Treatment abroad - why so many are considering it

The results of the Infertility Network UK survey into fertility treatment abroad are now out, and they show that 3/4 of those who replied to the questionnaire would consider going overseas. The main reasons for this are the cost of treatment abroad, and the quick access, along with higher success rates and the availability of donor eggs and sperm.

It's often assumed that only those who need donor eggs and sperm are travelling for their treatment, because we know waiting lists in the UK tend to be long, but the results show that there are now many others considering going abroad for IVF, ICSI or other treatments using their own eggs and sperm.

There has also been an assumption that people going overseas for treatment using donor eggs or sperm are partly choosing to do this because they want anonymous donors. In fact it seems that many people don't want this, and that they are accepting donor anonymity as the downside of going overseas, and the price they and their future children must pay for quick access to treatment.

Of those who've been abroad, the vast majority have been happy with the treatment they've received, and the atmosphere, facilities and staff at overseas clinics were all singled out for praise. Just 12% of those who'd been to clinics abroad hadn't been happy, and in most cases this was down to language and communications problems. There had also been some issues with clinics charging more than patients had originally anticipated.

The survey shows that most people who go abroad for fertility treatment make all the arrangements themselves, and don't have recommendations from a clinic at home. This does highlight the importance of doing your research before you opt to go ahead with something like this. The UK fertility sector is tightly regulated and you shouldn't assume that clinics in other countries have to follow similar rules or guidelines. It is important to try to talk to others who've been to any clinic you are looking at, to make sure you understand the regulations the clinic must follow and to be sure you are as confident as you possibly can be that you are not going to encounter problems communicating with the clinic, or getting there when you need to.