Treatment Overview
Cytoplasmic Transfer is one of the most innovative fertility enhancement techniques available today, and Korea is among the few countries pioneering its use in advanced IVF and donor egg programs. The procedure involves transferring healthy cytoplasm — the fluid and energy-producing material from a young donor’s egg — into the recipient’s egg. This rejuvenates the egg’s cellular environment, improving its quality and the embryo’s potential for successful development.
In Korea, this process is performed with micromanipulation technology and real-time cellular imaging, ensuring utmost precision. It’s particularly effective for older women or those with mitochondrial dysfunction in their eggs, offering a revolutionary alternative before resorting to full donor egg IVF.
Purpose & Benefits
The primary goal of Cytoplasmic Transfer is to enhance egg vitality and restore mitochondrial energy, leading to improved embryo quality and pregnancy success rates. Key benefits include:
- Enhanced egg and embryo development for women with poor egg quality.
- Reduced chromosomal abnormalities by rejuvenating mitochondrial function.
- Improved fertilization and implantation rates.
- A more natural conception experience since part of the genetic material comes from the intended mother.
Korean clinics combine this technique with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and time-lapse embryo monitoring to ensure only healthy embryos are transferred.
Ideal Candidates
Cytoplasmic Transfer is recommended for:
- Women over 38 experiencing decreased egg quality.
- Patients with a history of multiple IVF failures or poor embryo quality.
- Those diagnosed with mitochondrial dysfunction or cytoplasmic defects.
- Couples desiring genetic connection to the child but needing enhanced egg support.
- Patients undergoing donor egg IVF who wish to include part of their own cytoplasm for biological continuity.
This treatment is particularly popular among international patients seeking biologically inclusive and ethically advanced fertility options in Korea.
Possible Risks & Complications
While Cytoplasmic Transfer is generally safe, it remains a delicate and sophisticated procedure. Possible risks include:
- Slight risk of egg or embryo damage during micromanipulation.
- Theoretical risk of mitochondrial DNA mixing (heteroplasmy), though rare and well-controlled.
- Mild side effects from ovarian stimulation or hormonal treatment.
Korean fertility clinics strictly follow bioethical standards and advanced quality control to ensure patient safety and minimize any potential complications.
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean fertility centers use next-generation microinjection and cytoplasmic fusion technologies under highly controlled lab environments. Advanced techniques include:
- Micro-Transfer Pipette Systems for precision cytoplasmic extraction and injection.
- Laser-Assisted Cytoplasmic Fusion to blend donor cytoplasm safely.
- Mitochondrial DNA Screening to ensure compatibility and prevent genetic interference.
- AI-Assisted Embryo Viability Assessment for optimal selection post-transfer.
Many Korean clinics integrate ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) and Cytoplasmic Transfer simultaneously to maximize fertilization efficiency and minimize handling time.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery from Cytoplasmic Transfer is minimal and similar to standard IVF. Patients may experience mild bloating or cramping after egg retrieval, but no extended downtime is required. Aftercare includes hormonal monitoring, embryo development tracking, and follow-up ultrasounds. Clinics also provide personalized support with nutrition counseling, stress management, and mitochondrial wellness programs, reflecting Korea’s holistic fertility care approach.
Results & Longevity
Cytoplasmic Transfer has been shown to significantly improve embryo quality and implantation success, particularly for patients with poor ovarian response. Success rates vary between 55% and 75%, depending on age and underlying conditions. The benefits of rejuvenated cytoplasm extend to overall egg health longevity, improving outcomes for future cycles as well. Many international patients report successful pregnancies after years of unsuccessful IVF attempts elsewhere.
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea’s Cytoplasmic Transfer procedure combines cutting-edge cellular biotechnology with patient-centered care. The process includes:
- Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval from both donor and recipient.
- Microscopic extraction of donor cytoplasm and transfer into the recipient’s egg.
- Fertilization using ICSI and embryo culture under time-lapse imaging.
- Optional PGT testing for chromosomal stability.
- Embryo transfer and post-procedure hormonal support.
Korea stands at the forefront of fertility innovation due to its highly trained embryologists, AI-integrated IVF systems, and government-supported reproductive technology standards. The country’s medical infrastructure, coupled with English-speaking coordinators and international fertility programs, makes it one of the top global destinations for reproductive rejuvenation treatments.
Cost Range
The cost of Cytoplasmic Transfer in Korea typically ranges from USD 15,000 to USD 30,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure, donor involvement, and clinic reputation. When combined with a full donor egg IVF package, total expenses may reach USD 35,000 to USD 45,000. This is still often 30–40% more affordable than similar procedures in the U.S. or Europe, while maintaining superior technological standards and success rates.
Popular Clinics
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul) – A global leader in mitochondrial and cytoplasmic transfer techniques, with dedicated reproductive research facilities.
- Maria Fertility Hospital – Offers advanced cellular rejuvenation IVF and personalized fertility mapping.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital – Known for comprehensive donor egg and cytoplasmic programs for international patients.
- GynART Fertility Clinic – Specializes in cytoplasmic microtransfer with AI-guided embryo monitoring.
- Seoul National University Hospital – Reproductive Medicine Center – A pioneer in clinical research and mitochondrial therapy integration.
