Vida Fertility shares the patient’s experience with receiving IVF abroad.
With an increasing number of women and couples opting for fertility treatments outside their home countries, the decision to undergo IVF abroad often stems from a mix of economic, legal, and treatment related factors.
The process of IVF abroad follows the same fundamental steps as treatments performed in your home country: ovarian stimulation (using the patient’s or donor’s eggs), egg retrieval, in vitro fertilisation with partner or donor sperm, embryo development, and embryo transfer. However, there are key differences in protocols, laboratory technology, medication, and of course the human factor—the professionals guiding you through the process.
To shed light on this growing trend, we spoke with Dr Elena Santiago, gynaecologist and fertility specialist at Vida Fertility Madrid. With years of experience working with international patients, Dr Santiago shared her expertise on how fertility treatments abroad, particularly in Spain, can provide a seamless and successful path to parenthood. “For patients who have undergone a cycle in their home country, the stages themselves will feel familiar, but the experience is often very different,” explains Dr Santiago.
Key Differences Between IVF at Home and IVF Abroad
At the Clinic: Most fertility clinics abroad offer pre-cycle tests at their facilities. Although it requires travelling, this can be a worthwhile option due to its speed, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Dr Santiago shares, “Patients often prefer coming to Vida Fertility for a single day to have their first consultation, complete all tests, and leave a sperm sample. For egg donation cycles, this is particularly practical, as they only need to come back for the embryo transfer.”
At Home: For those who prefer to stay local for their tests, clinics like Vida Fertility work closely with partner centres or laboratories to make the process seamless. “We collaborate with providers like EFP, who are incredibly efficient and even send test kits directly to patients’ homes,” Dr Santiago notes. Patients can also work with their trusted OB-GYN to complete tests, just as they would for local treatments.
2. Monitoring Your Cycle for an IVF treatment abroad
At the Clinic: Regular monitoring is vital for IVF success. Staying in your clinic’s country during the entire cycle is usually complicated personally and professionally, but if doable, it’s an option worth considering for many reasons. “In Vida Fertility, all monitoring ultrasounds are included in the treatment cost,” says Dr Santiago. For patients from the US and Canada, doing their cycle monitoring in Spain offers significant savings. Additionally, medication in Spain tends to be more affordable, eliminating the need for repeated prescriptions.
At Home: If travelling for every monitoring appointment is not feasible, patients can arrange scans and blood tests with a local gynaecologist. “Our team has built a network of reliable professionals in the UK, Ireland, and other regions, ensuring our patients can access local support,” Dr Santiago highlights. With the patients consent, clinics should coordinate directly with local professionals to ensure reports are shared promptly.
3. Egg Retrieval and Embryo Transfer
Egg retrieval and embryo transfer must be performed at the clinic abroad. “At Vida Fertility in Spain, these are the only two critical stages that require patients to visit in person, in one or two stays, depending on each individual case,” explains Dr Santiago. While patients must remain flexible due to the inherent unpredictability of fertility treatments, clear and consistent communication from the clinic can greatly reduce stress. “At Vida Fertility, we prioritise communication in the patient’s language and ensure each patient has a dedicated coordinator to guide them.”
Why Communication is the Key to a Successful IVF Abroad
“One recurring comment we receive from our international patients is how much they value the fluid and responsive communication with our team, something many lacked in their home countries,” says Dr Santiago. Unfortunately, the emotional toll of IVF can be heightened when patients don’t receive timely answers or clear guidance. When choosing a fertility clinic abroad, take the time to contact several options and evaluate their responsiveness and communication. Establishing a connection with the team can significantly ease the challenges of undergoing IVF in a foreign country.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to undergo IVF abroad is a significant decision, but with the right clinic, it can be a smooth and rewarding journey. Find a clinic dedicated to offering personalised care, advanced technologies, and clear communication to make your dream of parenthood a reality. Whether you’re based in Europe, North America, or beyond, you should be supported by the team every step of the way.
Ready to explore IVF options abroad? Contact Vida Fertility to learn more about personalised treatments and start your journey today.
Enhanced Fertility Programme was founded by Andreia Trigo RN BSc MSc, Fertility Nurse Consultant, giving you access to personalised fertility diagnostics and care.
