Fertility treatment abroad
Many couples experience difficulty conceiving and after many visits to their doctor’s office and referrals to fertility clinics, are faced with the fact that they may need to consider fertility treatment.
However, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an expensive business and therefore many couples seek to go abroad for their treatment. The average cost of IVF treatment in the UK is £5,427, while abroad the cost can range from around £2,000 up to £3,500.
IVF treatment is usually considered after various other non-invasive procedures have failed. It is not something to be taken lightly, and when you are considering seeking less expensive treatment abroad, you should absolutely make sure that you consult the rules and regulations of the country where you will be receiving treatment before agreeing to treatment.
In addition, it is important that you know that the specialists who are going to treat you are members of organizations or technologies of endocrinologists. This means they have completed medical school programs followed by a four-year residency in OB/GYN, and then 2-3 years in fertility, resulting in board certification.
With so much at stake, it’s worth taking a hard look at all these issues before spending your hard-earned money on IVF treatment abroad, as you also need to consider the possibility that multiple attempts will be needed during the process, plus the cost of any medication that may be required.
Some people combine treatment with their vacation to save costs, visiting countries like Germany, Spain, Belgium, and the US, to name just a few. At the same time, of course, being in a relaxed state of mind can only help your chances of conceiving.
If, as a couple, you are considering donor eggs, again, it is wise to be cautious when traveling abroad. The European Union passed a law last year that sets expected standards for the donation, testing and storage of human cells and tissues. However, it is still up to individual member countries to regulate compliance.
When searching the internet for fertility clinics abroad, it’s easy to be impressed by their quoted success rates. If a country does not have a central registry that monitors the success rates reported by fertility clinics, there is no way for a government body to verify them.
The other thing to take into account regarding success rates is, of course, the age of the patients. If they mainly cover an age range of 20 to mid-30, these rates will be considerably higher than for women aged 30 and over.
Fertility treatment abroad is now the only option for some older women in the UK. As with any medical treatment, it’s best to find out as much as you can about the options available to you. Thoroughly research the clinics in the various countries you are considering and, if possible, visit the country before finally making up your mind.
Your desire to conceive should not cloud your judgment and cause you to risk your own health and well-being.