Here’s What An IVF Journey Abroad May Look Like
When you begin exploring IVF treatment abroad, you may wonder what the experience will involve.
If you have already had fertility treatment at home, the procedure itself may feel familiar. However, the wider experience is likely to be quite different because you will also need to choose an overseas clinic, communicate across borders, arrange travel and accommodation, and prepare for the possibility that treatment dates may change.
This guide explains what an IVF journey abroad may look like, from choosing a clinic through to returning home after treatment.
Summary
An IVF journey abroad may involve more planning than treatment at home. You will need to compare clinics, review their results, ask what treatment includes, complete any required tests and remain in close communication with the clinic about timing.
Travel arrangements may need to be made at short notice, and treatment dates may change depending on test results. Flexible flights and accommodation may therefore be useful. After treatment, you will return home and wait the full two weeks before testing so that you do not receive a false positive.
Choosing your clinic
After treatment at home, when your options are limited by your location and your GP’s referral process, looking at clinics abroad can be overwhelming. We’ve spoken to people who’ve considered having treatment in Spain and the Czech Republic, to countries as far afield as South Africa!
Whilst you should consider how far you’re willing to travel, it’s also important to look at results. This site allows you to search for clinics and provides information including success rates for each one. You can learn more about what the IVF statistics mean here. You should also ask questions regarding the treatment itself and what is included in the price. Often, asking questions will also give you a feel for the level of service that a clinic offers and whether you’ll be well looked after.
Communicating with the clinic
Each clinic will have their own preferred means of communication. Using email can help overcome any time difference. Before you have treatment you’ll need to have various tests which your clinic will be able to guide you through. Some will be able to carry out tests for you, or you may need to have these done at home, either privately or via your GP.
Crucially, you’ll need information from your clinic to arrange treatment windows. Timing the treatment well can give you the best chance of success so close communication is essential.
Preparing for your IVF journey abroad
In many ways, preparing for your IVF journey abroad is a lot like organising a holiday. You’ll need to book your flights and somewhere to stay. The only difference is that you may need to travel at short notice. There’s also the possibility that your dates may change depending on your test results. It’s worth looking for flights and accommodation that allow you to change or cancel your booking at short notice without incurring a penalty. Some clinics have a relationship with local hotels that could allow you to book at a preferential rate, or change your booking easily if necessary.
If you need to book time off work you’ll need to consider how much information you want to give your employer. Can you arrange leave easily and vary it if your plans change?
Having your treatment
If you’ve had good communication with your clinic the treatment itself shouldn’t bring too many surprises. A good clinic will often have patient co-ordinators to help you have straightforward treatment, but also to make sure you enjoy the rest of your time away.
Whilst it may be daunting travelling abroad for treatment, your IVF journey doesn’t just have to be a medical one. You could spend a few days before or after your treatment treating yourself to a holiday and enjoying the sights. Choosing a country you’d like to visit could even help you to decide on a clinic.
Back at home
Once you’re back at home, the waiting begins. You’ll need to wait for the full two weeks after treatment to ensure that you don’t get a false positive. Hopefully you’ll have some happy memories of your trip to distract you while you wait. It’s a good time to relax and reflect on your IVF journey so far and to look after yourself while you wait for your result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What may an IVF journey abroad involve?
The journey may include selecting an overseas clinic, reviewing its results, asking questions about treatment and pricing, completing tests, arranging travel and accommodation, receiving treatment and returning home for the waiting period.
How should I choose an IVF clinic abroad?
You should consider how far you are willing to travel and review the information available about clinic results.
You should also ask questions about the treatment itself and what is included in the price. The clinic’s answers may help you understand the level of service it provides and whether you are likely to feel well looked after.
Will I need tests before travelling?
You will need various tests before treatment, and the clinic should guide you through what is required.
Some clinics may carry out the tests themselves. Alternatively, you may need to arrange them at home, either privately or through your GP.
Why is communication with the clinic important?
You will need information from the clinic to arrange your treatment window.
Timing treatment well can give you the best chance of success, so close communication is essential.
Can an IVF trip also include a holiday?
It may be possible to spend a few days before or after treatment enjoying the destination and visiting local sights.
Choosing a country you would like to visit could also help you decide which clinic to consider.
How long should I wait before testing after treatment?
You will need to wait for the full two weeks after treatment to ensure that you do not receive a false positive.
During that period, you may want to relax, reflect on your journey and look after yourself while waiting for the result.
