Embryo Adoption Process in Cyprus
The embryo adoption IVF process in Cyprus is generally similar to traditional IVF but with the major difference being that the embryos used are donated rather than created by the couple undergoing treatment.
Here’s the typical step-by-step process for embryo adoption IVF in Cyprus:
1. Initial Consultation
- The process begins with a consultation at a fertility clinic. During this initial meeting, the clinic will review your medical history, fertility history, and discuss the embryo adoption process.
- Some clinics in Cyprus offer specialized services for embryo adoption, which include pairing patients with available donated embryos that meet certain criteria.
- You will also be provided with information about embryo donors (whether anonymous or known), the legal framework for embryo donation in Cyprus, and any costs associated with the process.
2. Medical and Psychological Screening
- The clinic may require you to undergo a medical evaluation to ensure you are physically prepared for pregnancy. This typically includes:
- Blood tests to check for infections, hormone levels, and overall health.
- Ultrasound scans to evaluate the health of your uterus.
- Many clinics also suggest psychological counseling to help prepare you for the emotional aspects of embryo adoption.
3. Choosing Donor Embryos
- In Cyprus, embryos for adoption are generally donated by couples who have undergone IVF and have extra embryos that they don’t plan to use. These embryos are then made available for donation to other individuals or couples.
- The clinic will match you with embryos based on several factors such as:
- Health and genetic screening of the donors.
- Physical characteristics (such as age, ethnicity, blood type, etc.), if these are important to you.
- Embryo quality: Embryos are graded based on their development and quality.
- Some clinics offer open embryo donation, where you can know some details about the donor, while other clinics offer anonymous donation.
4. Preparing for the Embryo Transfer
- Once an embryo is selected, the next step is preparing the uterus for implantation. This involves a preparation phase that includes hormonal treatment to optimize the lining of the uterus for embryo transfer.
- You may be prescribed hormonal medications such as estrogen and progesterone to help prepare your uterus for embryo implantation. This preparation typically takes a few weeks.
- Your endometrial lining will be monitored through ultrasound scans to ensure it is thick and ready for embryo transfer.
5. Embryo Thawing and Transfer
- The frozen embryos are carefully thawed in the laboratory under highly controlled conditions. The embryologist will assess the embryos for quality once thawed.
- A single or multiple embryos are selected and transferred into your uterus through a non-invasive procedure using a thin catheter. This process is usually painless, though some women may experience mild cramping afterward.
- The embryo transfer is typically done under ultrasound guidance to ensure the embryos are placed in the optimal location in the uterus.
6. Pregnancy Test and Follow-Up
- After the embryo transfer, you will undergo a blood test around 10-14 days later to check for pregnancy.
- If the test is positive, you will have a follow-up ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and monitor its progress.
- If the test is negative, your clinic may recommend using frozen embryos for a second transfer or discuss next steps with you.
Legal Considerations for Embryo Adoption in Cyprus
Cyprus is one of the most favorable countries for fertility treatments, including embryo adoption, thanks to its liberal and clear fertility laws. These laws allow for both anonymous and open donation of embryos, which is important for international patients.
- Anonymous and Open Donations: Embryo donation in Cyprus is typically anonymous, but some clinics may allow for a more open donation process where you can know some information about the donor.
- Legal Parenthood: In Cyprus, legal parenthood is granted to the woman who carries the child, even if she is not the biological mother. If a surrogate is used, legal arrangements are made to ensure the intended parents are recognized as the child’s legal parents.
- Embryo Storage: Donated embryos are stored in cryopreservation facilities in Cyprus, and they can be kept for years if you wish to undergo additional transfers in the future.
Benefits of Embryo Adoption IVF in Cyprus
- Advanced Fertility Clinics: Cyprus has several well-established fertility clinics that specialize in embryo adoption and have a high success rate in IVF treatments.
- Affordable Option: Compared to countries like the U.S., the UK, and other European nations, IVF with embryo adoption in Cyprus is relatively affordable.
- Favorable Laws: Cyprus has favorable fertility laws and offers excellent protection and regulation for both embryo donors and recipients, making it an attractive destination for international patients.
- No Waiting List: Many clinics in Cyprus offer immediate access to embryos for adoption, which can be an advantage over waiting lists for egg or sperm donations in other countries.
- Internationally Recognized: Cyprus is a popular destination for medical tourism, and many fertility clinics are experienced in treating international patients.
Cost of Embryo Adoption IVF in Cyprus
The total cost of embryo adoption IVF in Cyprus depends on several factors, including the clinic you choose, the number of embryos you want to transfer, and whether you use a surrogate (if applicable). On average, the cost can range from €4,000 to €8,000 for a basic embryo adoption cycle. This typically includes:
- Embryo selection and transfer
- Egg/sperm donor screening
- Embryo thawing and preparation
- Medications (hormonal treatment)
Additional costs can include:
- Surrogacy fees (if applicable)
- Storage fees for embryos (if you wish to store extra embryos for future use)
- Consultations and legal fees