If you are preparing for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in Thailand, you may have questions about the medication protocol that comes before egg retrieval. In short: there is no single standard protocol. Your stimulation plan is a clinical decision made by your treating doctor based on your age, ovarian reserve, hormone levels, previous responses, and overall health. This guide explains the general categories of stimulation, how monitoring typically works, and what you should confirm directly with your chosen clinic before you travel.
At a glance
- Stimulation protocols are individualised; no two patients receive exactly the same plan.
- Most protocols involve injectable gonadotropins, with or without other medications to prevent early ovulation.
- Monitoring usually includes blood tests and ultrasound scans every few days.
- Medication names, doses, and schedules must come from your treating clinic, not from general guides.
- As an international patient, you will need a clear plan for obtaining, storing, and administering medication in Thailand.
What is a stimulation protocol?
A stimulation protocol is the plan your doctor creates to encourage your ovaries to mature multiple eggs in one cycle. It includes the types of medication, the dose, when to start, how long to continue, and when to trigger ovulation. Because PGT requires a sufficient number of eggs to test, your protocol may be adjusted to aim for a reasonable egg yield while balancing your comfort and safety.
Protocols are not interchangeable. What works for one patient may not be appropriate for another. Your clinic will review your medical history and may order baseline tests before recommending a plan.
Common categories of stimulation protocols
While exact regimens vary, most protocols fall into a few broad categories. Your doctor will explain which approach is suitable for you and why.
- Antagonist protocol: Gonadotropins are started at the beginning of your cycle, and a second medication (an antagonist) is added later to prevent premature ovulation.
- Agonist (long) protocol: A medication is started in the previous cycle to suppress natural hormones, followed by gonadotropins. This may be used for certain patients or to coordinate timing.
- Mild or minimal stimulation: Lower doses of medication are used, often with the goal of fewer but potentially good-quality eggs. This may be considered for some patients.
- Natural or modified natural cycle: Uses little or no stimulation medication, relying on your natural cycle. This is less common for PGT because it typically yields fewer eggs.
These categories are general. Your clinic may combine or adjust them based on your response.
Medications you may encounter
Stimulation protocols typically involve injectable medications that contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and sometimes luteinising hormone (LH). Brand names and availability differ by country. Your clinic will prescribe specific products and provide instructions on how to prepare and inject them.
Other medications may include:
- GnRH antagonist or agonist: To prevent early ovulation.
- Trigger injection: Usually human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or a GnRH agonist, given at a precise time before egg retrieval.
- Oral contraceptives or other hormones: Sometimes used to schedule your cycle or prepare for stimulation.
Do not start, stop, or change any medication without direct instruction from your treating doctor. This article does not provide dosing or administration advice.
How monitoring works during a PGT cycle
Monitoring is essential to track how your ovaries respond and to adjust medication if needed. It usually involves:
- Blood tests: To measure hormone levels such as oestradiol and progesterone.
- Ultrasound scans: To count and measure growing follicles.
These appointments may happen every few days, and the frequency can change based on your response. For international patients, monitoring may be arranged at your clinic in Thailand or, in some cases, partly with a local provider in your home country before travel. You must confirm with your clinic whether local monitoring is acceptable and how results should be shared.
Planning your travel and medication logistics
As an international patient, you will need to coordinate several practical details. Your clinic should provide clear guidance on:
- When to arrive in Thailand relative to your cycle start.
- How to obtain your medication—whether it is dispensed locally, shipped, or brought from home.
- Storage requirements, such as refrigeration, and how to manage them during travel.
- What to do if your cycle timing changes or if you need to stay longer.
- How to contact the clinic for urgent questions during stimulation.
Do not rely on general advice for these details. They are specific to your protocol, your location, and your clinic’s processes.
Questions to ask your clinic before starting
Use these questions to clarify your protocol and logistics. The answers will help you prepare and reduce uncertainty.
- Which stimulation protocol do you recommend for me, and why?
- What medications will I take, and what are their names and doses?
- When do I start, and how long will stimulation likely last?
- How often will I need monitoring, and where will it take place?
- Can I do any monitoring locally before I travel?
- How will I get my medication in Thailand, and what does it cost?
- What are the storage requirements, and how do I manage them while travelling?
- What side effects should I watch for, and when should I contact you?
- What is the plan if my response is not as expected?
- What are the costs involved, and what does the price include?
What to confirm about costs and documents
Costs for medication and monitoring vary widely and depend on your protocol, the clinic, and your length of stay. This article cannot provide exact prices. Ask your clinic for a written breakdown of expected costs, including medication, scans, blood tests, and any fees for coordination. Also confirm what documents you need for travel and treatment, such as a passport, visa, or medical records. Requirements can change, so verify with the clinic and relevant authorities.
Next steps for your preparation
- Gather your medical records, including any previous fertility tests and cycle history.
- Schedule a consultation with your chosen clinic to discuss your protocol.
- Ask for a written medication and monitoring plan.
- Clarify travel dates, accommodation, and how to handle medication storage.
- Keep a list of emergency contacts and know how to reach your clinic.
For more context on the overall process, see our guides on PGT in Thailand, IVF in Thailand, the treatment process, and information for international patients.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own stimulation protocol for PGT in Thailand?
No. Your stimulation protocol is a medical decision made by your treating doctor based on your individual health profile, ovarian reserve, and previous responses. You can discuss options and ask questions, but the final plan should come from your clinic.
How long does stimulation last before egg retrieval in a PGT cycle?
The length of stimulation varies by patient and protocol. It typically lasts around 8 to 14 days, but your clinic will monitor your response and adjust the timeline. Only your treating doctor can tell you how long your stimulation is expected to last.
Can I do monitoring in my home country before travelling to Thailand?
Some clinics allow partial monitoring locally, but this depends on the clinic's policy and your protocol. You must confirm with your clinic whether local monitoring is acceptable and how results should be shared. Do not assume it is possible without written confirmation.
What should I do if I have questions about my medication while in Thailand?
Contact your treating clinic directly. They should provide a clear way to reach them for urgent questions. Do not change your medication or dose without their instruction.
Are medication costs included in the PGT package price?
Not always. Medication costs may be separate from clinic fees. Ask your clinic for a written breakdown of what is included and what is not. This article cannot provide exact prices because they vary by clinic and protocol.
Continue your research
Medical information notice: This article is educational and does not replace individual assessment, diagnosis, genetic counselling or treatment advice from a licensed clinician. Provider services, availability, fees and policies should be verified directly before booking.