Was anyone planning to do an IVF cycle abroad and has to re-think this decision due to Covid?

[Gussie38]

We were meant to be going to Greece but obviously with all that is going on, everything is on hold! It is so frustrating. Now I don't know whether to wait and see what happens or try and find a clinic in the UK. We had a cycle in October 2020 in Greece so all our information is there and I felt really happy with the clinic. I hate the thought of starting over and having to spend more money we don't have

[Dreamydoran]

Hi, I know how you feel, we’ve put off from last year and have put off until May due to travel and the virus 🦠 we go to Spain..Frustrating is putting it mildly, I’ve just turned 45 and if it doesn’t happen by July it’s the end of the road..

Didn’t think of going to Uk, but maybe that’s an option. But love our clinic and they’ve been amazing so would feel like betrayal, good luck x

[Gussie38 in reply to Dreamydoran]

Agreed. I feel the same about our clinic in Greece but then think what if we can't travel this entire year. Too many unknowns! Greece said we could come but would have to quarantine for a week but to arrive a week before my period starts. But when you have irregular periods, you could end up being there for weeks! Good luck to you too. I feel your pain... x

[alockie]

I am sorry to know you had to change your plans. Although many overseas clinics say they are safe and knowledgeable about how to manage the situation. Two friends of mine traveled to Turkey and Poland in Sept/Oct, and told airlines followed all regulations, and clinics took all measures to be a safe place for patients. While staying in the hotel, they avoided places with people, and other people also tried to be more aware of the situation.

[Gussie38 in reply to alockie]

Thats good to hear. We did go in October (2020) and it was all fine, but now Greece has much more strict guidelines which is making it difficult to go. Everyone does wear masks there even on the streets which is great. The 7 day quarantine once you arrive there is what is putting us off at the moment! Fingers crossed for a lowering of that amount soon!

[Uffculmedolly]

Yes, we have frozen embryos in a clinic in North Cyprus, which has the mandatory 10 days hotel quarantine when you arrive, we have been put off from travelling and now with talk of the UK quarantine on return, it’s so overwhelming and frustrating. Also, with all of this I feel that we would end up spending more money going back than if we had IVF in the UK! We’re considering our options, but I feel your pain x

[Gussie38 in reply to Uffculmedolly]

Agreed!! My husband says the same about spending more there now. Its a waiting game isnt it really? Such a hard decision as to know whether to see if the restrictions change or to just bite the bullet and do it here. However I think if I had frozen embryos abroad I would want to go there and use them rather than do a fresh cycle here. As you said its all about considering options! Good luck xx

[Uffculmedolly in reply to Gussie38]

Definitely a waiting game and it’s so difficult knowing what to do as whilst it’s a waiting game time is not on our side as we age! I was also poorly after our IVF treatment, I had shingles! 🙄 so it has put me off having another fresh cycle! Decisions, decisions x

[Gussie38 in reply to Uffculmedolly]

Yes the age thing is always on our mind isnt it! We have decided to have a consultation with ARGC in London and then make a decision.

[ClaudiaS]

I am following an athens clinicwich made my dreams come true secret Facebook group and i see alot of uk ladys going to them without problems! The quarantine period can break with doctors papper saying its an emergency appointment to the clinic....

[Gussie38 in reply to ClaudiaS]

Thats frustrating!! After I saw your message I did ask the clinic we go to in Greece but they said thats not allowed. They asked the Embassy who said this is not permitted and apparently they also asked the police! Ill keep an eye on the situation as I guess rules change everyday! Fingers crossed

[ClaudiaS in reply to Gussie38]

An emergency situation signed by a doctor is always allowed everywhere in the world to move out of quarantine. I believe is the doctor who can say if a loosing Ivf cycle is an emergency or if the hormones checking is an emergency! ... so i think is the doctors choice to give you permission or not as an emergency!

[Gussie38 in reply to ClaudiaS]

Makes sense to me!! Ill email the clinic again. Thank you for your help

[Uffculmedolly in reply to ClaudiaS]

Which clinic is this Claudia?