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For couples facing infertility challenges or hereditary genetic concerns, IVF with PGD in Cyprus offers a beacon of hope, combining world-class medical expertise with significantly higher success rates than the global average. Cyprus has established itself as a premier destination for reproductive tourism, attracting thousands of international patients annually who seek advanced genetic screening technologies like PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) and NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) in a supportive, stress-free environment.
Beyond the allure of a Mediterranean recovery, the primary draw is the island's progressive legal framework and medical capability. Clinics in cities like Nicosia, Kyrenia, and Famagusta are equipped to perform complex genetic screening to prevent chromosomal abnormalities and hereditary diseases, ensuring a healthy pregnancy. With costs ranging from 50% to 70% less than the UK or USA, Cyprus provides an accessible pathway to parenthood without compromising on quality or safety.
Key Takeaways: IVF with PGD in Cyprus
- Significant Savings: Patients can save 50–70% on treatment costs compared to the UK and US, with packages often including airport transfers and accommodation assistance.
- High Success Rates: Due to policies allowing the transfer of up to 3 embryos (blastocysts) and advanced PGD screening, clinical pregnancy rates often exceed 75%.
- Comprehensive Packages: Most clinics offer "all-inclusive" bundles covering ICSI, laser assisted hatching, and genetic analysis.
- Estimated Costs:
- Standard IVF + PGD: €4,500 – €6,000
- IVF with Gender Selection (Microsort/PGD): €5,500 – €7,500
- Donation Cycle + PGD: €6,000 – €8,000
Why Choose Cyprus for Genetic Screening (PGD/PGS)?
Cyprus offers a unique combination of advanced reproductive technology, liberal fertility laws, and a holiday-like atmosphere that reduces stress—a key factor in successful conception.
Choosing Cyprus for IVF with PGD is not just a financial decision; it is a strategic medical choice. The island is divided into two jurisdictions—North Cyprus (Turkish) and South Cyprus (Republic, EU)—both offering distinct advantages. North Cyprus is particularly famous for its liberal legislation regarding family balancing and higher age limits, while the South is renowned for strict EU-standard medical care.
Clinics utilize Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), the gold standard in genetic testing, which screens all 23 chromosome pairs with 99.9% accuracy. This technology is vital for older mothers or couples with a history of recurrent miscarriage, as it ensures that only "euploid" (genetically normal) embryos are transferred, drastically reducing the risk of implantation failure or genetic disorders like Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, or Thalassemia.
Cyprus is one of the few places in the world where embryo reduction is rarely needed because doctors can legally transfer up to three healthy blastocysts in difficult cases. This policy significantly boosts the chances of a live birth for women over 40 or those with previous failed cycles in countries like the UK, where single-embryo transfer is the norm.
Step-by-Step Treatment Journey: Your IVF with PGD in Cyprus
From initial consultation to the final embryo transfer, the process is streamlined for international travelers, allowing you to start medication at home and minimize your stay abroad.
Step 1: Evaluation and Protocol (Remote)
Before you fly, you will consult with a fertility specialist via video call. You will undergo hormone blood tests (AMH, FSH) and ultrasound scans in your home country. Based on these results, a personalized stimulation protocol is designed.
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation (At Home)
You begin daily hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This phase lasts 10-12 days. Many patients choose to do the first week at home to save on travel costs, arriving in Cyprus around day 8 or 9 of their cycle.
Step 3: Egg Retrieval (OPU) and Sperm Collection
Once follicles reach the optimal size, a "trigger shot" is administered. 36 hours later, eggs are retrieved under light sedation in a painless 20-minute procedure. Simultaneously, the male partner provides a sperm sample (or donor sperm is prepared).
Step 4: ICSI and Embryo Culture
Using Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), a single healthy sperm is injected directly into each mature egg to maximize fertilization rates. The resulting embryos are cultured in a specialized incubator (often an EmbryoScope) for 3 to 5 days.
Step 5: PGD/PGS Biopsy
On Day 3 (8-cell stage) or Day 5 (Blastocyst stage), a skilled embryologist performs a biopsy, removing a few cells from the outer layer of the embryo. These cells are sent to the genetic lab for PGD/NGS analysis to screen for genetic defects or determine gender (where legal).
Step 6: Embryo Transfer
Once the genetic results confirm which embryos are healthy, the best quality embryo(s) are selected. They are transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter. The remaining healthy embryos can be cryopreserved (frozen) for future siblings.
"The timing of the biopsy is critical. Top clinics in Cyprus now prefer Day 5 (Blastocyst) Biopsy over Day 3. Biopsying a blastocyst provides more cells for accurate genetic analysis and is less traumatic to the embryo, leading to higher implantation rates and healthier pregnancies for international patients."
Cost of IVF with PGD in Cyprus vs. UK and USA
A detailed look at the financial advantage of choosing Cyprus, where medical excellence meets affordability without hidden fees.
The cost of IVF with PGD in Cyprus is roughly one-third of the price in the UK and one-quarter of the price in the US. This price gap allows patients to access premium add-ons like Assisted Hatching or EmbryoScope monitoring, which might be prohibitively expensive at home.
| Procedure | Cyprus (Avg.) | UK (Avg.) | USA (Avg.) | Inclusions in Cyprus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard IVF Cycle | €2,500 – €3,500 | £5,000 – £8,000 | $12,000 – $15,000 | Scans, Egg Retrieval, ICSI, Transfer |
| IVF with PGD/PGS | €4,500 – €7,000 | £12,000 – £16,000 | $25,000 – $35,000 | Genetic Biopsy, Lab Analysis, Gender Selection (North) |
| Egg Donation IVF | €4,500 – €6,000 | £9,000 – £12,000 | $20,000 – $40,000 | Donor Comp, Screening, Medications |
Legal Framework: Genetic Screening vs. Family Balancing
Understanding the legal landscape is crucial, as the island is divided into two distinct jurisdictions with different fertility regulations.
North Cyprus (TRNC) is one of the few jurisdictions globally that legally permits gender selection for family balancing. This attracts a significant volume of patients from the UK, Middle East, and Asia who wish to balance their family. Clinics here operate under Ministry of Health regulations that allow PGD for selecting the sex of the baby alongside screening for chromosomal health.
In contrast, South Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus) adheres to strict EU directives. Here, PGD is widely available and highly advanced but is legally restricted to medical purposes only. This means you can use PGD to prevent passing on a genetic disease (like Hemophilia or Huntington’s) or to screen for aneuploidy to prevent miscarriage, but you cannot use it solely to choose the gender of the child unless there is a medical necessity.
In North Cyprus, anonymity is a key pillar of the donation program. Unlike the UK, where donor anonymity has been removed, Cyprus protects the identity of egg and sperm donors, ensuring privacy for families who prefer it. However, detailed donor profiles (height, eye color, education, nationality) are provided to help you make the perfect match.
Why Success Rates are Higher in Cyprus
High success rates are not an accident; they are the result of liberal transfer policies and cutting-edge embryology labs.
The combination of IVF with PGD naturally yields higher success rates because it eliminates the guesswork. By transferring only genetically competent embryos, the rate of implantation failure drops significantly. Furthermore, unlike many European countries that mandate Single Embryo Transfer (SET), Cyprus allows the transfer of up to 3 embryos in specific cases (such as advanced maternal age or repeated failure).
This policy, combined with the use of Blastocyst Transfer (Day 5), results in success rates that can reach:
- 75% – 82% for Egg Donation cycles.
- 60% – 75% for IVF with PGD (Own Eggs, age dependent).
- 99% accuracy for Gender Selection and Genetic Screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IVF with PGD painful?
The PGD biopsy itself happens in the lab and is not felt by the patient. The IVF process involves daily injections which may cause mild discomfort or bruising. The egg retrieval is performed under sedation, so you will feel no pain during the procedure, though some cramping afterwards is normal.
Can I choose the gender of my baby in Cyprus?
Yes, but primarily in North Cyprus. Clinics there are legally permitted to perform gender selection for family balancing purposes. In South Cyprus, gender selection is restricted to preventing sex-linked genetic diseases.
How accurate is PGD for genetic screening?
PGD using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is extremely accurate, with a reliability rate of over 99%. It can detect chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy), single-gene disorders, and gender with high precision.
Are there hidden costs in Cyprus IVF packages?
Most reputable clinics offer transparent packages. However, it is important to ask if the price includes medication (which can cost €1,000–€1,500), pre-treatment tests, and freezing of extra embryos. Accommodation and flights are usually extra, though some packages include hotel stays.
What is the age limit for IVF in Cyprus?
North Cyprus has an extended age limit of up to 55 years for women (requires ethics committee approval for ages 45+). South Cyprus typically treats women up to age 50. This is significantly higher than the 42-45 year limit common in many other European countries.
Can single women or unmarried couples get IVF in Cyprus?
Yes, North Cyprus is very inclusive. Single women and unmarried couples can legally undergo IVF treatment, including the use of sperm donation. South Cyprus also allows treatment for single women but regulations may vary for unmarried couples.
Is it safe to travel to Cyprus for IVF?
Absolutely. Cyprus is one of the safest countries in Europe with a robust tourism infrastructure. The medical facilities are modern, often ISO certified, and cater specifically to international patients with English-speaking staff.
How long does the PGD results take?
With modern NGS technology, results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours. This allows for a "fresh transfer" of the healthy embryo within the same cycle (e.g., biopsy on Day 5 morning, transfer on Day 6), or embryos can be frozen for a future Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET).
What happens if no normal embryos are found?
While disappointing, this is a valuable medical finding. It prevents a failed transfer or miscarriage of an unhealthy embryo. In such cases, the doctor may recommend a different protocol, lifestyle changes, or discuss egg/sperm donation options to achieve a healthy pregnancy.
Start Your Journey to Parenthood Today
Navigating fertility options abroad can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. PlacidWay partners with the top-rated, ISO-certified fertility centers in Cyprus to bring you safe, affordable, and high-success IVF packages.
Whether you are seeking family balancing or advanced genetic screening for a healthy pregnancy, our medical care team is here to guide you. Get a customized treatment plan and exclusive package pricing today.
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