Ukraine is a European country with an advanced health system, where all modern medically assisted procreation (MAP) techniques are accessible: from in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination to surrogacy in Ukraine. Thanks to donation programs, couples facing infertility have the opportunity to experience the joy of becoming parents. These treatments are legal and the entire processes are regulated at the state level, which guarantees standardization and high quality of medical care.

Insemination and in vitro fertilization in Ukraine (IVF): basic methods of infertility treatment

Around 80 million couples worldwide cannot have children due to male or female infertility. 90% of them turn to reproductive medicine. The choice of PMA technique depends on medical indications. Here are the main methods:

Insemination — introduction of prepared sperm directly into the uterus. The procedure is non-invasive and painless, but is not suitable for all cases. It is indicated in cases of slight decrease in sperm mobility, disturbances in the production of cervical mucus or irregular cycles. After several unsuccessful attempts, recourse to IVF is recommended.

IVF (IVF – in vitro fertilization) — reference method for the treatment of infertility. Each year, up to 1.5 million cycles are performed worldwide. Fertilization of the oocyte takes place outside the body, by creating optimal conditions for the selected spermatozoa or by intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI). The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus of the patient or a surrogate mother.

IVF is recommended in cases of tubal obstructions, pelvic adhesions, ovulation disorders, severe endometriosis or age-related infertility. In vitro fertilization in Ukraine takes place in several stages:

• Hormonal stimulation of ovulation to obtain mature oocytes.
• Ovarian puncture for egg collection.
• Fertilization in the laboratory.
• Zygote culture for 5 days in a specialized incubator.
• Transfer of the embryo into the uterine cavity.

Two weeks later, a test is performed to confirm the pregnancy. The effectiveness of the procedure decreases with the age of the woman and falls below 50% after 40 years. This is why several attempts at culture and implantation may be necessary, or other ART techniques, especially with donor genetic material.

Egg and sperm donation programs

Assisted reproductive technologies also include donation programs. The use of oocytes or sperm from a donor is recommended when attempts with the couple’s own genetic material have failed or the production of gametes is insufficient. This procedure is also suitable for single women or in cases of risk of transmission of serious hereditary diseases.

In Ukraine, the criteria for selecting donors are established by law, in the Order of the Ministry of Health No. 787. Their observance is obligatory for all reproductive medicine clinics. Donors must meet the following criteria:

• Absence of addictions.
• Age between 18 and 36 years for women, between 20 and 40 years for men.
• Absence of hereditary diseases.
• At least one healthy child (for donors).
• Absence of HIV, hepatitis, syphilis and other dangerous infections.

Donors undergo a thorough health check, ranging from pelvic ultrasound to bacteriological and cytological examinations of samples and blood. Doctors look for antibodies against toxoplasmosis, chlamydia and cytomegalovirus, and, if indicated, check the hormonal profile, carry out karyotyping and assessment of internal organs.

After collection, the donor eggs and sperm are cryopreserved for six months and then tested again for infections before use.

Donor information is stored in catalogs. Specialized clinics and agencies have access to it to support couples in their choice. As a rule, agencies such as VittoriaVita approach the selection with the greatest care and sensitivity, taking into account not only health criteria, but also physical appearance, so that the donor resembles the future parents.

In Ukraine, embryo donation is also permitted. If a couple has unused frozen embryos, they can consent to their anonymous use in the infertility treatment of other couples.

GPA in Ukraine as a method of PMA

Surrogacy in Ukraine is one of the methods of assisted reproduction permitted by law. It is indicated when the woman cannot carry a pregnancy on her own. After in vitro fertilization, the embryo is transferred to the surrogate mother’s uterus. The requirements for the surrogate mother are similar to those for donors:

• Thorough health check-up.
• Regular follow-up in clinic throughout the pregnancy.
• Legal contract with the couple.
• Compensation for time and effort spent.

The absence of a direct genetic link between the surrogate mother and the child is also a fundamental condition. Commercial surrogacy is legal in the country. The future parents take charge of all aspects of the program: organizational, medical and legal. Payments are made strictly according to the contract signed by the parties before the start of the process.

Why is Ukraine chosen for assisted reproduction

Every year, around 4,000 couples opt for assisted reproduction techniques in Ukraine. Through surrogacy alone, up to 1,500 babies are born each year. This popularity can be explained by a combination of four factors.

A high level of medical technologies and modern equipment. All reproductive medicine clinics must meet specific standards and have the technical equipment required by law.

Experienced doctors. PMA has been developing in the country since 1984, which has made it possible to build a solid knowledge base, train highly qualified medical personnel and develop proven work protocols.

A clear legal framework. Ukraine is one of the few countries where the entire process — from collecting genetic material to drawing up the child’s documents — is strictly regulated. The surrogate mother has no parental rights over the child. This provides expectant parents with a sense of security and predictability, and reduces the risk of fraud. Special advantage: administrative recognition of filiation and delivery of the birth certificate without a court decision.

Accessibility of programs for international patients. Foreign nationals can participate in a surrogacy program under the same conditions as Ukrainian couples.

MAP techniques in Ukraine are accessible, modern and safe. The programs are aimed at couples and single women suffering from infertility or unable to become pregnant for medical reasons. The law protects their rights and supports them in their desire to become parents.