Georgia IVF Treatments and Surrogacy FAQs from Tbilisi

About Our Clinic and Getting Started

What is your Tbilisi Georgia IVF clinic? We are a fertility clinic, center, and hospital in Tbilisi offering IVF, ICSI, genetic testing, donor programs, freezing, and surrogacy coordination under one roof.
Are you an IVF center or an IVF hospital? Both. Consultations, laboratory work, procedures, and pregnancy testing take place in one hospital environment, so your care stays with one team.
Who works in your team? Gynecologists, embryologists, urologists, genetic counselors, nurses, and patient coordinators work together on each case.
Why do patients choose Georgia for IVF? Common reasons include an established legal framework for assisted reproduction, experienced clinicians, modern laboratories, and shorter waiting times than in many countries.
How do I start treatment? Contact our team to book a consultation, share your medical history and any previous test results, and we will outline your options.
Can the first consultation be online? Yes. Many patients begin online and complete some tests in their home country.
Which documents should I prepare? Passports, earlier test results, hormone reports, semen analysis, previous treatment records, and, for surrogacy, relationship documents.
How long does the first appointment take? The length varies with your history, and we allow enough time for your questions.
Do you communicate in languages other than English? Our international patient team offers multilingual communication. Ask your coordinator which languages are available for your case.
Will I have a personal coordinator? Yes. Each patient is assigned a coordinator who handles scheduling, questions, and logistics.
Do you guarantee pregnancy? No clinic can guarantee pregnancy. We explain realistic chances for your age and diagnosis.
Will you recommend extra procedures I do not need? We suggest add on procedures only when they are likely to help your case, and we explain the evidence honestly.

IVF and ICSI Treatment

What is IVF? In vitro fertilization collects eggs, fertilizes them with sperm in a laboratory, and places the resulting embryo into the uterus.
What is ICSI? A single sperm is injected directly into a mature egg. It is often used for male factor infertility or after fertilization problems.
Who needs IVF? Patients with blocked tubes, low ovarian reserve, endometriosis, male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or earlier unsuccessful treatments.
How long does an IVF cycle take? Stimulation usually lasts about 8 to 12 days, followed by egg retrieval and embryo culture of up to six days before transfer.
Which medications are used? Hormone injections stimulate the ovaries, and a trigger injection prepares the eggs for retrieval. Your protocol is personalized.
Is egg retrieval painful? It is performed under light sedation and takes a short time. Most patients go home the same day.
What happens to the eggs after retrieval? Our embryologists identify mature eggs, fertilize them by IVF or ICSI, and monitor their development.
What is a blastocyst? An embryo that has developed for five or six days. It is usually better suited for selection and transfer.
What is embryo transfer? A thin catheter places the selected embryo into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. No anesthesia is needed.
Is embryo transfer painful? Most patients describe it as comfortable, similar to a routine gynecological examination.
How many embryos are transferred? We usually recommend a single embryo to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy. The decision depends on your age and history.
When can I take a pregnancy test? About 9 to 12 days after transfer, a blood test measures beta hCG.
What if the first cycle does not work? We review the cycle with you and discuss changes such as a different protocol, embryo testing, or donor options.
How many cycles might I need? It varies. Some patients conceive in the first cycle, and others need several.
What is natural cycle IVF? It uses the single egg your body produces each month with minimal medication and suits only selected patients.
What is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome? It is an overreaction of the ovaries to medication. It is uncommon and carefully monitored, and we adjust protocols to lower the risk.
Can I work during treatment? Many patients keep working lightly, but you will need time for scans, retrieval day, and transfer day.
Are there side effects? Bloating, mild discomfort, and mood changes are common. Serious complications are uncommon, and your doctor explains all risks.

Age, Tests and Diagnosis

Does age affect IVF results? Yes. The age of the eggs is one of the strongest factors, because egg quantity and quality decline over time.
What is advanced maternal age? Usually age 35 or older. It is a statistical point rather than a cutoff.
What is AMH? A blood test that reflects the size of your remaining egg pool.
What is an antral follicle count? An ultrasound count of the small resting follicles in the ovaries.
Which tests do women need before IVF? Hormone tests, ultrasound, uterine assessment, infection screening, and, when needed, tubal assessment.
Which tests do men need? A semen analysis, infection screening, and sometimes a sperm DNA fragmentation test.
Can I complete tests in my home country? Many tests can be done at home and reviewed remotely. We tell you which ones to repeat.
What is unexplained infertility? No clear cause is found after standard tests. IVF may still help.
Does endometriosis affect IVF? It can affect egg quality and implantation, and the plan depends on how severe it is.
Can fibroids or polyps affect treatment? Some can interfere with implantation, so we assess them and may recommend treatment before transfer.
When should I see a specialist? After one year of trying if you are under 35, after six months if you are 35 or older, and earlier when risk factors exist.
Is there an age limit for treatment? Age is not the only factor. Our doctors assess your overall health, including blood pressure and heart health, before offering treatment.

Genetic Testing

What is PGT? Preimplantation genetic testing examines a few cells from an embryo before transfer.
What is PGT A? It screens embryos for the correct number of chromosomes and was formerly called PGS.
What is PGT M? It tests for a specific known inherited single gene condition and was formerly called PGD.
What is PGT SR? It is used when a parent carries a chromosomal rearrangement such as a translocation.
What is NGS? Next generation sequencing is the laboratory technology used to analyze embryo cells.
Does PGT harm the embryo? The biopsy is taken from the outer layer at the blastocyst stage and is designed to leave the inner cells untouched, though no procedure is entirely without risk.
How long do results take? Usually several days. Embryos are frozen while you wait, so transfer often happens in a later frozen cycle.
Is PGT necessary for everyone? No. It is often discussed for older patients, recurrent miscarriage, inherited conditions, or repeated unsuccessful cycles.
Can PGT guarantee a healthy baby? No. It lowers certain risks, and prenatal screening is still recommended.
Do you offer genetic counseling? Yes. Our counselors explain which test fits your situation and what the results mean.

Donor Programs

Do you offer egg donation? Yes. Donors undergo medical, genetic, infectious disease, and psychological screening.
Who may need donor eggs? Women with very low ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, repeated unsuccessful cycles, or a genetic risk.
Do you offer sperm donation? Yes, with donor screening. It is used for azoospermia, severe male factor infertility, or genetic risk.
Do you offer embryo donation? Yes, where allowed. Embryos are graded and screened under laboratory protocols, and recipients receive information about the screening completed.
Are donors anonymous? Policies are explained before treatment begins. Ask your coordinator about the rules that apply to your program.
Can I choose a donor? Matching is based on agreed characteristics such as blood group and physical traits.
How are donors screened? Through history review, infection testing, carrier screening, and psychological evaluation.
Are donor eggs fresh or frozen? Both can be used depending on the program, and your team explains the options.
What is tandem IVF? Your own eggs and a donor cycle are prepared in parallel, so a donor cycle is ready if your own eggs do not produce a viable embryo.
What is reciprocal IVF? One partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy, using donor sperm. Availability depends on the legal framework, so ask our team to confirm eligibility.
Will my child know about the donor? Decisions differ between families and countries, and many parents seek counseling before deciding how to talk about it.
Is donation legal in my home country? Rules differ between countries, so check with a lawyer at home before you begin.

Freezing and Frozen Embryo Transfer

What is vitrification? A very fast freezing method that prevents ice crystals from damaging eggs, sperm, and embryos.
Can I freeze my eggs? Yes, for medical or personal reasons, although freezing does not guarantee a future pregnancy.
Who should consider egg freezing? Women facing treatments that may harm fertility or planning to delay childbearing. Earlier freezing generally gives better chances.
Can I freeze sperm? Yes. It is common before cancer treatment or a vasectomy, and for convenience when traveling for treatment.
Can I freeze embryos? Yes. Surplus good quality embryos can be stored for later cycles.
How long can samples be stored? Storage terms are set in your agreement and depend on applicable rules. Consent is renewed periodically.
What is frozen embryo transfer? A thawed embryo is placed into a prepared uterus in a later cycle.
Why choose a frozen transfer? Reasons include waiting for genetic results, avoiding hyperstimulation, preparing the lining carefully, or using leftover embryos.
How is the uterus prepared? Through a natural cycle, a modified natural cycle, or a medicated cycle with estrogen and progesterone, monitored by ultrasound.
Do frozen embryos survive thawing? Most good quality vitrified embryos do, and survival is checked before transfer.

Male Fertility

What is azoospermia? The absence of sperm in the ejaculate.
What are TESA and TESE? Surgical sperm retrieval methods. TESA uses a fine needle, and TESE removes a small piece of testicular tissue.
What is micro TESE? A technique that uses a microscope to find sperm producing tubes while removing very little tissue.
Is sperm retrieval painful? It is done under anesthesia. Mild discomfort and swelling can follow for a few days.
What is a sperm chip? A microfluidic device that selects motile sperm gently, without spinning the sample.
What is sperm DNA fragmentation? Damage to the genetic material in sperm. A test may be advised after repeated unsuccessful cycles.
What is ROSI? Injection of immature round spermatids. It is considered experimental with limited success and is discussed only in selected cases.
Can lifestyle improve sperm quality? Stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, keeping a healthy weight, exercising, and managing stress can support sperm health.

Costs and Planning

How much does IVF cost in Georgia? Cost depends on your protocol, medication, and additional procedures. We provide an itemized written estimate before you commit.
What does the estimate include? Consultation, monitoring, procedures, laboratory work, and transfer. Medication and extras are clearly separated.
Are medications included? It depends on your plan, and your coordinator states this clearly in writing.
Are genetic tests extra? They are usually priced separately, per embryo or per cycle.
Is there a payment plan? Ask your coordinator which payment options are available for your treatment.
Does insurance cover IVF? Coverage varies by insurer and country, so check your policy.
Are repeat cycles cheaper? Some programs may offer specific conditions for additional attempts. We explain what applies to you.
How can I compare clinics fairly? Ask for itemized quotes, success data by age group, laboratory details, and what happens if a cycle fails.

Travel and Stay

How long must I stay in Tbilisi? For standard IVF, often two to three weeks around retrieval and transfer, and some monitoring may be done at home.
Can my home doctor monitor stimulation? In many cases yes, with coordination from our team.
How many trips are needed? Often one. A second trip may be needed for a frozen transfer or extra procedures.
Do you help with accommodation? Our coordinators give guidance and recommendations for your stay.
Do I need a visa? It depends on your citizenship, so check the entry rules for your passport before booking.
Is it safe to fly after transfer? Most patients can travel, but discuss the timing with your doctor.
Should my partner come with me? Male partners may be needed for sperm collection, and support on retrieval and transfer days helps. Surrogacy legal steps may also require attendance.
What should I pack? Passports, medical records, a medication list, and comfortable clothing.
What if my cycle timing changes? The retrieval date can move by a few days, so flexible tickets are wise.
Do you arrange airport transfers? Ask your coordinator which transfer and logistics services are available.

Surrogacy Legal Questions

Is surrogacy legal in Georgia? Yes. Gestational surrogacy is regulated by national law and available to eligible couples, but confirm the current position when you begin.
Who can use surrogacy in Georgia? Under the current framework, heterosexual couples who are married, and under some interpretations couples in a documented relationship of at least one year.
Can single people use surrogacy? The framework is built for couples. Any claim to the contrary should be confirmed in writing by a lawyer.
Can same sex couples use surrogacy? They are not covered by the legal framework.
Can foreigners use surrogacy in Georgia? Eligible foreign couples have been able to, although restrictions have been proposed, so confirm the latest position first.
Has the law changed? Proposals to limit surrogacy to citizens have been discussed, but they had not replaced the existing framework at the time of writing.
Is a medical reason required? Yes, such as absence of a uterus, a serious uterine condition, or a health risk that makes pregnancy unsafe.
Who is the legal parent? The intended parents are the legal parents, and the surrogate has no parental rights.
Is the surrogate named on the birth certificate? No.
Is adoption required? Not under the framework in Georgia, although your home country may have its own requirements.
Can the surrogate also be the egg donor? No. The roles are kept separate.
Can donor eggs be used in surrogacy? Yes, with written consent, but discuss the effect on recognition in your home country.
Is surrogate compensation allowed? Yes, under a properly documented agreement.
Is the agreement notarized? Yes. It is signed and notarized before embryo transfer.
Do I need my own lawyer? We recommend independent legal advice in your own country as well.
Is surrogacy legal in my home country? That is a separate question governed by your own law, so ask a specialist lawyer before you start.
What if the law changes during my program? Ask your IVF clinic about contingency plans, contract terms, and what would happen to embryos already created.
Do you offer traditional surrogacy? No. Our programs use gestational surrogacy only.
Can I choose the baby's sex? Sex selection is considered only where there is a documented medical reason, such as a sex linked genetic condition.
How do I check that a program is legal? Ask for the legal basis in writing, a notarized agreement, a list of documents, and the chance for your lawyer to review everything.

Surrogacy Process and Care

What are the main steps? Consultation, medical evaluation, embryo creation, surrogate matching, agreement, transfer, pregnancy care, birth, and registration.
How long does the whole process take? It commonly takes well over a year from first consultation to bringing your baby home.
How are surrogates selected? Through medical, psychological, and background screening and a review of previous pregnancies.
Can I meet the surrogate? That depends on the agreement and the program. Ask your coordinator.
Can I choose my surrogate? Matching is based on suitability and program rules, and your coordinator explains how it works.
How is voluntary consent confirmed? Risks are explained, the surrogate has time to read the agreement, and she is free to ask questions and raise concerns.
Who pays for the surrogate's medical care? This is set out in the agreement, including insurance and care during and after pregnancy.
What if the first transfer fails? We review the cycle and plan another transfer. The agreement states the terms.
What if there is a miscarriage? The agreement describes how it is handled, and medical support is provided.
Can I use embryos I already have? Yes, if the creation and freezing history is fully documented.
Can embryos be shipped to Georgia? Yes, with proper documentation and a licensed cryogenic courier.
Will I receive updates during the pregnancy? Yes, according to the agreement and program rules.
Do I need to be present at the birth? Many parents wish to be, so plan a flexible stay around the due date.
Which documents are issued along the way? The notarized agreement, embryo transfer certificate, birth notification, childbirth certificate, and birth certificate.
Who arranges the maternity hospital? The program arranges delivery at a suitable maternity hospital.
How is the surrogate supported after birth? Through postnatal checks and support as described in the agreement.
What if the pregnancy is multiple? Single embryo transfer lowers this risk, and the agreement addresses how it is managed.
What ethical safeguards exist? Careful screening, informed consent, fair and documented payment, insurance, and support for the surrogate.

After Birth and Your Home Country

How is the birth registered? The birth notification and notarized agreement go to the civil registry, which issues a birth certificate naming the intended parents.
How long does registration take? Usually several business days, so allow flexibility in your travel plans.
How do I get my baby's passport? Apply through your embassy or consulate using the Georgian birth certificate.
Will my country recognize my child? That depends on your home law, so check before starting treatment.
Might a DNA test be required? Some countries ask for one as evidence of the genetic link.
What if my country does not recognize surrogacy? You may face legal risk, so seek specialist advice before you begin.
Can I take my baby home right away? Only after birth registration and travel documents are complete. Timing varies by country.
How long should I plan to stay after birth? It depends on paperwork, so plan a flexible period of several weeks.
Who helps with the paperwork? Our coordinators and legal advisors guide you through each document.
What if a document contains an error? Correct it early, because errors can delay registration and passport applications.
Do I need translations or apostilles? Often yes. Requirements depend on the issuing country and the authority receiving the document.
How do I begin a surrogacy program? Contact our team in Tbilisi, Georgia to book a consultation, and bring your relationship documents and questions.