Clinic Abroad IVF

[Pink090]

Hi there,

Has anyone been to an IVF clinic abroad? and can you let me know any tips if so, to watch out for or ask during consultation.

I know the different countries aren't regulated but actually compared to the UK that seems like they can go higher dosage then they would here.

Such a big decision/alot of money to spend in such a short space of time (to decide what clinic).

x

[Memacha]

yes, we went abroad after several failed cycles in the UK. In our first consultation we asked what protocol they’d recommend and why the thought it’d have better results. Also worth asking when in the cycle and for how long you’d need to be abroad and how you obtain the medication they prescribe. I ordered mine from Greece and had them shipped to the UK, had to pay customs fees too. Good luck, it’s a hard decision deciding where to go and you may only know if it was the right decision with the lived experience. We don’t regret going abroad x

[Chowlady14]

I’ve had a terrible experience and a fantastic experience with clinics abroad. I think what I would say is that you have to be mindful of the culture differences and trust their process. I find it a little daunting due to some language barriers as it’s already a stressful time but don’t take it personally. Also be aware depending on what county the facilities may not seem as modern as UK but remember it’s the final outcome that matters. Also the travel is a lot. It adds a lot more pressure in my opinion so factor that in. I think if I had my time again I would do egg collection, then freeze. Have a break and come back for frozen cycles instead of staying for full fresh transfer and it feels a long time to be away from home especially if you’re not sharing your journey with everybody. People start asking where you are etc but if that’s not a problem then whatever suits your circumstances. I think some of the IVF clinics abroad techniques are incredible. I know we can’t recommend clinics on here publicly but I rate the country Cyprus for treatment xx

[Suki27]

Hiya I used a clinic in greece on the recommendation of a friend who was in a similar situation to me (unexplained infertility, married, trying for 2 years, both around 32) and it was the best decision we ever made. The clinic and the whole team were amazing, spoke great English and explained everything so well. It almost felt like they were more advanced with techniques than the UK clinics we visited. They also only offer icsi as it gives the best possible chance. They also do alot of research studies around the world. I found alot of the UK clinics treated you like a transaction, it was all very money focused whereas in Greece it did not feel like that at all, it was much more holistic and focused on us and why we didn't been successful and how to investigate this and help.Logistically we made 3 trips, 1 for tests and consultation, 1 for the actual procedure and we then went back for a frozen transfer as my hormone levels were too high for a fresh transfer. We purchased all the medication whilst we were in Greece and they give you letters to fly with it but honestly nobody cared or checked lol.

Our 1st and only cycle was successful and I am currently 16 weeks pregnant! I know this is very rare but we feel we owe it to the wonderful team at the clinic.

I hope wherever you decide to go youre successful and healthy!! X good luck!

[Doodlebug23]

I am with a clinic in Spain and I cannot recommend them enough. They have been just fantastic with everything. If you research, clinics abroad are just so much more advanced and have much better success rates imo.

For me I found the travel not stressful once it was all arranged. I also went out there for initial tests and consultation which meant I got to figure out the area etc without any pressures of treatment. And also a few days in the sun near the beach was actuality a relaxing distraction.

I found no language barrier, as most medical professionals spoke great English, plus I also had my own personal assistant who was with me every visit who was fluent in English.

Not once did I ever feel like it was about the money or that I was just another patient. From ANY person I interacted with from reception staff, to healthcare staff to consultants. I sound like they are paying me don’t I! But I just love my clinic.

The travel expense does add on some cost but I still think it was compensated for by the cheaper cost of treatment. Plus in that I also got a mini break away.

For medications they gave me a script which I used in the UK. I once used STORK who were great with next day delivery but add a £60 admin fee. But all the other times used a local pharmacy.

Feel free to pm me any questions.

[Endowarrior36]

Hi,

We were due to start our stimulation with a clinic in Alicante on Thursday but unfortunately I just got out of hospital yesterday due to an infection so we are postponing our cycle.

We had 1 round of IVF here in Northern Ireland last Christmas. On reflection, I was just a number on a conveyer belt. After some research, we decided to go with the Alicante clinic - the appeal of being beside the beach when we are over is a huge appeal!

They prescribed the medications and we actually ended up buying them in Spain and taking them home in a cool bag - pharmacy provided a letter. But it ended up being about £500 cheaper to buy them there.

I am so sad that we have had to push back our treatment but I am hopeful that we have made a good decision in going abroad. The clinic wants me to get my Fallopian tubes removed after 2 goes of egg retrieval as i have hydrosalpinx. This was never suggested to me by anyone at home. It is all very scary but I just pray that I am giving myself the best chance.

I hope all works out for you!