Many couples from Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other GCC countries reach a point where they start asking a difficult question:
“Should we continue trying at home, or look for IVF treatment abroad?”
Iran has quietly become one of the most practical and affordable IVF destinations for couples in the region – especially for those who want a Muslim-friendly environment, advanced medical care and clear costs.
In this guide, we walk you through how IVF in Iran works step by step, what you can realistically expect, and how couples from Oman and the GCC usually plan their journey.
What Is IVF and Who Is It For?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a treatment where eggs and sperm are brought together in a laboratory instead of inside the body. After fertilization, one or more embryos are transferred back into the uterus.
IVF is usually recommended when:
- The fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged
- There is male factor infertility (weak sperm, low count or motility)
- Previous IUI cycles have failed
- There is unexplained infertility after years of trying
- A woman’s age is higher and time is becoming more important
In Iran, IVF protocols are generally similar to those in Europe and the Gulf, but the total cost is usually much lower, and many clinics are used to working with international patients from Oman and the GCC.
Why Couples from Oman and the GCC Choose IVF in Iran
From our daily work with couples from Muscat, Salalah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, a few themes repeat again and again:
1. More Affordable Full IVF Cycles
When you calculate medications, lab fees, procedures and accommodation, the overall cost of one IVF cycle in Iran can be significantly lower than in Oman, the UAE or many private centers in Turkey.
This doesn’t mean “cheap medicine”. It means that local costs, hospital fees and living expenses are lower, so your budget goes further.
2. Advanced IVF Labs and Experienced Teams
Iran has a long history in reproductive medicine. Many IVF centers use:
- Modern incubators and culture systems
- ICSI, blastocyst culture and embryo freezing
- Laser hatching and other advanced techniques when indicated
Many specialists have international training or collaboration, and several centers are active in research and teaching.
3. Cultural and Religious Compatibility
For many couples, it is important that IVF is done in an environment that respects Islamic values and local culture:
- Female doctors and nurses available in many clinics
- Privacy and modesty are taken seriously
- Staff are used to working with Muslim couples who want to follow religious guidance in their decisions
You are not just a “tourist patient”. Most couples find the environment comfortable, calm and familiar compared to very commercial or luxury-focused IVF centers elsewhere.
4. Short and Manageable Travel from the GCC
From Oman and the GCC, flights to Iran are:
- Short and direct from many cities
- Often less expensive than flights to Europe or Southeast Asia
- Supported by simple arrangements for airport pick-up and hotel transfer
For many patients, this makes the idea of “doing IVF abroad” feel much more realistic and less stressful.
Step-by-Step IVF Process in Iran
Every patient is unique, but the core IVF journey is usually similar. Here is how it looks for most couples coming from Oman and the GCC.
Step 1 – File Review and First Conversation (Before You Travel)
Your journey usually starts with a simple WhatsApp message or contact form.
You send:
- Previous blood tests (AMH, FSH, LH, TSH, prolactin, etc.)
- Ultrasound reports
- Semen analysis results
- A summary of previous treatments (IUI/IVF or miscarriages)
A fertility specialist reviews your file and may ask:
- How long you have been trying
- Your ages
- Any chronic diseases or medications
- Whether you had surgery in the past
After this, you receive a first plan and an approximate cost estimate. At this stage, there is usually no fee – it’s about understanding whether IVF in Iran is a good fit for you.
Step 2 – Planning Your Trip (Dates, City, Clinic and Budget)
Once you decide to continue, your coordinator helps you:
- Choose the city and clinic that best match your case and budget
- Decide on the arrival date (usually a few days before stimulation or during the first days)
- Estimate how many days you need to stay (often around 2–3 weeks)
- Arrange airport pick-up, hotel or apartment close to the clinic
Most couples appreciate having one contact person who answers all non-medical questions:
“Where will we stay?” “Is the area safe?” “Can a family member join?” “What about local food?”
Step 3 – Stimulation Phase (10–12 Days)
IVF begins with ovarian stimulation. The goal is to help the ovaries grow multiple eggs instead of just one.
Typical steps:
- Daily injections of IVF medication for 10–12 days
- Ultrasound scans every few days to check follicle growth
- Sometimes blood tests to confirm hormone levels
- Adjustment of the medication dose according to your response
Many patients are surprised by how quickly the staff learn their preferences – some want more detailed explanations, others prefer short and clear visits.
Your coordinator makes sure you understand:
- How to take injections
- When the next scan is
- What to do if you feel pain, bloating or other symptoms
Step 4 – Egg Retrieval (OPU) and Sperm Collection
When the follicles are ready, you receive a “trigger injection” to mature the eggs. About 34–36 hours later, egg retrieval (OPU) takes place.
- The procedure is done under light anesthesia or sedation
- The doctor uses ultrasound guidance to collect the eggs
- The procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes
- You rest for a few hours afterwards and then return to your hotel
On the same day, the partner provides a semen sample. If needed, additional procedures like TESA/PESA can be discussed in advance for severe male factor cases.
In the lab, eggs and sperm are prepared for:
- Conventional IVF, or
- ICSI, where one sperm is injected into each mature egg
Step 5 – Embryo Development and Daily Updates
Over the next 3–5 days, the embryos are cultured in special incubators.
The embryology team monitors:
- How many eggs fertilized
- How the embryos divide and grow
- Which embryos reach good quality by Day 3 or Day 5 (blastocyst)
You receive updates in a simple, understandable way. Some couples like detailed medical reports; others prefer a clear summary such as:
“We collected 10 eggs, 7 fertilized, and we now have 3 good embryos for transfer.”
Step 6 – Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is usually a quick and gentle procedure:
- No anesthesia is needed in most cases
- The doctor places a thin catheter through the cervix into the uterus
- One or sometimes two embryos are transferred, depending on your age, medical history and local guidelines
You can usually go back to your hotel shortly afterwards. Many couples describe this as an emotional moment – it is the point where hope becomes more concrete.
If there are extra good-quality embryos, they can often be frozen for future use.
Step 7 – The Two-Week Wait and Pregnancy Test
The two-week wait is often the hardest part:
- You continue taking your prescribed medications
- You can walk and move normally, but should avoid intense physical activity
- You may feel mild cramps, breast tenderness or emotional ups and downs
Around 12–14 days after embryo transfer, a β-hCG blood test is done. Many couples prefer:
- Doing the test in Iran before they travel back, or
- Returning home and sending the result via WhatsApp to the doctor
Whatever the result, you receive clear explanation and next-step options.
IVF Success Rates – What Can You Expect?
One of the first questions couples ask is:
“What is the IVF success rate in Iran?”
There is no single number, because success always depends on:
- Woman’s age
- Ovarian reserve (AMH, FSH, AFC)
- Sperm quality
- Previous surgeries or medical conditions
- Number and quality of embryos
In many centers, success rates for younger women with good ovarian reserve are comparable to well-known IVF hubs, but it is important to be honest:
- IVF increases your chances, but does not guarantee pregnancy
- Sometimes more than one cycle is needed
- The medical team should explain your personal chances, not just show general statistics
A responsible clinic in Iran will avoid big promises and will focus on transparent, realistic expectations.
How Much Does IVF in Iran Cost for Oman & GCC Couples?
While exact costs depend on your case and clinic, most couples want a clear overview before they decide.
A typical IVF cycle in Iran for international patients from Oman and the GCC may include:
- Initial specialist consultation
- Hormonal and blood tests
- Ultrasounds during stimulation
- IVF medications (stimulation)
- Egg retrieval and anesthesia
- Lab work (fertilization, culture)
- Embryo transfer
In many cases, the total package is in the range of approximately 1,950–5,900 USD, depending on:
- The number of tests needed
- Type and dose of medications
- Whether ICSI is required
- How long you stay and what type of accommodation you choose
You can see the packages in Bandar Abbas city which is so close to you
Compared to some private centers in Oman, the UAE or Turkey, this can mean:
- Lower total cost,
- While still using advanced IVF labs and experienced staff.
How Long Do You Need to Stay in Iran for IVF?
Most couples from Oman and the GCC stay about 2–3 weeks for a full IVF cycle.
A common schedule looks like:
- Day 1–3: Arrival, first in-person consultation, baseline tests
- Day 3–14: Stimulation and monitoring
- Day 15–16: Egg retrieval
- Day 18–20: Embryo transfer
- Day 20–22: Rest and travel back (or stay longer until pregnancy test, based on your doctor’s advice)
In some cases, part of the preparation can be done in your home country with coordination, which may shorten the stay. This is decided case by case.
Is IVF in Iran the Right Choice for You?
IVF in Iran may be a good option if you:
- Live in Oman or another GCC country and want high-quality IVF at a more reasonable cost
- Prefer to be treated in a Muslim-majority country with sensitivity to religious and cultural values
- Want clear communication, support in English (and when possible Arabic), and help with travel and accommodation
- Feel that you reached a “stuck point” with local options and want a fresh, honest second opinion
It may not be the right time yet if:
- You still need basic tests to understand your situation
- You are not emotionally or financially ready for IVF
- You prefer to try simpler treatments like IUI first (in some cases)
A short, honest discussion with a fertility specialist can help you decide.
Ready to Take the Next Step – or Just Ask Questions?
You do not have to decide everything today. Many couples from Oman and the GCC start with a simple message, share their reports and ask:
- “Is IVF really necessary in our case?”
- “How many days do we need to stay in Iran?”
- “What would be the approximate cost for our situation?”
- “Is the plan safe with my age and medical history?”
You deserve clear, respectful answers before making such an important decision.
Send us your reports (hormone tests, ultrasound, semen analysis and previous treatments) and our fertility team will review your case and suggest a possible plan for IVF in Iran – with no obligation and no fee for the initial review, plus a free online consultation with your treating fertility doctor.
📲 Send My IVF Reports on WhatsApp +989050122696