IVF in Taiwan: Mackay Memorial Hospital

IVF is by far the most popular method of assisted conception.  IVF involves fertilizing a woman’s egg outsider her body under controlled laboratory conditions – hence the phrase “test-tube baby” – then placing the fertilized egg back into her womb.

Many people have suggested us to try IVF… I have heard many successful stories.  Some had it done in Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and even in the US.  But they say that one of the cheapest yet has a high success rate is to have IVF done in Taiwan.

I have talked to quite a lot of people who have done it in Taiwan and I tried to explore on the idea of having it done there in Taiwan.  I have researched on it.  Emailed the doctor in Taiwan and ask about the procedure and all. 

But I did not push through with IVF.  I was thinking then that I am an APAS patient and have not done any immunological work up then.  I was afraid that it would not work and would just be a waste of money.  Though many were successful, there were also a lot who weren’t successful in their first try.   

Anyway, I’ll share with you some details about the IVF in Taiwan just in case you want to give it a try.  Coincidentally, my current OB also endorses her patients to try IVF here at Mackay Memorial Hospital.

I coursed my questions on IVF through Vanessa, the secretary of Dr. Lee Kuo Kuang of Mackay Memorial Hospital and here was the response of Dr. Lee Kuo Kuang regarding my concern.  Please note that this was way back in January 2010.

Q: I have been married for 4.5 years and have not yet been pregnant ever since. I have been to quite a number of doctors already but to no avail... so far I have tried 2 iUi.  My fallopian tubes and uterus are normal. Regular menstruation per month. My last OB told me that I was positive for Category I, II, V for APAS. Attached are my blood test results.  Is IVF a probable solution for me to conceive?

A.I would like to suggest you to enroll into the IVF program because you had tried 2 times for IUI.  The APAS (autoimmune) has no effect on the outcomes of IVF. 

Q. What do I need to bring if I want to have a consultation with Dr. Lee Kuo Kuang? When is the best time to go there? 

A. You may come to Taipei any time except the Lunar New Year from Feb. 11 to Feb. 21, 2010.  Please see the attached file and we can be further discuss the details when you come to Taipei. 

Important details inside the file: (If you want the whole file, email me at debjsyu@yahoo.com and I’ll send you the original file)

Needed tests results:

1. Reports of TSH, prolactin, semen analysis, Human immunodeficient virus (HIV) and syphilis tests in recent 6 months

2. X-ray films of hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or picture files of HSG in USB drive or compact disc in recent 2 years

3. Detail treatment history of infertility, including the dose of FSH or HMG, the response of your ovary (follicle number) and operation report

Procedures of IVF:

1. Infertility Evaluation - bring reports to Taipei to do the infertility evaluation in advance and to plan the IVF; take the examination of AMH that will reveal your ovarian reserve before you are enrolled in the procedures of IVF.

2. Take oral pills for 21 days starting from Day 5.

3. Administer GnRH agonist (Buserelin) injection daily from the 18th day of the menstrual cycle with the oral contraception pills.  Superfact, 5.5ml per vial, bought in the Philippines

2. R-FSH and HMG will be administered on the 3rd day of the next menstrual cycle.  Starting dose depends on the individual ovarian reserve.

3. On the 7th day of the current menstrual cycle, the ultrasound examination will be used to monitor the size and the numbers of follicles.

4. Also on the 3rd, 9th day of current menstruation cycle and the day that we adminster HCG, we will check the E2 level in your blood to predict and evaluate the ovarian response.

5. The doses of R-FSH and HMG will be adjusted according to the response of ovaries.

6. Procedures of ovum pick-up will be performed at 34-36 hours after administering HCG when it is supposed to be between the 13th and 18th days of the current cycle.

7. On the 3rd day after ovum pick-up, the embryo will be transferred.

You should come to Taiwan on the 2nd day of the current menstruation and stay for about 23 days.  You can go home after the embryo transfer.

8. Luteal phase support is provided with 50 mg of progesterone IM injection and vaginal application of Crinone (8%) after ovum pick-up.

9. OPD visit will be arranged for detecting gestational sacs (about 5.5th gestational week) and fetal heart beat (about 6.5th gestational week) with ultrasonic examination in the Philippines.

Cost of the IVF Procedure:

Cost of the IVF procedure including medication, embryo culture etc. is approximately USD4500 in Mackay Memorial Hospital.  That is less than Php200,000.

Documents Needed for IVF

1. You and your husband's passports, original and copy.

2. You and your husband's driver licenses, original and copy.

3. Marriage certificate (official document to prove that the marriage is legal) original and copy -- VERY IMPORTANT! 

4. Report of you and your husband's data of blood type, reports of HIV and syphilis exam (data of HIV and RPR must be within 6 months) original or copy

Lab Opening Hours:

8:30AM - 1:00PM; 2:00PM-3:00PM

  

Q. For the TSH, prolactin semen analysis, HIV and syphilis tests...can we have the tests done here in the Philippines or better if we do it there in Taipei?

A. Examination from the blood sampling for TSH, prolactin HIV, syphilis could be taken both in Phillipines or Taipei, but semen analysis should be performed in Taipei.

Q. For my HSG, I had it done more than 2 years ago.  Is it okay or do I have to recheck it?

A. You don't need to recheck HSG, but bring the film of HCG on compact disc of HSG to Taipei. 

Q. How long should we stay there for the initial consultation or assessment?

A. The first stage you just need to stay three or four days.

Q. Where can we stay? 

A. We'd be glad to help you book the hotel and provide you with the relative information.

Vanessa emailed me a list of the hotels and apartments near the hospital including the prices and the map.  In case you are interested, just email me at debjsyu@yahoo.com and I’ll send you the copy.

For more details on IVF, call Vanessa

International Medical Service Center
Mackay Memorial Hospital

No. 92, Sec. 2 Chung-San North Road,

Taipei 10449, Taiwan, R.O.C.,
Email: mmhimsc@ms2.mmh.org.tw
Tel/Fax: +886-2-25627200
http://www.mmh.org.tw/imsc/index.htm