IVF and ICSI in Iran: Steps, Timeline, Length of Stay and Choosing a Fertility Centre

IVF and ICSI: what is the difference?

According to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is very similar to IVF; the only difference is how eggs and sperm are brought together. In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into each egg.

ESHRE says many studies show ICSI does not improve the chance of success when there is no male factor infertility, so it should be restricted to male factor cases. Your doctor decides based on semen analysis.

The World Health Organization defines infertility as failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected intercourse, and estimates that about one in six people of reproductive age experience it in their lifetime.

IVF steps and timeline

This timeline is general. Your doctor sets your individual protocol.

How long to stay in Iran

With 8 to 14 days of stimulation and transfer up to six days after egg collection, most patients need to plan for several weeks for a full cycle. The exact length depends on your protocol.

Ask the centre whether you can start medication and early monitoring at home under a local doctor, and whether the pregnancy test can be done after you return. ESHRE notes that extra embryos can be frozen and that frozen embryo transfers can be just as successful as fresh ones; in that case the transfer may need a separate trip.

Legal and religious framework in Iran

According to a 2015 review in the Journal of Reproduction and Infertility, Iran's parliament, with reference to the opinions (fatwas) of Shiite clerics, enacted the Act concerning Embryo Donation to Infertile Couples and its bylaw. The Act permits embryo donation from legally married couples to infertile couples.

The same review notes that many legal aspects are not specified in the Act. If your treatment may involve embryo donation or similar options, ask the centre in writing about conditions, documents and legal steps before you travel.

How to choose a fertility centre

• The centre should be licensed by Iran's Ministry of Health and, for international patients, hold an IPD licence; fertility centres fall under this licensing.
• Your doctor's specialty, and who carries out monitoring, egg collection and transfer.
• The centre's policy on how many embryos are transferred; ESHRE says usually one is transferred and suitable extras are frozen.
• Costs of freezing and storing embryos and the terms for a later transfer.
• The language you can use with the doctor and embryologist.
• Do not choose on price or promised success rates alone.

Risks and what affects the outcome

ESHRE names the woman's age as the main factor and cites UK data in which women under 35 have about a 30% chance of having a baby, falling to under 3% for women over 44. Many people need several cycles, and some do not conceive despite many attempts. These are general figures and do not predict any centre's results.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) says up to 20% of cycles may be cancelled before egg retrieval, usually because of a low response, and up to 2% of women develop severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). ESHRE adds a small risk of bleeding or infection from the collection needle.

Companions, hotel and travel

The husband usually needs to be present for the sperm sample and consent forms; ask the centre which documents it needs, such as a marriage certificate. LSevin arranges a hotel near the centre and transfers on monitoring and collection days.

As of 26 October 2026 the UK advises against all travel to Iran. Read your own government's latest advisory before you book.