The United Kingdom has long been at the forefront of pushing technologies and modern solutions. And the field of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) comes as no exception. Their groundbreaking efforts in the industry have supported couples facing infertility issues to fulfill their dream of starting a family. Yet recent reductions in NHS support for services have caused concern and confusion, among individuals seeking fertility treatments.
Some individuals have started seeking assistance outside the UK due to different reasons. Many are exploring the option of traveling to countries with accessible and cost-effective IVF and reproductive technologies. Some are even choosing to undergo treatments in places like India, where advanced fertility clinics provide state-of-the-art procedures at a cost compared to the UK. Based on information from Fertility Network UK and Fertility Clinics, inadequate NHS coverage and expensive private IVF services were factors driving people to seek treatment overseas. These factors explain why some UK residents opt for IVF treatment abroad.
True Reasons for Patients to Go Outside of the UK for an IVF Treatment
The number of patients seeking IVF treatment outside of the UK keeps growing. While some may consider this a negative trend, there are actually a number of valid reasons for patients to travel abroad for their fertility treatment.
#1 — IVF Cost
The high cost of IVF treatment is a concern for people in the UK. Patients often face bills sometimes amounting to tens of thousands of pounds. Fortunately, some clinics abroad provide top-notch care at a more affordable price. For individuals struggling with the expenses of IVF in the UK, seeking treatment might be their best bet. IVF treatment abroad can be significantly cheaper than in the UK, with potential savings from the IVF cost abroad of over 75% compared to local costs, making it a more affordable option for many patients.
#2 — Availability of Donor Eggs
Overseas clinics offer an attractive solution for those seeking donor eggs or sperm, as they often have a larger pool of donors to choose from. This increased availability of donors can help to address the shortage of donors currently experienced in the UK, providing individuals with a greater chance of finding a suitable match. Some countries with a large student population and foreign programs have donors from practically every ethnic group.
#3 — The Wait Time
In the UK, the demand for IVF treatment can lead to long waiting lists at some clinics. This delays the start of treatment for many patients. However, when seeking treatment abroad, people can often begin their IVF cycle without the need to wait, providing them with the opportunity to start their journey to parenthood more quickly.
#4 — IVF Success Rates
Higher success rates are another key factor driving individuals to seek IVF treatment outside their home country. These rates can vary significantly between countries, influencing the decision to travel for treatment. Here are some of the points that contribute to the higher success rates observed in IVF abroad:
● Countries offering IVF treatment abroad often have state-of-the-art medical facilities with advanced reproductive technologies, enhancing the chances of successful outcomes
● International fertility specialists are highly experienced and skilled;
● Countries with stringent regulations and high-quality standards in their IVF clinics tend to have higher success rates, ensuring optimal care and treatment for patients
● Access to cutting-edge reproductive technology in certain countries abroad contributes to the higher success rates of IVF treatment.
All these make achieving a successful pregnancy and fulfilling their dream of parenthood a reality for many child-free couples in the UK.
#5 — IVF Treatment Availability
As a rule, the list of IVF treatments abroad is more varied. It covers the following:
● PGD — Pre-implantation genetic diagnostics;
● IUI — Intrauterine insemination using spouse or donor sperm;
● IVF — In vitro fertilization;
● ICSI — Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection;
● PESA, TESA, and MESA — Surgical sperm retrieval;
● Ovum (egg) donation;
● AH — Assisted Hatching;
● Blastocyst Transfer;
● Frozen embryo transfer.
It is possible to find treatment tailored to your individual needs and situation.
Final Say!
The decision on whether to pursue IVF treatment is not the same for everyone. Different people go for different options. The decision involves weighing a combination of financial, medical, and logistical aspects. For some people, the cheaper cost and the ability to combine treatment with a vacation make IVF abroad an appealing alternative.
For others, the ease and familiarity of getting therapy at home outweigh any possible savings. Before making a choice, talk with fertility professionals, undertake extensive research, and maybe meet with others who have had IVF both locally and internationally to get a variety of opinions. Ultimately, the ideal option is one that is consistent with your unique circumstances, beliefs, and objectives.
An Occupational therapist, freelance content writer and more importantly a stay-at-home mom, Sara, like all other parents juggles her many roles. Her passion for writing combined with her professional expertise as an Occupational therapist (working with children with special needs) has helped her craft content specific to child health, wellness and learning skills. At present, Sara alternates her time between raising her two young children, and writing about what she knows best- children!
