IVF in Mexico?

[Tuggs]

I was wondering if anyone has done an IVF cycle in Mexico or knows of a good clinic? I've done 4 IVF's in the US and am no longer able to afford the high costs (I'm totally private pay). I read an article that there are some good and inexpensive clinics in Mexico but it didn't mention any specifically. Please let me know if you have any information. Thanks so much!

[KarenS-MI]

I can't help you out as I wouldn't consider going to Mexico for medical treatment of any kind. I've heard too many horror stories.

Have you seen the ad up at the top of FT's for the IVF clinic in Turkey that are pretty inexpensive, including travel & accomodations. Here's the link: http://www.ivfturkey.com/about

Good luck! Having paid for all of my cycles completely out of our pockets too, I totally understand. I hate how expensive it is to TRY to have a child!!

Karen

[Cubanita]

We have a lot of girls on the Spanish Language board who live in Mexico. They have American trained very reputable RE's there. You might want to ask on that board for a recommendation.

[Tuggs]

Thanks so much for the suggestions. Karen-do you know anyone who has been to the clinic in Turkey? I spoke with the American rep, who happens to be directors son, and they seem impressive. It's a little intimidating to consider doing IVF internationally. I will also check out the Spainish speaking board. Thanks all.

[NewBeginnings]

I recently joined the board! Happy New Year Everyone!

Karen -- Greetings! What part of Mexico are you referring to? The reason that I ask is because I am currently going to a clinic in Metamoros, Mexico (right near the border of Brownsville, TX) and there are no horror stories at this clinic or a few others that I know of. My RE (Dr. Garza Morales) is pretty reputable and he is a very nice guy - just last week, one of my online friends got a positive BFP with Dr. GM. It is $3,500 total to cycle there, including meds. Let us know a specific area or clinic in Mexico because Mexico is a big country and there are a ton of reputable clinics over there. There are a ton of horrible clinics in the U.S.. I am American, but I opted to try a clinic in Mexico after a few of my online friends recommended it and more importantly - to save money. I thank you immensely for your honesty and information.

Tuggs -- there's a section on www.ivfconnections.com under "Location" and "Mexico" that has information about the Mexico clinic and there are other ladies there you can chat with to get more info. We are also on a private IVF Mexico board. Also -- if you would like to email Dr. GM directly, here's his email info: agarzam@institutovida.com. Website: www.institutovida.com (click on "English" in the upper left of the screen). There are two locations -- one may be closer to California -- near you.

Good luck to everyone!

[thinking_pink]

I agree with newbeginnings. Dr.GM has a wonderful reputation and from what I know and have heard from others I feel totally confident and safe using him for my IVF cycle(s).

[BC-flowergirl]

I know that I was also considering this. I DEFINITELY think it is something to look into and consider. Good luck to you.
abi

[Gloria1999]

Hello.....I am currently having LIT done at a Clinic in Mexico...Actually it is the one that NewBeginnings is talking about "Instituto Vida" I love Dr. Garza he is a very nice man and I have not heard of any "horror stories" from his Clinic. He is very reputable and I have been to his office 3 times so far...And I have seen quite a few BFP's coming out of there ....This is my 1st Cycle out of the States...I will be doing 2 more rounds of LIT then I will begin my cycle with him at the begining of March.......I have no regrets so far

[sydsmom2002]

I've had 3 IVFs with Dr. Garza-Morales and have complete confidence in his abilities. We also looked into traveling overseas, but by the time you factor in lost work days and travel expenses, it costs the same as having IVF in the U.S. (or even more, depending on the location). In Matamoros, I was able to stay cheaply in Brownsville and easily cross the border for my appointments. My DH was able to fly to Harlingen (Southwest flies there)...30 minutes from Dr. Garza's office...and miss only 2 days of work during the retrieval process. In one case, he missed no work because e/r fell on a Sunday.

I've been through the IVF process with one of the top U.S. doctors and the procedure was the same with Dr. Garza...except that Dr. Garza was able produce more embryos for us with his protocol.

We still did not get pg, but given that our U.S. based doctor gave us a <10% chance with IVF, I feel certain that after three good attempts, that IVF would not work for us. For me, the peace of mind needed to move forward with our adoption plans was worth it...and saved us the money that we needed to adopt and/or the heartache of stopping after only one try and not knowing if it would ever work.

To be honest, I had my doubts in the beginning and almost did not go because of an e-mail I recieved from someone claiming to have gone to Dr. Garza and having a horrible experience. When I further queried her, she never responded back. I'm not sure her motivation - although, her e-mail had some serious racial "tones" to it. After my first few appointments, I posted to the REs on about what Dr. Garza was doing and my situation (without stating who he was or where he practiced). Dr. Garza was doing the immune testing, had prescribed medications based on those results, and had a specific protocol for poor responders, etc. The response from the REs was that "my RE" was doing everything that they would do and that I must be going to a "very good practice."

Of course, only you can decide. IVF is a gamble no matter where you go...and you have to trust your gut. But, I do think that you need to do your own homework. It's great to get contact information from people online, but then you need to decide for yourself.

GOOD LUCK to you!!!!

Lisa