Infertility treatment in Israel

When to seek help

Infertility is usually defined as no pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse, or after 6 months if the woman is 35 or older. It affects roughly one couple in six, and male factors are involved about as often as female ones, so both partners are examined from the start. For a wider overview, see infertility treatment abroad.

Common causes

• ovulation disorders and hormonal imbalance, including polycystic ovary syndrome;
• blocked or damaged fallopian tubes;
• endometriosis, fibroids and congenital uterine anomalies;
• low sperm count, poor motility or abnormal morphology;
• age-related decline in ovarian reserve;
• unexplained infertility, where no cause is found in a share of couples.

Infertility diagnosis in Israel

For the woman, the work-up usually includes hormone tests (AMH, FSH, LH, prolactin, thyroid), a pelvic ultrasound with an antral follicle count and a tubal patency test. Hysteroscopy or laparoscopy is added only when indicated.

The man has a semen analysis; if it is abnormal, the test is repeated and may be followed by hormone and genetic tests and an andrology consultation. Bring earlier results with you so that tests are not repeated without reason. After the diagnosis the doctor draws up an individual plan rather than offering the same protocol to everyone.

Treatment methods

Ovulation induction

Tablets or injections support follicle growth when ovulation is irregular or absent. The cycle is monitored by ultrasound to lower the risk of a multiple pregnancy.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Prepared sperm is placed in the uterus around ovulation. IUI is considered for mild male factor, unexplained infertility or when donor sperm is used. The chance of pregnancy per cycle is moderate and depends on age and cause, so several attempts are usually planned and the point of moving to the next step is agreed in advance.

IVF

In vitro fertilisation involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation in the laboratory and transfer of an embryo to the uterus. Remaining embryos can be frozen for later attempts.

ICSI

In ICSI a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. It is used mainly for significant male factor or after failed fertilisation in an earlier cycle. For couples with normal semen results it brings no added benefit.

Donor eggs and sperm

Donor cells are discussed when a person's own eggs or sperm cannot be obtained or the chances with them are very low. Donation rules in Israel have specific conditions for foreign patients, so check availability with the clinic beforehand.

Preimplantation genetic testing

Embryo testing is offered to couples with a known risk of an inherited disease. Choosing the sex of a child for non-medical reasons is not a routine service in Israel and requires approval from a special committee.

What affects the chances of success

The woman's age matters most, followed by the cause of infertility, ovarian reserve and embryo quality. No clinic can guarantee a pregnancy. Ask for live birth rates per transfer for your own age group rather than a general “success rate”. Discuss the risks as well: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancy, which is why single embryo transfer is increasingly preferred.

Planning treatment in Israel

An IVF cycle takes about two to three weeks of stimulation, followed by egg retrieval and transfer. Part of the preparation and monitoring scans can sometimes be done at home; agree this with the clinic. Before paying, ask for a written plan and an itemised estimate: consultations, tests, stimulation drugs (often billed separately), anaesthesia, laboratory work, and embryo freezing and storage.

Check which documents the couple needs, who will manage the pregnancy after you return and how the clinic will pass the report to your doctor at home. If you are comparing countries, read about IVF and surrogacy in Georgia and browse clinics for obstetrics and gynecology.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need to stay in Israel for IVF?

Usually two to three weeks if the whole cycle is done at the clinic. If the start of stimulation is monitored by a doctor at home, the stay can be shorter.

Should we start with IUI or IVF?

It depends on age, the cause of infertility and how long you have been trying. With blocked tubes or significant male factor, IVF is usually considered straight away.

Does ICSI improve the chances for everyone?

No. It helps mainly when the problem lies with the sperm.

Can treatment be combined with care at home?

Yes, if the clinic and your doctor agree in advance on the scope of tests and on sharing results.

Planning infertility treatment abroad? Send a request and Clinics Direct medical coordinators will help you choose a clinic and find out the cost of tests and treatment free of charge.