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 from Hong Kong?
The Self IVF package starts from USD $26,000. Adding stimulation medications ($1,500–3,000) and travel from Hong Kong ($2,360–2,860), the total estimated investment is USD $29,860–31,860. 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, nationals of mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and most other Asian countries can enter Saipan without a US visa. You need a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity.
How do I get to Saipan?
Direct flights are available from Hong Kong (approximately 4 hours), Tokyo/Osaka (3.5 hours), Seoul (4 hours), and major Chinese cities including Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou (approximately 5 hours). United Airlines flies from Tokyo; several Asian carriers serve Saipan.
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.
Is gender selection (sex selection) legal at your clinic?
Yes. Gender selection through PGT-A is legal under US federal law. After chromosomal screening identifies normal embryos, we can transfer an embryo of your preferred sex. We provide this service without judgment.
Medical Questions
What success rates can I expect?
Our 2023 live birth rate per transfer was 42% across own-egg cycles — above the SART national average of approximately 30–35%. Broken down by age: roughly 50–55% for women under 35, 40–48% for 35–37, 28–38% for 38–40, and 15–22% for women over 40. These figures reflect cycles with PGT-A genetic screening; without it, per-transfer rates are typically 10–15 percentage points lower. Individual results depend heavily on ovarian reserve (AMH, antral follicle count), diagnosis, and response to stimulation. We discuss realistic projections at your initial consultation.
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 draws from donors aged 21–29, including donors from mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand. All donors are FDA-screened. We can match donors based on appearance, ethnicity, and other criteria. 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.