IVF Treatment Abroad – Risks Versus Potential Rewards

In the news today it has been reported that increasing numbers of British women are travelling abroad to seek IVF treatment privately.  These women are finding it hard to gain access to treatment in the UK for a number of reasons, and because having a child is so many women’s absolute desire, we’re not at all surprised to read of the increase in numbers – particularly as accessing private IVF treatment in the UK is simply so expensive.

However, there are risks involved with seeking treatment abroad – as well as the obvious potential rewards - and so in this guide to seeking IVF treatment overseas, we’ll examine both sides of the coin for anyone looking for an unbiased and open discussion to help them decide whether, for the sake of their health, their future and their choices, they should go overseas for fertility treatment or not.

If you’re wondering about your options, there is such a wealth of information on the internet, but a great deal of it is weighted in favour of overseas treatment because it is written by international clinics.  In this report we will remain as unbiased as we possibly can be…

Why Consider IVF Treatment Abroad

Because IVF treatment is so costly and expensive, the British NHS system limits those who can have access to free rounds of treatment.  If you are over the age of 39 or 40 you’re likely to be refused treatment on the NHS, if you’re considered clinically obese as you have a body mass index of 30 or more you’re unlikely to be accepted for treatment.  What’s more, even those who can afford to go privately are facing the fact that there are fewer donors of eggs and sperm in the UK than ever – thanks in no uncertain terms to the new laws on anonymity that mean that a child born as a result of donation can trace their biological parent now.

The cost for a single round of IVF treatment in the UK is upwards of £6,000 depending on the nature of your complications and where you seek treatment – and because a high percentage of patients require more than one round of assistance, the cost for having IVF is falling further and further from most people’s reach.  These are all reasons why women and couples consider having IVF treatment abroad – and the final main reason is waiting times.  In the UK, even if you opt for private treatment there can be a delay in getting access to the services you need…whereas overseas, certain clinics in certain nations will give almost immediate assistance to qualifying women.

The Risks of Seeking IVF Treatment Abroad

The main risk highlighted in a report out this week into the rising numbers of women seeking IVF treatment abroad is multiple births.  The greater the number of children you carry at any one time, the greater the risk to you and the greater the risk to your children.  This is why in the UK there is a recommended limit on the number of embryos implanted – but abroad in many nations that women seek treatment in, there is no limit.  As a result the incidences of women having twins and triplets is far higher in the likes of Spain, Hungary and even Serbia.

Further risks include choosing a clinic that does not operate ethically or to high enough clinical standards – this can result in mistakes being made, failure rates being higher, multiple births being inevitable and even of patients becoming ill from infections caught when having treatment for example.

Furthermore, patients are at risk of being financially scammed if they are required to send cash in advance of a visit, and of having their dreams and hopes being dashed by unscrupulous caregivers who talk up success rates and an individual’s chance of conceiving.

Avoiding the Risks of IVF Treatment Abroad

To avoid the majority of risks, patients need to apply commonsense to their search for the right clinic to help them.  If possible they should visit the clinic and doctors in advance of agreeing to have IVF treatment.  They should check the licensing of the clinic and the qualifications of lead practitioners.  This can be done by requesting this information from the clinic, and then following up the information delivered with the authorities and bodies to have licensed the premises and granted the qualifications to caregivers.

If possible, would-be patients should speak to other former patients to find out about their experiences, and speak to their own trusted GP about the choices they are thinking of making.  Whilst a GP is likely to err heavily on the side of caution and perhaps attempt to dissuade someone from seeking treatment abroad, bear in mind that they have to protect their patient.  Heed their advice and any warnings seriously – but if you still decide to go ahead, make sure you do as much due diligence as you possibly can on the clinic and staff who will be treating you.

The Advantages of Receiving IVF Treatment Abroad

Nations such as Croatia, Turkey, Serbia and India offer IVF treatment at about a third of the cost of the UK.  For those who prefer alternative locations, countries and destinations such as Barbados, Spain and even Israel offer IVF at about a half of what you would pay in the UK.  In these countries there are egg and sperm donors, reputable clinics with well-trained and qualified staff, and a decent choice of clinic to choose from.  So in terms of cost and choice, there are advantages to be gained from going abroad.

Women over the age of 40 are also accepted by many clinics, as are those who are considered too overweight in the UK to have a baby.  Although, if you are carrying excess weight, do bear in mind that pregnancy places a massive strain on your body – and whilst you may not care about the consequences for you, for 9 months you are your baby’s incubator, and anything that is affecting you is affecting your baby too.  So do not be selfish.

Other advantages include shorter waiting lists, the ability to have more than one embryo implanted, (something some women desire), fewer means and medical checks (although medical checks are done for a reason), and the ability to choose how and when you seek treatment.

We are not stating that these advantages are all morally, ethically or even medically correct, we are simply highlighting them as fact.

In conclusion, if you’re contemplating seeking IVF treatment abroad you are certainly not alone.  Thousands of women from across Europe and the UK travel internationally to have treatment and to get closer to having the family that they so desperately desire.  Just ensure that you do not take any risks with your health or that of your unborn baby.  Seek advice, do due diligence and comprehensive background checks.  Speak to satisfied clients, do not hand over money until you are 100% certain that you will get what you want for it - and finally, we sincerely wish you good luck and every success in having the family that you dream of.