Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers to the questions we hear most from new patients — on process, costs, travel, legal matters, and medical expectations.
IVF Process & Timeline
How long does an IVF cycle take, and how long do I need to be in Saipan?
The stimulation and egg retrieval phase requires 10–14 days in Saipan. If you proceed with a frozen embryo transfer (our standard recommendation), the transfer visit is a separate 4–5 day trip, typically 8–12 weeks later. Total from first consultation to pregnancy test: 10–16 weeks. Most of this time is spent at home.
What is PGT-A and why is it included in your packages?
PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies) is chromosomal screening of embryos before transfer. It identifies which embryos are chromosomally normal (euploid), significantly improving transfer success rates and reducing miscarriage risk. For women over 35, it's particularly important. We include it as standard because it makes a meaningful difference to outcomes and avoids surprise costs.
What happens if I don't get any euploid embryos?
If no euploid embryos result from your first retrieval, we discuss options: a second retrieval cycle to accumulate more embryos, or in some cases, reconsidering the approach entirely. Our team is transparent about the realistic probabilities for your age and ovarian reserve before you begin. We never oversell expected outcomes.
Do I need to come with a partner for the egg retrieval?
Partners are welcome and encouraged, especially for sperm collection on retrieval day. However, if your partner cannot travel, sperm can be frozen in advance at a clinic near your home and shipped to Saipan. Our team will coordinate this.
Can I do monitoring at a local clinic before traveling to Saipan?
Yes. Pre-treatment testing (baseline bloodwork and ultrasound) can be done at a clinic near your home. We send you a specific test list. Once you arrive in Saipan, all monitoring is done at our facility.
What is the process for a fresh vs frozen embryo transfer?
Fresh transfer occurs 5–6 days after retrieval in the same visit, avoiding the need for a second trip. However, fresh transfer means no PGT-A testing (no time to wait for results) and potentially suboptimal endometrial conditions. Frozen embryo transfer (FET) with PGT-A is our standard recommendation as it typically results in better outcomes.
Costs & Payments
What is the all-in cost for one IVF cycle for an international patient?
The Self IVF package starts from USD $26,000. Adding stimulation medications ($1,500–3,000) and travel, the total estimated investment typically ranges USD $29,000–32,000. This includes PGT-A genetic testing, all monitoring, retrieval, embryo culture, and one frozen embryo transfer.
Are there hidden fees?
No. Our package prices include all listed clinical components. Medications and travel are excluded and itemized separately. We provide full cost disclosure before treatment begins.
What if I need a second transfer cycle?
Second and subsequent frozen embryo transfers from your existing embryos are significantly less expensive than a full new cycle — contact us for current pricing. If you need a new retrieval cycle, that's priced as a new package.
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
We can discuss payment arrangements during your consultation. Please ask your coordinator about current options.
Travel & Logistics
Do I need a US visa to visit Saipan?
No. Under the CNMI Visa Waiver Program, eligible travelers from participating countries can enter Saipan without a US visa. You need a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity. Confirm your eligibility with official US immigration resources before travel.
How do I get to Saipan?
Saipan is connected by regular direct flights from several major cities across Asia, with flight times typically ranging from 3.5 to 5 hours depending on origin. Multiple Asian and US carriers serve the island.
What accommodation do you recommend?
Saipan has a range of hotels from budget to resort. Most patients stay at mid-range hotels near the clinic ($100–150/night). Some couples prefer apartment rentals for longer stays. We can provide specific recommendations based on your budget and preferences.
Should I get travel insurance?
Yes, strongly recommended. Get a policy that includes medical coverage, trip cancellation, and ideally coverage for changes due to medical necessity. IVF timing can shift by 1–2 days, so flexible flights and insurance are worthwhile.
Legal & Documentation
Is surrogacy legal in Saipan?
Yes. Gestational surrogacy is legal under US federal law, which applies in Saipan. CNMI courts issue pre-birth orders that name intended parents as the legal parents before birth. Children born through our surrogacy program are US citizens at birth under the 14th Amendment.
Can same-sex couples use your surrogacy program?
Yes. US federal law does not restrict surrogacy based on sexual orientation or marital status. We welcome single individuals and same-sex couples.
What documents does my baby need to leave Saipan?
Your baby will have a US birth certificate and can apply for a US passport (2–4 weeks processing). Your home country's consulate or embassy in Saipan or the US handles registration of your baby's citizenship in your home country. We assist with this coordination.
Medical Questions
What success rates can I expect?
Success rates in the U.S. are reported by age group under the CDC / SART uniform standard (Fertility Clinic Success Rate & Certification Act). National live-birth rates per transfer generally run higher for patients under 35 and decline with age and ovarian reserve. Saipan IVF Center specific figures are published in the CDC ART Fertility Clinic Success Rate Report and the SART member database. Your personal prognosis depends on age, AMH, antral follicle count, diagnosis, and stimulation response: after reviewing your labs we give you an individualized estimate rather than a generic percentage. CDC ART report: https://www.cdc.gov/art/ivf-report/
What if I have low ovarian reserve or poor egg quality?
Low ovarian reserve doesn't necessarily mean IVF won't work — it may mean we need to adjust your stimulation protocol or plan for additional retrieval cycles. Our team evaluates your AMH level and antral follicle count before recommending a plan. We are honest about prognosis and will not recommend treatment unlikely to succeed.
Do you offer egg donation if I cannot use my own eggs?
Yes. Our egg bank works with FDA-screened donors who complete comprehensive medical, genetic, and psychological screening. Donor availability and matching are arranged confidentially based on clinical suitability. Contact us for details and current availability.
Can I bring my own medications from home?
Yes, in most cases. Stimulation medications can be purchased in your home country (often at lower cost) and brought to Saipan with the appropriate documentation. Our team provides a detailed medication list and can advise on import requirements.
Still Have Questions?
Our coordinators are available via WhatsApp, WeChat, and email. We reply within a few hours, in Mandarin or English.