IVF and Surrogacy FAQs in Tbilisi, Georgia

We welcome questions about fertility care at Clinic Atlas in Tbilisi, Georgia. The answers below offer general information about treatment options, preparation and planning. Your care plan depends on an individual assessment by our specialist, who can discuss what may be suitable for you.

Starting Fertility Care

What is IVF and who may consider it?

IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a treatment in which eggs are collected and combined with sperm in a laboratory. If an embryo develops, it may be transferred to the uterus. We may discuss IVF when fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, when sperm related fertility difficulties are present, with endometriosis or unexplained fertility problems, or when other approaches have not helped or are not suitable. The right option depends on your individual assessment, test results, health and preferences. IVF does not guarantee pregnancy or birth.

How do I begin treatment at Clinic Atlas?

Begin by arranging an initial consultation with us. Bring any available fertility test results and treatment records, relevant medical and surgical history, pregnancy history, menstrual cycle information, and a list of current medicines, supplements and allergies. If a partner is involved, their relevant medical history and any semen analysis results may also be useful.Ask which further assessments may be appropriate, what each test can and cannot show, whether both partners should be assessed, and what benefits, risks, costs and alternatives apply to any treatment discussed. The first discussion can help identify questions and possible next steps. It may not establish the cause of difficulty conceiving or determine a suitable treatment without further assessment.

Which tests may be needed before IVF?

Before IVF, we review your medical and reproductive history and may recommend an examination. Depending on your circumstances, assessment can include blood tests related to hormone function or ovarian reserve, ultrasound or other imaging of the uterus and ovaries, and a semen analysis. Further hormone or genetic tests may be considered when your history or initial findings make them relevant. Tests vary from person to person, and our specialist will explain which assessments may help guide care. Not everyone needs every test.

Assessment for the person providing eggs

Depending on your history, assessment may include hormone tests, ultrasound and a review of the uterus and ovaries. Your specialist will explain which tests are relevant to your circumstances.

Assessment for the person providing sperm

A semen analysis and review of medical history may be discussed. Additional tests depend on the results and the specialist assessment.

Can I complete tests in my home country?

We may be able to coordinate some tests or monitoring in your home country. Please contact us before arranging them so we can confirm that each test is suitable, that it is done at the right time, and that results and any follow up can be safely coordinated with your clinicians. Some assessments may need to take place in Tbilisi. We will confirm what applies to your care.

IVF Treatment FAQs

How long does IVF take and how long may I need to stay in Tbilisi?

An IVF cycle can take several weeks, but the schedule varies. It depends on your treatment plan, how your body responds to medication, the scans and blood tests needed, and whether embryo transfer is planned in the same cycle. If embryos are frozen or tested before transfer, transfer may happen later and could require another visit.If you are travelling, ask us before booking whether any scans or tests can be arranged near home. This depends on your treatment plan and is not always possible. We can discuss your likely schedule after reviewing your records, but we cannot promise a fixed stay duration.

What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?

In conventional IVF, we place sperm and eggs together in the laboratory so fertilization can occur. With ICSI, an embryologist injects one sperm directly into an egg. ICSI may be considered for specific clinical reasons, such as a very low sperm count or a previous IVF cycle in which few or no eggs fertilized. It is not a universal upgrade, and using ICSI does not guarantee a higher chance of pregnancy or birth. We recommend an approach based on individual clinical assessment.

What happens during egg retrieval and what are the possible risks?

In a typical IVF cycle, medication stimulates the ovaries, with the response followed through scans and sometimes blood tests. The medicines, doses and timing are selected for the individual. During retrieval, a fine needle guided by an ultrasound probe is used to collect fluid from ovarian follicles. Sedation or anesthesia may be used. We discuss the proposed medication and sedation plan with you, as well as how your health and treatment response may affect it.Temporary pelvic discomfort or cramping and light vaginal bleeding can occur. Less common complications include infection, bleeding or injury to nearby structures. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can develop after stimulation, and ovarian twisting or a reaction to anesthesia are also possible. Risks vary between individuals. Discuss your personal risk factors with your specialist. Seek medical advice promptly for severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, fever, faintness, shortness of breath or persistent vomiting.

What happens during embryo transfer and when can I test for pregnancy?

During embryo transfer, an embryo is placed in the uterus through a thin, soft tube passed through the cervix. The number of embryos transferred is decided with you based on your individual circumstances. A single embryo transfer is often considered because transferring more than one can increase the chance of twins or more and related health risks. We will give you the date to take a pregnancy test for your treatment plan. Please follow that date, as testing too early can give an unreliable result.

Genetic Testing and Donor Treatment

What are PGT A, PGT M and PGT SR, and can PGT guarantee a healthy baby?

Preimplantation genetic testing examines a small sample of cells from an embryo. Different types of testing look for different genetic or chromosomal findings.

PGT A

PGT A assesses the number of chromosomes in the sampled cells.

PGT M

PGT M looks for a specific known gene change associated with an inherited condition.

PGT SR

PGT SR is used when a parent has an identified chromosome rearrangement. The test looks for related chromosome changes in the sampled cells.A biopsy samples only a small number of cells. Results may be inconclusive or may not represent every cell in the embryo. PGT does not assess every health condition and cannot guarantee implantation, pregnancy, birth or a healthy baby. We encourage you to discuss whether testing is appropriate and what the results may mean with a fertility specialist and a genetic counselor.

When may egg, sperm or embryo donation be considered?

We may discuss donor eggs, donor sperm or donated embryos when a person does not produce eggs or sperm, when their own eggs or sperm are unlikely to lead to pregnancy, or when there is a significant risk of passing on an inherited condition. Which option, if any, is suitable depends on clinical assessment and individual circumstances. Suitability and availability also depend on informed consent, local rules and any laws that apply in your home country. We cannot confirm eligibility or legal status in a general FAQ.

How do we screen and match donors, and what information may recipients receive?

Donor care may include review of health and family history, appropriate infection testing and genetic risk assessment. Screening cannot identify every risk. We explain the proposed tests and information sharing, and obtain required consent before proceeding.

Donor matching and information

Matching may use relevant medical and genetic information. Nonidentifying donor details may be available depending on the records and applicable rules. Access to identifying information varies by jurisdiction and donation arrangement. Direct to consumer DNA testing can sometimes reveal genetic relationships, so anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Ask us which screening, matching and donor information practices apply to your case.

Freezing and Male Fertility

Can I freeze eggs, sperm or embryos, and what is a frozen embryo transfer?

Cryopreservation means freezing eggs, sperm or embryos for possible use in fertility treatment later. Depending on your treatment plan, eggs may be thawed and fertilized in a laboratory, sperm may be thawed for treatment, or an embryo may be stored for a later transfer. A frozen embryo transfer is when an embryo created earlier is thawed and placed in the uterus in a later treatment cycle. The cycle may follow natural ovulation or use medicines to prepare the uterine lining.Whether freezing is suitable depends on your circumstances and the material available. Not all eggs, sperm or embryos survive freezing and thawing, and freezing does not guarantee a future pregnancy. Storage consent, how long material can be kept and fees depend on your agreement with the clinic and applicable local rules. We can discuss the options and costs with you.

What options may be considered for male factor infertility?

We start with a reproductive history and one or more semen analyses. If results are abnormal or infertility is suspected, a male reproductive specialist can assess the history and arrange other tests when indicated.

Sperm retrieval procedures

If sperm are not found in the ejaculate, surgical retrieval may be considered according to the likely cause. Options can include testicular sperm aspiration, called TESA, testicular sperm extraction, called TESE, or microTESE, which uses microsurgery to search testicular tissue. These procedures are not suitable for everyone.

Other methods

Sperm chip selection and sperm DNA fragmentation testing are not routine tests for everyone. They may be discussed when the clinical situation makes them relevant, but evidence that sperm chips improve treatment outcomes remains uncertain. ROSI, which injects a round spermatid into an egg, has limited evidence and is not a routine established treatment. Our specialist can explain the uncertainties and other options.

Costs and Travel

How much does IVF cost and what should a written estimate include?

IVF costs depend on the treatment plan and what is included, so we cannot give one reliable price here. We recommend asking us for a written, itemized estimate before treatment. It should list medication, laboratory charges, donor related services where applicable, tests, any proposed genetic testing, freezing, storage and the cost of each additional embryo transfer. It should also explain cancellation or delay terms and which costs may still be payable. Insurance coverage differs by policy and country, so please confirm directly with your insurer what treatment is covered and what conditions apply.

What should international patients plan when travelling to Tbilisi, including from Batumi?

Clinic Atlas is in Tbilisi, not Batumi. If you are travelling from Batumi, plan time and transport for appointments in Tbilisi. Before booking, contact us with your proposed dates and ask which visits must be at the clinic, which tests and records to send ahead, and whether any monitoring near home can be arranged. IVF can involve several appointments and tests, and the plan varies, so keep your itinerary and return booking flexible.Check current visa and entry requirements for your passport and trip with official Georgian authorities. If you have an embryo transfer, ask your treating clinician when to fly, since advice depends on your individual care. Any local tests or monitoring should be agreed with us in advance.

Surrogacy in Georgia

Who may be eligible for surrogacy in Georgia, and what should I know about the law?

Georgian law contains provisions concerning IVF with a gestational carrier in specified circumstances. A general FAQ cannot determine how those provisions apply to every family or confirm how another country will recognize parentage. Requirements may change, and rules in your home country may differ.Before making a commitment, obtain current information from relevant official authorities and independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer in Georgia and a lawyer in your home country. Ask about eligibility, parentage, birth registration, citizenship and travel documents. Medical suitability also requires individual assessment.

What are the surrogacy steps, and how are consent, birth records and travel handled?

At a high level, the process may include medical and psychosocial assessment of the gestational carrier, embryo creation through IVF, a written agreement, embryo transfer and pregnancy care. The specific steps depend on the medical plan and the applicable legal requirements.

Consent and independent advice

Everyone involved should have time to understand the process, risks and responsibilities. Consent should be informed and voluntary. We encourage each party to obtain independent legal advice before signing an agreement. The gestational carrier retains the right to make decisions about her own medical care.

Birth records and travel documents

Birth registration, parentage records, citizenship and travel documents depend on the relevant authorities and the laws that apply to the case. Confirm the required documents with independent legal counsel and the appropriate authorities before treatment. Processing times can vary, so we cannot guarantee a timeline or a particular outcome.

Contact Clinic Atlas

Contact our team in Tbilisi to discuss your questions and arrange an individual assessment. Our specialist can review your circumstances and explain possible next steps.