each step requires specialized expertise and advanced technology, contributing to the overall expense.

What factors influence the cost of IVF with gender selection in Dubai?

The price of IVF gender selection in Dubai is not a one-size-fits-all figure. Here's a more detailed look at the influencing factors:

• Clinic Reputation and Success Rates: Highly reputable clinics with a track record of high success rates may charge more due to their established expertise and demand.
• Technology Used for Gender Selection: The primary method is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). PGT-A (aneuploidy screening) can identify gender alongside chromosomal normality, while PGT-M (monogenic/single gene defect) is for specific genetic conditions but also reveals gender. The complexity of the genetic testing involved can affect the price.
• Number of Embryos Tested: PGT is often charged per embryo or in batches. The more embryos that need to be biopsied and tested, the higher the cost.
• Medications: Ovarian stimulation requires hormonal medications, the dosage and type of which vary per individual. These medications can form a significant portion of the overall cost and are often not included in the initial quote.
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): If male factor infertility is present, ICSI (injecting a single sperm directly into the egg) is often recommended, adding to the cost.
• Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation): If there are viable embryos remaining after the transfer, couples may choose to freeze them for future use. This incurs initial freezing fees and ongoing storage costs.
• Additional Consultations and Monitoring: The number of consultations, ultrasound scans, and blood tests required can vary, potentially impacting the total cost if not part of a fixed package.
• Anesthesia: Fees for anesthesia during egg retrieval.
• Pre-treatment Screening and Tests: Initial fertility assessments, blood work, and infectious disease screening for both partners also contribute to the preliminary costs.

Are there different types of IVF gender selection procedures affecting cost?

While the overarching goal is gender selection, the specific PGT technique employed plays a role. PGT-A is commonly used for family balancing as it assesses embryos for the correct number of chromosomes (reducing miscarriage risk and improving implantation rates) while also determining XX (female) or XY (male) status. PGT-M is utilized when there's a known risk of a specific sex-linked genetic disorder.

The cost difference might arise from the intricacy of the genetic lab work. PGT-M, which looks for specific gene mutations, can sometimes be more complex and thus potentially more expensive than a standard PGT-A chromosomal screen. It's crucial to discuss with your fertility specialist which PGT method is most appropriate for your situation and how it impacts the overall gender selection price in Dubai.

What is typically included in an IVF with gender selection package in Dubai?

When evaluating IVF gender selection costs in Dubai, it's vital to get a clear understanding of what's covered in any quoted package. While inclusions can vary between clinics, a comprehensive package usually encompasses:

• Initial Consultation: Meeting with the fertility specialist.
• Treatment Planning: Development of your personalized IVF and PGT plan.
• Cycle Monitoring: Ultrasound scans and hormone level blood tests during ovarian stimulation.
• Egg Retrieval Procedure: Including operating room and anesthesiologist fees (though this can sometimes be separate).
• Sperm Processing: Preparation of the sperm sample.
• Fertilization: Usually via ICSI for PGT cases.
• Embryo Culture: Growing embryos in the lab for several days.
• Embryo Biopsy: Taking a few cells from each embryo for genetic testing.
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): The actual genetic analysis to determine gender and often chromosomal normality.
• Embryo Transfer: The procedure to place the selected embryo(s) into the uterus.
• Follow-up Consultation: Post-treatment review.

It's equally important to ask what is not included. Commonly excluded items are fertility medications (which can be substantial), pre-treatment diagnostic tests for both partners, cryopreservation of surplus embryos, annual storage fees for frozen embryos, and any treatment for complications.

Are medications an additional cost for IVF with gender selection in Dubai?

The medications used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs are a significant component of the IVF gender selection price in Dubai. These are typically self-administered injections taken over several days. The exact type, dosage, and duration of medication will be tailored to your individual needs, ovarian reserve, and response.

Because the medication protocol is so individualized, clinics usually do not include these costs in their base IVF/PGT packages. You should budget separately for this expense and ask your clinic for an estimated cost based on your initial assessment. Pharmacy prices can also vary, so it might be worth checking if the clinic has an in-house pharmacy or recommendations.

How much does Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) add to the IVF cost in Dubai?

PGT is the specific technology that allows for gender selection. This involves taking a small biopsy from each developing embryo and analyzing its genetic makeup. The cost of PGT is a distinct component that elevates the price above a standard IVF cycle.

This additional cost covers the highly specialized laboratory work, including the embryo biopsy, sample preparation, genetic analysis, and the expertise of the embryologists and geneticists. Some clinics may charge a flat fee for PGT up to a certain number of embryos, while others might charge per embryo. Understanding this pricing structure is key to accurately estimating your total IVF gender selection cost in Dubai.

Is ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) included in the gender selection IVF cost?

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a laboratory procedure where a single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg to assist fertilization. For IVF cycles involving PGT, ICSI is frequently the preferred method of fertilization. This is because it minimizes the risk of sperm attaching to the outside of the egg, which could interfere with the accuracy of the genetic test results.

Many fertility clinics in Dubai will bundle the cost of ICSI into their PGT or gender selection IVF packages. However, it's always best to confirm this explicitly. If it's not included, ICSI can add an extra AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 or more to the overall expense.

What are the costs associated with embryo freezing and storage in Dubai?

If your IVF with gender selection cycle results in more viable embryos of the desired gender (or even other healthy embryos you may wish to keep) than are transferred in the fresh cycle, you have the option to freeze them for future use. This is a common practice and offers additional opportunities for pregnancy without undergoing another full ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.

The initial cost of embryo freezing covers the cryopreservation procedure itself. Subsequently, there will be an annual storage fee to maintain the embryos in a frozen state. These fees can vary, so it's wise to inquire about both the initial and ongoing storage costs when considering the long-term financial planning for your IVF gender selection journey in Dubai.

Are there financing options or payment plans for IVF gender selection in Dubai?

Given the significant investment involved in IVF with gender selection, many prospective parents look for ways to make the cost more manageable. While direct insurance coverage for elective gender selection is uncommon, some clinics in Dubai understand the financial burden and may provide in-house payment plans or partnerships with third-party medical financing companies.

When you consult with clinics, don't hesitate to ask about these possibilities. Understanding the payment schedules, any interest rates if applicable, and eligibility criteria for financing can be very helpful in planning your IVF gender selection treatment in Dubai.

Does health insurance cover IVF with gender selection in Dubai?

While some comprehensive health insurance plans in Dubai may offer benefits for infertility treatment, these typically do not extend to procedures performed for elective reasons, such as family balancing or non-medical gender selection. If gender selection is being done to prevent a serious sex-linked genetic disease, there might be a possibility of partial coverage for the PGT-M aspect, but this is rare and requires thorough pre-approval.

Always verify the specifics of your insurance policy. Contact your provider and ask detailed questions about coverage for IVF, PGT, and any exclusions related to gender selection. Assuming coverage without confirmation can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for your IVF gender selection in Dubai.

What is the success rate of IVF with gender selection in Dubai?

It's important to distinguish between the accuracy of gender selection and the overall success of the IVF cycle leading to a healthy pregnancy and live birth. The PGT technology itself is extremely accurate in identifying the gender of the embryos (XX for female, XY for male).

However, the chance of a successful pregnancy following the transfer of a chromosomally normal embryo of the desired gender depends on various factors, primarily:

• Woman's Age: This is the most significant factor affecting egg quality and quantity.
• Embryo Quality: Even chromosomally normal embryos vary in their implantation potential.
• Uterine Health: The receptivity of the uterine lining.
• Overall Health and Lifestyle of Both Partners.
• Clinic's Expertise and Protocols.

Clinics in Dubai generally report good success rates, aligning with international standards. Discuss your individual chances of success with your fertility specialist, who can provide a more personalized prognosis based on your specific circumstances when considering IVF with gender selection in Dubai.

Is gender selection legal in Dubai?

The United Arab Emirates has a clear regulatory framework that permits IVF with gender selection. This is often sought by couples who wish to balance the genders of their children or have a child of a specific sex for personal reasons. It is also permissible for medical reasons, such as preventing the transmission of genetic disorders that are linked to a particular sex.

Clinics offering gender selection in Dubai must be licensed and operate under the supervision of the DHA. This ensures that the procedures are carried out ethically, with appropriate counseling and consent. Patients can generally feel confident that they are accessing these services within a legally sanctioned and regulated medical environment.

What is the process for IVF with gender selection in Dubai?

Undergoing IVF with gender selection in Dubai is a multi-step journey:

1. Initial Consultation & Evaluation: You'll meet with a fertility specialist to discuss your goals, undergo fertility assessments (blood tests, ultrasounds), and review your medical history.
2. Ovarian Stimulation: You'll self-administer hormone injections for about 8-14 days to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Progress is monitored through ultrasounds and blood tests.
3. Egg Retrieval: Once eggs are mature, they are collected via a minor, ultrasound-guided surgical procedure performed under sedation or light anesthesia.
4. Sperm Collection & Fertilization: On the same day as egg retrieval, a sperm sample is provided (or thawed if previously frozen). Eggs are then fertilized with the sperm, typically using ICSI, in the laboratory.
5. Embryo Culture: Fertilized eggs (now embryos) are cultured in the lab for 5 to 7 days, allowing them to develop to the blastocyst stage.
6. Embryo Biopsy & PGT: A few cells are carefully removed from each blastocyst (biopsy). These cells are sent to a genetics lab for PGT to determine the sex and check for chromosomal abnormalities.
7. Embryo Selection & Transfer: Based on the PGT results, a healthy embryo of the desired gender is selected. This embryo is then transferred into the woman's uterus via a thin catheter, a procedure similar to a Pap smear.
8. Luteal Phase Support: Progesterone medication is usually prescribed to support the uterine lining and early pregnancy.
9. Pregnancy Test: About 10-14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is done to determine if pregnancy has occurred.

The entire active treatment phase, from the start of ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer, typically takes around 3-4 weeks. The genetic testing results may take an additional 1-2 weeks.

How long does the IVF gender selection process take in Dubai?

The timeline can be broken down:

• Initial Consultations & Pre-treatment Testing: This can take a few weeks to a month, depending on appointment availability and the tests required.
• Ovarian Stimulation: Around 8-14 days.
• Egg Retrieval & Fertilization: 1 day.
• Embryo Culture & Biopsy: 5-7 days.
• PGT Analysis: This can take 7-14 days, or sometimes longer, depending on the lab.
• Embryo Transfer: If a fresh transfer is done, it occurs 5-7 days after egg retrieval. If embryos are frozen pending PGT results (common), the transfer happens in a subsequent menstrual cycle, which adds a few more weeks for uterine lining preparation.

It's important to discuss the specific timeline with your chosen clinic in Dubai, as protocols can vary. For international patients, this means planning for a stay of at least 3-5 weeks if a fresh transfer is anticipated, or potentially two shorter trips if a frozen embryo transfer is planned.

Why choose Dubai for IVF with gender selection?

Several factors make Dubai an attractive destination for individuals and couples seeking IVF with gender selection:

• Advanced Technology and Expertise: Fertility Clinics in Dubai are typically equipped with the latest reproductive technologies and staffed by internationally trained and experienced fertility doctors, embryologists, and geneticists.
• Legal Framework: Gender selection for family balancing is permissible and regulated, providing a clear and supportive legal environment.
• High Standards of Care: Medical facilities in Dubai generally adhere to high international standards of quality and safety.
• Success Rates: Reputable clinics in Dubai often report success rates comparable to leading centers worldwide.
• Accessibility and Convenience: Dubai is a major international travel hub, making it relatively easy to reach from many parts of the world. It offers excellent accommodation, transport, and a comfortable environment for medical tourists.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Clinics are often experienced in catering to an international clientele with diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Comprehensive Services: Many clinics offer a full spectrum of fertility services, allowing for a holistic approach to treatment.

While the IVF gender selection cost in Dubai is a significant consideration, the combination of quality, accessibility, and supportive regulations makes it a leading choice for many.

Ready to explore your options for IVF with gender selection or other advanced fertility treatments? PlacidWay can connect you with leading accredited clinics and specialists in Dubai and around the world. Take the next step in your family-building journey with confidence. Explore PlacidWay today!