IVF in the Czech Republic for Patients from UK and Ireland
People from the UK and Ireland looking into IVF abroad are usually searching for a treatment option that feels clear, reliable, and easier to access. IVF in the Czech Republic is a strong choice for those who want shorter waiting times, fresh egg donation, advanced genetic testing, and support in English throughout the process. With remote planning, local test coordination, and treatment visits to Prague or Brno, the journey can feel more manageable for patients travelling from abroad.
IVF in the Czech Republic for Patients from the UK and Ireland – Key Points
- Many UK and Irish patients choose the Czech Republic for IVF because there are no waiting lists, fresh egg donation is available, and clinics use advanced testing such as PGT.
- The process can begin from home with a free online consultation, where doctors review the patient’s medical history and suggest the next steps.
- A dedicated coordinator helps guide patients through the treatment plan, making it easier to manage tests, medication, travel, and communication with the clinic.
- Most monitoring can be done locally in the UK or Ireland, while the clinic uses those results to adjust the treatment plan when needed.
- Patients usually travel to Prague or Brno for the final stage of stimulation, egg collection, and embryo transfer, with follow-up care continuing after they return home.
When considering IVF treatment abroad, patients from the UK and Ireland are increasingly choosing the Czech Republic for its unique advantages, including no waiting lists, fresh egg donation options, advanced genetic testing (PGT), and above all high-quality medicine at an international level, with state-of-the-art approaches, cutting-edge laboratory technologies, comprehensive preconception screening, and consistently high IVF success rates.
In this article, we’ll explain the IVF process, pre-treatment preparations, medication management, and practical considerations specifically for patients from the UK and Ireland seeking treatment at Unica Clinic in the Czech Republic.
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Why Patients Look Abroad for IVF
IVF treatment in the Czech Republic is highly accessible, particularly for patients from the UK and Ireland, due to no waiting lists, modern techniques of PGT genetic testing, and fresh egg donation services.
At Unica, we take pride in having the largest donor database in the country, which enables us to offer fresh donor oocytes – a service not available in Ireland. The Czech donor phenotype closely resembles that of patients from the UK and Ireland, which is one of the key reasons why many patients choose the Czech Republic for their treatment with donor oocytes.
With over 20 years of experience in treating English-speaking patients, Unica has become a trusted destination, particularly for complex cases and patients aged 40+. We provide comprehensive care throughout the entire treatment process, with each patient supported by a dedicated coordinator who is with them every step of the way, ensuring a personalized and seamless experience.
At Unica, we take a holistic approach to infertility treatment, prioritizing both body and mind. Many of our patients have found great benefit from therapies such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, yoga, nutritional counseling, and psychological consultations. We are proud to offer these services to our patients traveling from abroad.
Unica Clinics Prague and Brno
First Consultation and Planning
The process begins with a preparation for the online consultation after filling out a medical questionnaire. Based on the information provided, a patient file is created, and the clinic’s coordinator will begin gathering all relevant medical analyses for the doctors to review. If a patient is able to visit the clinic for the initial consultation in person, they can benefit from additional checks such as an ultrasound and uterine condition evaluation at our clinic. These consultations are free, whether done online or at the clinic.
Tests before the first consultation at Unica Clinic typically include a hormonal profile, ultrasound control of the uterus, and information about previous treatments. For male patients, a sperm analysis is required, with results not older than one year. Additionally, tests for immunology, genetics, and hematology may be requested depending on the diagnosis. Patients are encouraged to provide as much information as possible, as this helps the doctors prepare for a more accurate consultation.
After the first consultation, a detailed report is sent to the patient, outlining the next steps and providing guidance on treatment planning based on the patient’s cycle and personal preferences. Additionally, we offer an online patient portal where all treatment information is securely stored. Through this portal, patients can access real-time updates on embryo development and medical results.
Pre-travel Preparation: Medical Tests and Medication Management
For UK and Irish patients, it is possible to arrange most of the necessary tests in their home country, although certain tests, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STD) tests (including HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and C), and preoperative tests for egg collection, need to be done at our clinic.
When it comes to stimulation medication, patients from the UK and Ireland can obtain their prescriptions from the clinic. The Czech prescriptions are valid throughout the EU, so patients can pick up medication at any pharmacy in the European Union.
If patients prefer to receive medication through a cooperating doctor in their home country, partial reimbursement may be possible through local medical insurance. However, it’s crucial to note that different countries may have varying drug names and packaging, so coordinating with the clinic is important to ensure the correct medications are used.
How is the Cycle Coordinated from Abroad
The cycle is coordinated remotely by the patient’s coordinator at Unica Clinic. After the first consultation (online or in-person), the patient will receive a summary of their treatment plan and a protocol outlining the necessary steps. If additional therapy is needed, such as for thyroid issues, the clinic will recommend the necessary treatment.
The patient is then responsible for keeping their coordinator updated on their progress and for scheduling ultrasounds and blood tests with a local doctor according to the protocol. The clinic provides templates for local doctors to complete during the stimulation phase, including monitoring follicle growth, endometrial thickness, and general response to stimulation. These results are then shared with Unica Clinic, allowing the doctors to adjust the treatment protocol as needed
Travelling to Unica Clinic in Prague or Brno
The clinic will guide patients through every step, from booking consultations to planning the timing of their arrival based on their menstrual cycle. Typically, patients should plan to arrive in Prague or Brno around days 8 or 9 of their stimulation cycle for the final phase of stimulation, egg collection, and embryo transfer, typically after 5 days of embryo development. For those undergoing genetic testing, the fresh embryo transfer may not occur immediately, and patients can return to their home countries while awaiting genetic test results, then come back for the frozen embryo transfer.
After Treatment: Follow-Up Care and Returning Home
Patients are required to work with their local doctors for follow-up tests and share the results with their coordinator at Unica Clinic. After the pregnancy test, an ultrasound is usually scheduled to confirm the pregnancy’s status. Once the pregnancy is confirmed, patients continue their hormonal support medications until the end of the first trimester.
Upon returning home, patients will be provided with detailed guidance on what to do (and what to avoid) during the early stages of pregnancy. This includes recommendations on physical activities, nutrition, and lifestyle changes that support a healthy pregnancy.
The local doctor will monitor the pregnancy, conducting regular check-ups and guiding the patient through any prenatal tests or screenings. The patient will stay in contact with the coordinator throughout the pregnancy to ensure smooth communication and provide any necessary updates.
Once the baby is born, the clinic requires certain information, such as the week of pregnancy when delivery occurred, whether the delivery was vaginal or via C-section, the height and weight of the baby at delivery and the baby’s gender. Patients are asked to send this information after childbirth to ensure that the clinic can fulfill its legal obligations.
Closing Thoughts: IVF Abroad with Unica Clinic
While IVF abroad may seem complicated, Unica Clinic’s years of experience in treating patients from abroad make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. With a wide list of cooperating doctors and communication in the patient’s native language, we coordinate the entire treatment plan, ensuring that every step is handled with care. From your first consultation to post-treatment care, we are here to provide a seamless experience for our international patients. Our expertise, coupled with personalized support, means you can trust us to make your IVF journey as pleasant and successful as possible.
