IVF in Portugal – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Choose Portugal for Egg Donation and IVF?
What makes Portugal an attractive destination for IVF and egg donation?
Portugal is a top choice for IVF and egg donation thanks to its high success rates, advanced medical technology, and skilled fertility specialists. The country’s supportive fertility laws make treatment accessible to international patients aged up to 50, single women and same-sex female couples.
One of the biggest advantages of fertility treatment in Portugal is shorter waiting times. Portugal’s internationally accredited clinics offer top-quality care while ensuring privacy and confidentiality. The country’s beautiful landscapes, mild climate, and welcoming atmosphere add to its appeal, making the journey both effective and enjoyable.
How do Portuguese fertility clinics compare internationally?
Portuguese fertility clinics are comparable to other leading European countries, with modern facilities, high IVF success rates (around 60% on average), and short waiting times.
Costs of IVF treatments are lower than in countries like the UK or the US. Portugal’s clinics are known for their experienced medical staff who speak multiple foreign languages, making it easier for international patients to get quality care.
Why do international patients choose Portugal for fertility treatments?
International patients choose Portugal for their treatments for its top-quality care, affordable prices, and high success rates (around 60% on average). The country’s accredited clinics offer advanced IVF and egg donation treatment with short waiting times and patient-friendly laws. Many top clinics support international patients with travel and accommodation assistance, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Are Portuguese fertility clinics recognized for any specific medical advancements?
Yes, Portuguese fertility clinics are known for their expertise, especially in egg donation, with highly successful and well-regulated treatments such as the Embryoscope for embryo development monitoring, personalized treatment plans, using AI (artificial intelligence) in treatments, and others.
How accessible are Portuguese clinics for international patients in terms of travel
and accommodation?
Portuguese fertility clinics are easy to reach for international patients, with major airports in Lisbon and Porto offering direct flights from many countries. Additionally, Portugal’s efficient public transportation system and a range of affordable taxis help international patients easily reach clinics from airports or other locations. Many IVF clinics also help with travel and accommodation, making this process even smoother.
Costs and Affordability
How much does IVF with egg donation cost in Portugal?
The cost of IVF with egg donation in Portugal typically ranges between €6,500 and €7,500 per cycle. This price covers the donor selection, egg donation processes, and the IVF treatment,
Additional costs can include: genetic testing or embryo/sperm freezing, medication, storage, and others. However, Portugal remains a more affordable option for most international couples than other European countries, the US, or the UK.
How does the cost of IVF in Portugal compare to other European countries?
The cost of IVF in Portugal is generally more affordable than in many other European countries. Basic IVF starts at around €4,000, while IVF with egg donation is from €6,500 (compared to €9,400 in the UK). Portuguese clinics are the perfect choice for international couples who look for advanced IVF technologies with high success rates at affordable prices.
Are there all-inclusive packages available for IVF treatments in Portugal?
Yes, Portuguese fertility clinics offer all-inclusive packages for IVF treatments. These packages often cover services such as initial consultations, IVF treatments, follow-up care, logistics, and others making treatment easier for international patients.
What is included in the standard cost of IVF in Portugal?
Although specifics can vary, the standard cost of IVF in Portugal typically covers the IVF procedure with ICSI, including consultations, ovarian stimulation, monitoring, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture and embryo transfer.
The standard price of fertility treatments may not include optional procedures like preimplantation genetic testing of embryos (PGT), embryo freezing, or egg donation, which are often offered as add-ons. Couples need to confirm with the clinic what exactly is included in the treatment or get a detailed breakdown of what each package contains before they begin the treatment.
Are medications and follow-up consultations included in the treatment costs?
IVF costs in Portugal might include medications, and this depends on a clinic and treatment plan patients will choose. Confirm the final price with the clinic, as some may charge separately for medications, especially if patients require specialized drugs or dosages.
Follow-up consultations with ultrasounds, blood tests, and other check-ups might be included in the treatment cost. Again, it’s always a good idea to check with the clinic to confirm what’s included.
Egg Donors and Screening
Are egg donors in Portugal anonymous or known?
In Portugal, egg donation is non-anonymous, meaning children born from donor eggs can learn the donor’s identity when they turn 18. This change, made in 2018, ensures all donors are known to the children they help conceive.
The Portuguese law allows egg recipients to get detailed donor profiles, including physical traits (height, weight, hair color, eye color, and skin tone), age, medical history and education, while still protecting the donor’s privacy during treatment. The move to non-anonymous egg donations has been widely accepted, with many donors agreeing to continue under these terms.
What are the legal requirements for egg donors in Portugal?
In Portugal, oocyte donors must be between 18 and 34 years old, and undergo comprehensive medical and psychological screenings to ensure they are physically and mentally fit for the donation process. This evaluation helps minimize health risks and ensure that only healthy candidates can participate in egg donation. Donors are not paid but receive around €1,000 per donation to cover their expenses.
Egg donors can donate a maximum of four times in their lifetime, with a minimum three-month gap between donations. This rule protects their well-being and guarantees genetic diversity among children conceived through donation.
How are egg donors recruited and screened in Portugal?
In Portugal, egg donors are recruited through fertility clinics and online platforms. IVF clinics often promote donor recruitment through informational sessions and outreach programs to raise awareness about the donation process.
Potential donors must be between 18 and 34 years old, in good mental and physical health, and free from serious hereditary diseases.
Can recipients choose specific characteristics of their egg donor?
In Portugal, egg donation recipients can select specific traits of their donor. Clinics offer detailed profiles with physical characteristics like height, weight, hair and eye color, or skin tone.
Recipients can also learn about the donor’s age, blood type, medical history, and education, helping them choose a donor who closely matches their preferences.
What ethnic diversity is available among egg donors in Portugal?
In Portugal, there is a wide range of egg donors from various ethnic backgrounds due to the country’s multicultural environment. While most donors are Portuguese, fertility clinics also have donors from Hispanic, African/Black, Arab, and other ethnic groups. This diversity helps egg recipients find a donor that closely matches their desired characteristics and genetic traits.
How does Portugal ensure the health and safety of egg donors?
Portugal follows rigorous health evaluations to protect women who participate in egg donation. Each donor discusses family history of inherited conditions, undergoes medical and psychological evaluations, including health checks, blood tests, and genetic screenings. To protect the donor’s well-being, Portuguese laws set a life-time limit for donors of four donations with a mandatory three-month interval between them.
Are psychological evaluations part of the donor screening process?
Psychological testing is a key part of the donor screening process in Portugal. Egg donors undergo assessments to ensure they are mentally and emotionally ready for donation. These evaluations help identify any concerns about the donor’s motivation, understanding of the process, and overall mental health.
Is there an age limit for egg donors in Portugal?
In Portugal, the age limit for egg donors is set between 18 and 34 years old. This age range was set to ensure that donors are healthy and able to produce quality eggs. Donors must undergo strict medical and psychological screenings to confirm they are fit for the process, reducing risks for both the donor and the recipient.
Egg Donation and Matching Process
What is the process for egg donation in Portugal?
The oocyte donation process involves several key steps to ensure the health and safety of both donors and recipients. Women who wish to donate undergo detailed screening. Once approved, they receive hormonal treatment to produce eggs.
After stimulation, the eggs are retrieved, fertilized, and the embryos are monitored before being transferred to the recipient’s uterus or frozen for later use. Donors also receive counseling and support to ensure they are fully informed and comfortable throughout the process.
How does the donor matching process work in Portuguese clinics?
The matching procedure includes several steps to help recipients find a donor that meets their preferences. It begins with a medical consultation during which the clinic assesses recipients needs and discusses the option of using donor eggs.
Next, recipients discuss their desired donor characteristics such as physical traits and medical history. The clinic then presents suitable donor options. If a match doesn’t meet patients’ expectations, the clinic continues to support them in finding a better fit.
How long does it typically take to be matched with an egg donor?
The time to match with an egg donor in Portugal usually takes from a few days to a couple of weeks. After the initial consultation, where recipients discuss their preferences, clinics reserve a proposed donor.
Recipients can review the donor profile and confirm their choice. If they’re not happy with the match, the fertility clinic will help to find another donor, making the process flexible and fairly quick.
Can recipients bring their own egg donor to Portugal?
In Portugal, recipients must use an egg donor registered with the clinic for IVF treatments. The law mandates that all donors undergo comprehensive medical and psychological screenings as part of the process. However if you are a same-sex female couple, you might be able to use the oocytes from your partner, the procedure is called ROPA (Reception of Oocytes from Partner).
Are there options for shared or exclusive donor cycles?
Yes, Portuguese clinics offer both shared and exclusive donor cycles to fit different preferences and budgets. In an exclusive cycle, the donor dedicates all her retrieved eggs to help one recipient. In a shared cycle, the eggs from one donor help multiple families build their families, making the process more affordable while still receiving excellent treatment.
Is it possible to select donor characteristics such as education or interests?
Intended parents in Portugal can explore detailed profiles and choose specific traits for their egg donor. Clinics provide a full picture of potential donors that cover physical traits like height, weight, hair and eye color, as well as educational and occupational information. This helps future parents learn more about the donor’s lifestyle and background and understand if it resonates with their vision.
How do clinics in Portugal ensure compatibility between donor and recipient?
Clinics in Portugal take great care and use a thorough matching process to ensure compatibility between egg donors and recipients. The process begins with understanding physical traits like hair color, eye color, and height to find a donor who closely mirrors the recipient’s appearance.
To make the matching process better, advanced technologies, such as facial recognition, may be used. Clinics also check that the donor and recipient have compatible blood types that impacts on increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Success Rates and Risks
What are the success rates for IVF with donor eggs in Portugal?
In Portugal, the success rates for IVF with oocyte donation are notably high, making it a great option for many couples who wish to build their families.
According to recent data, the success rate for fresh embryo transfers using donor eggs is approximately 52.6%, while the success rate for frozen embryo transfers is around 40%. The cumulative success rate is 60% and above, and some clinics even report a 65% success rate for IVF with donor eggs. These statistics reflect the effectiveness of the treatment in Portuguese IVF clinics.
Are success rates independently verified and published?
Yes, the success rates for IVF with donor eggs in Portugal are tracked and verified. The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) regularly analyses and reports IVF success rates from different countries, including Portugal.
What factors contribute to the success rates in Portugal?
IVF in Portugal has an excellent success rate, thanks to several important factors. One of the biggest advantages is the age of egg donors—since most are under 35, their eggs are of higher quality that increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Clinics use cutting-edge technologies, like preimplantation genetic testing, to carefully select the healthiest embryos for transfer, further improving success rates. But just as important is the expertise and the dedication of the fertility specialists who create personalized treatments to give each patient the best possible chance of success.
What are the potential risks associated with IVF and egg donation in Portugal?
IVF with donor eggs in Portugal, like anywhere else, comes with certain risks such as surgical complications, emotional stress, and others. While risks exist, Portuguese clinics that are regulated by bodies such as the CNPMA (Portuguese National Council of Assisted Reproduction) usually perfectly manage them and provide a safe experience.
Age and Eligibility
What are the age limits for IVF treatment in Portugal?
In Portugal, women can usually undergo IVF treatment until they are 50 years old. This gives those on a fertility journey more opportunities to find the right treatment and take a step closer to their dream of parenthood.
Can single women or same-sex couples access IVF with donor eggs in Portugal?
In Portugal, single women and same-sex couples have the opportunity to grow their families through IVF with donor eggs.The law supports diverse family structures and helps those without a male partner to pursue their dream of parenthood with the support of advanced fertility treatments.
Are there any restrictions based on marital status or sexual orientation?
In Portugal, every woman can build her family with the support of advanced reproductive care regardless of her marital status or sexual orientation.
What is the legal parenthood status for recipients in Portugal?
The legal parenthood status for recipients of donor eggs is clear and inclusive. This applies to all families, including heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, and single women. No matter their situation, every parent has the same legal rights, giving them peace of mind as they start their journey to having a child.
Are there exceptions to the age limits under certain circumstances?
The legal age limit for IVF treatment in Portugal is generally 50 years old. The medical team evaluates each patient’s health, potential risks, and success rates. This patient-oriented approach allows to personalize treatment plans, support women in more advanced maternal age, and consider exceptions when appropriate.
What is the average age of women undergoing egg donation in Portugal?
In Portugal, the focus is primarily on the age of egg donors rather than the future parents undergoing IVF. The law allows women up to 50 years old to receive IVF with donor eggs, offering opportunities for those who wish to start or grow their families.
Treatment Details
How personalized are the treatment plans in Portuguese clinics?
Portuguese fertility specialists personalize treatment plans to fit each patient’s medical history and fertility issues. Clinics also started to use advanced technologies e.g. AI (artificial intelligence) for different stages of IVF treatment to optimize each aspect for the best result. For international patients clinics offer logistics support to simplify their journey.
How many visits to Portugal are required for the treatment?
The number of visits needed for fertility treatment in Portugal depends on the procedure and the patient’s needs. Generally, patients visit once or twice. Many clinics offer remote consultations and initial assessments, allowing patients to handle much of the process from home. Some Portuguese clinics coordinate the treatment with local providers to reduce the number of stay in Portugal.
Each visit typically lasts a few days to a week, depending on the treatment plan. This approach minimizes travel time while providing personalized care tailored to each patient.
Can treatment coordination occur between Portuguese clinics and local doctors?
Yes, Portuguese clinics can coordinate treatment with local doctors to reduce the time patients need to spend in the country. The collaboration allows for sharing medical histories and treatment plans, so local doctors can monitor progress and handle necessary tests or follow-up care.
Is it possible to choose between fresh and frozen embryo transfers?
Yes, international patients can choose between fresh and frozen embryo transfers. The decision should be made with a fertility specialist, taking into account individual medical needs and preferences.
What support is available if the first IVF cycle is unsuccessful?
If the first IVF cycle fails, there are support options to help patients cope with both emotional and physical challenges. Many clinics offer counseling services where individuals and couples can talk about their feelings in a safe, private space.
It’s also important for patients to meet with their fertility specialist to understand why the cycle didn’t work and to explore options for future attempts. This may involve reviewing medical factors and considering alternative treatments. Taking time to rest, practicing self-care, and exploring other ways to become a parent are all important steps moving forward.
Can preimplantation genetic testing be performed on embryos in Portugal?
Yes, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is available in Portugal. This advanced technique helps detect genetic or chromosomal concerns in embryos before they are implanted.
Clinics in Portugal have skilled embryologists who use modern technology to ensure the embryos’ safety and viability during testing. A small sample of cells is taken from each embryo at the blastocyst stage and tested for any abnormalities or genetic mutations. This screening helps the medical team select the strongest embryos for transfer and allows for the freezing of healthy embryos for future use if needed.
Are dual donor cycles (both egg and sperm donation) available?
Yes, dual (double) donor cycles, involving egg and sperm donation, are available in Portugal. This option is often used by individuals and couples facing fertility challenges, such as low ovarian reserve and male infertility. Portuguese clinics provide full services for double donation, making sure both donors go comprehensive medical and psychological screenings to meet health standards.
What options are there for fertility preservation in Portugal?
In Portugal, there are several fertility preservation options for those who want to delay parenthood or protect their reproductive health. The most common methods are egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) and embryo freezing. Egg freezing lets women store their eggs for later use, while embryo freezing involves fertilizing the eggs with sperm before freezing.
Each option has its own success rates, storage limits, and legal requirements. Consult with a fertility specialist to find the best approach.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
What are the legal regulations governing egg donation in Portugal?
Portugal takes a caring approach to guarantee and protect the safety of everyone involved in this journey. Young women aged 18 to 34 can donate oocytes after passing medical and psychological screenings. The law limits donations to a maximum four times per donor, with at least a three-month gap between each donation.
Egg donation in Portugal is non-anonymous, meaning any child born through egg donation can learn about the donor’s identity when they turn 18. Donors are compensated fairly but only for their time and expenses.
Is donor anonymity enforced by law in Portugal?
No, donor anonymity is not required by law in Portugal. Since 2018, all gamete donations, including egg and sperm donations, are non-anonymous. Children born through donor-assisted treatments have the right to know the donor’s identity when they turn 18.
Throughout the process, donors remain anonymous to the intended parents, but recipients get the access to important non-identifying information, such as physical traits and medical history.
Can donor-conceived children access donor information in the future?
Yes, donor-conceived children can access donor information when they turn 18. Since the 2018 legal changes, all gamete donations, including eggs and sperm, are non-anonymous. This allows children born through egg donation to request the donor’s identity, including personal details like their full name.The information is stored for 75 years, and donor-conceived individuals can learn about their genetic background and medical history once they are adults.
How do Portuguese clinics handle informed consent and patient rights?
Portuguese clinics prioritize informed consent and patient rights in their practices. By law, patients must provide written consent before any treatment, ensuring they fully understand the procedures, risks, and implications.
Clinics encourage open communication, allowing patients to ask questions and express their preferences. Patients also have the right to refuse treatments they don’t want, and clinics are required to respect those choices and provide clear explanations.
How does Portugal’s legal framework compare to other countries regarding IVF?
Portugal’s IVF laws are among the most progressive in Europe. Since 2016, single women and same-sex couples have been able to access fertility treatments using donor sperm and eggs. This is more inclusive than countries like the Germany or Italy, where the rules can be stricter.
Portugal focuses on the rights of donor-conceived individuals and ethical standards for donors. For example, there are limits on the number of donations a donor can make to prevent multiple half-siblings.
Travel and Logistics
What are the travel requirements for international patients visiting Portugal?
Travel requirements for fertility treatment in Portugal vary based on your country of origin. Citizens from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland don’t need a visa to enter the country. For non-EU patients a visa or medical treatment visa is usually required.
Patients should prepare important medical documents, including complete fertility treatments history, current prescriptions, any relevant imaging or diagnostic reports as hospitals may need them to assess treatment plans. Your passport should remain valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date. Contact your clinic in advance who may assist you with documentation.
Are visas required for medical treatment in Portugal?
Non-EU/Schengen nationals who are not exempt from visa requirements need a visa for medical treatment in Portugal. Those staying for less than 90 days can apply for a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa.
EU/EEA citizens don’t need a visa and can use a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for medical care. However, private healthcare or treatments not covered by these cards may need separate arrangements.
How long should patients plan to stay in Portugal for the treatment process?
Patients undergoing fertility treatment in Portugal typically stay for 10 to 14 days, depending on the specific treatment protocol and their personal medical circumstances. For egg donation procedures, patients may need to visit once or twice: fresh cycles usually require 5-7 days and double donor treatments typically need 7-10 days. Portuguese clinics understand the needs of international patients and work to optimize treatment plans that reduce travel time while ensuring proper care.
Do clinics offer assistance with travel and accommodation arrangements?
Yes, some clinics in Portugal help international patients with travel and accommodation. They often offer packages that include treatment, accommodation, travel arrangements, and transportation to and from the clinic, allowing patients to focus on their treatment instead of logistics.
Is language a barrier, or do clinics offer services in English and other languages?
Language is usually not a problem, as many clinics offer services in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Italian. With multilingual teams available, communication is smooth and non-Portuguese speakers can communicate and understand their treatment options.
What is the best time of year to travel to Portugal for treatment?
The best times to travel to Portugal for fertility treatment are usually in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is mild, with temperatures in the mid-twenties Celsius with pleasant conditions for recovery and exploring between appointments. These seasons are also less crowded than summer.