International Patient Guide: How to Plan Your IVF Treatment in San Diego

Planning IVF treatment from overseas can feel complex, especially when coordinating travel, testing, and communication across time zones. Yet thousands of international patients seek IVF treatment in San Diego each year because it offers some of the most advanced reproductive care in the United States. According to the CDC, more than 326,000 IVF cycles were performed in the country last year, with California ranking among the top states for both cycle volume and success rates. At the Fertility Institute of San Diego, patients receive a unique one physician model where Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh personally guides every step of care.

“International patients need clarity and a sense of partnership,” Dr. Hosseinzadeh explains. “When both partners undergo fertility evaluations from the outset, we identify underlying issues sooner and create a unified plan that supports better outcomes and more efficient care.”

This guide provides international patients with a clear understanding of how to prepare, what to expect, and why a comprehensive, two-partner evaluation is essential when planning IVF in California.

Why International Patients Choose IVF Treatment in San Diego

San Diego has become a leading destination for global fertility care due to its high laboratory standards, individualized treatment approach, and excellent patient outcomes. Data from SART shows that top clinics in California consistently report live birth rates above national averages, especially for frozen embryo transfers.

Many international patients select a fertility clinic in San Diego for:

• A personalized one-on-one care model
• Access to advanced laboratory technologies
• High clinical success rates
• An inclusive environment for heterosexual, LGBTQ+, and single-parent families
• Smooth coordination for international monitoring and travel

Dr. Hosseinzadeh shares, “Our clinic was built to remove barriers. We provide a level of continuity and individualized attention that is especially important for patients flying in from abroad.”

Why Both Partners Need Fertility Evaluation

Infertility affects approximately 17.5 percent of adults worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. In nearly 40 to 50 percent of cases, male factors are involved, making comprehensive testing crucial for accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment planning.

Female Fertility Testing

Female testing typically includes:

• Ovarian reserve testing
• Antral follicle count
• Uterine cavity evaluation
• Infectious disease screening
• Genetic carrier screening

“These tests help determine medication dosing and predict ovarian response required for international IVF in San Diego,” Dr. Hosseinzadeh notes.

Male Fertility Testing

Male factors can be silent but significant. Testing includes:

• Semen analysis
• Sperm DNA fragmentation assessment
• Hormonal evaluation if indicated
• Infectious disease screening

The CDC reports that addressing male factors early can significantly reduce treatment time and avoid unnecessary IVF cycles. This is particularly beneficial for IVF for international patients in California.

How to Plan IVF Treatment From Abroad

Step 1: Start With a Virtual Consultation

Step 2: Complete Testing in Your Home Country

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents for travel

Step 4: Coordinate with the clinic team for the calendar of events for the cycle

Step 5: Travel to San Diego for Key Procedures

Integrating Monitoring, Medications, and Travel Logistics

FISD provides travel guidance regarding medications, monitoring, lodging, and transportation.

Cost Considerations for International IVF

Costs vary by diagnosis, medication needs, and treatment complexity. Typical expenses include testing, IVF cycles, medications, genetic testing, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, cryopreservation, and travel.

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