Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do research on a fertility clinic in North Cyprus before making a decision.
Choosing an IVF clinic in North Cyprus can be a tedious task, don’t simply pick the first one that returns your call; a fertility treatment is a big step and can also involve a lot of money and time. You want to choose the best.
Saying that, choosing a fertility clinic is personal and subjective. So ask your friends, doctor, and online support group for recommendations, but be sure to investigate any clinic you consider yourself.
When researching IVF clinics in North Cyprus, look for information:
- On their websites
- On Google (reviews)
- On 🍍 FertilityParadise.com 🍍
- By speaking to a patient coordinator over the phone
- By speaking with current or former patients (check local online support groups)
- By meeting and interviewing your doctor at a consultation (they are usually free)
Considering the Fertility Doctor
Like everywhere else in the world, a fertility clinic in North Cyprus is only as good as its doctors. Depending on how the clinic work, you may be assigned one doctor, or you may see different doctors on a rotating basis. Usually, you want only one doctor to take care of you.
Questions to consider when choosing a fertility clinic in North Cyprus are:
- Does the doctor or patient coordinator take time to answer your questions? Can you ask questions via email during testing and treatment? If they aren’t willing to meet with you before you choose them, then they may not have time for you when you’re a patient. Not being willing to answer your questions up front isn’t a good sign.
- Does your clinic have an andrologist on staff? A urologist? Reproductive surgeons? If you’re dealing with male infertility issues, having an andrologist or urologist is important, so they can work with a reproductive endocrinologist. If have endometriosis or any structural issues, a reproductive surgeon is a must.
- How long has the doctor been with the clinic? What about the patient coordinators? The longer people stay with the clinic, the more likely the working environment runs smoothly.
Questions to Ask About Cost, Testing and Treatment
Most coordinators will handle the financial aspects of testing and treatment. They should be able to answer your questions about the cost of your treatment in North Cyprus.
The cost of fertility treatments in North Cyprus vary little from a clinic to another. Be wary of clinics who offer an abnormally cheaper fees.
Questions to consider when choosing a fertility clinic in North Cyprus are:
- What insurance is accepted, if at all? North Cyprus is no part of the EU and your insurance will probably not reimburse your treatment.
- How much do tests and treatments cost? What do the quoted prices include? For example, when quoting the price for IVF does that include medications, testing and monitoring? Embryo storage? If not, how much does it cost?
- Do they have a payment program? Will you have to pay anything in advance? How much? If you’re doing IVF, what do you pay if your cycle is canceled before egg retrieval? What if it’s canceled before embryo transfer? Always ask when you are unsure.
- How much does embryo freezing and storage cost? What about a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle?
- Does the clinic offer any discounted options for accomodation and transportation? Fertility clinics in North Cyprus often have deals with local agencies.
Questions to Ask About Procedures and the Clinic’s Lab
- Is there an age cutoff for treatment? What about a cutoff for FSH levels?
- Where are procedures and tests done? Does the clinic have an on-site lab, or will you need to go elsewhere? If elsewhere, how far away is it from the clinic?
- What procedures are possible at this clinic? Do they do IVF? ICSI? Blastocyst transfer or other assisted reproductive technology options? Are the procedures performed at the clinic or elsewhere? If at a hospital, which hospital? Can certain tests and procedures be done in your home country?
- What donors are available? How do you choose your donor? Can you have a say? What about embryos? What if you decide to donate any of your leftover embryos, either to another infertile couple or to science? Is this allowed in North Cyprus?
- What procedures are they recommending for your particular case? Different clinics may recommend different treatment plans, and one may be more favorable to you.
- How many embryos are transferred in one cycle? And who decides how many embryos are transferred: the doctor or the you?
- Who decides whether or not the cycle is canceled if the response is not optimal? Can you request that the cycle be continued anyway, even if the possibility for success is low?
- Is the clinic a member of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART)? Do they adhere to ASRM guidelines?
- Do they report their IVF success statistics?
- Is the lab accredited by any international institution?
- Does the lab perform cryopreservation of embryos? What about eggs and sperm? Where are the embryos, eggs, or sperm stored? What emergency procedures do they have in the case of a power outage or earthquake?
Things to Consider About the Fertility Clinic in North Cyprus
Other factors to consider before choosing a fertility clinic in North Cyprus include the following:
- Where is the clinic? In North Cyprus, fertility clinics are in Kyrenia, Nicosia and Famagusta.
- Are the patient coordinators pleasant? You’ll likely be working with the clinic for months, and possibly years. Do they answer your questions? Are they courteous and helpful on the phone? Or do you feel like they are rushing you along?
- What days and hours is the clinic open? Are they open for the weekend? If not, how do they handle IVF or IUI transfers that need to occur on a Saturday or Sunday?
- Are there particular hours you can call to ask questions or get updates from your doctor or a nurse? How are calls handled that are outside of office hours?
- Do they offer any special services beyond basic fertility treatment? Do they have support groups? Mind-body workshop? Acupuncture on-site available right after embryo transfer?
Considering Success Rates of your Fertility Clinic in North Cyprus
Another important factor to consider is the clinic’s success rate. Having the highest success rate doesn’t necessarily mean the clinic is the best. Some clinics avoid taking on hard cases or refuse treatment to women above age 40 with their own eggs. This can obviously skew the statistics.
You should look at the live birth statistics for your age, and not just the pregnancy statistics (which will include miscarriages).
If a clinic promises you success, especially success in just one cycle, walk away. There’s no such thing as a 100% guarantee with IVF, no matter what reason for your infertility.