Steps for IVF Abroad: Insights from Dr. Elena Santiago
With more women and couples from the US and Canada choosing to travel abroad for fertility treatments, the trend is driven primarily by economic and legal reasons.
Disclaimer: Vida Fertility is a partner of The IVF Warrior
Steps for IVF Abroad: Insights from Dr. Elena Santiago
To better understand this growing phenomenon, we interviewed Dr. Elena Santiago, a renowned gynecologist and fertility expert at Vida Fertility Madrid, who shared her expertise on navigating the IVF journey abroad.
This article breaks down the key steps of undergoing IVF in a foreign country, with a focus on Spain, to help patients make informed decisions and feel confident in their path to parenthood.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Country
The first step is to identify the country that aligns with your fertility goals and needs. Understanding the assisted reproduction laws in different nations is crucial. Regulations can vary significantly, especially regarding the legality of certain treatments like egg donation or surrogacy and the anonymity of gamete donors.
“In Spain, for example, egg and sperm donors remain strictly anonymous, which is a key aspect of our reproductive legislation,” explains Dr. Santiago. “Additionally, the law ensures that donors are physically matched to the future parents, which provides reassurance to many patients.”
Step 2: Selecting Your Fertility Clinic
Once you’ve chosen the country, it’s time to research clinics. Spain, being a European leader in fertility treatments, offers a wide range of options. However, finding the right clinic is about more than just location.
Dr. Santiago suggests asking clinics the following questions to assess their suitability:
How much does it cost? Are there transparent pricing structures, guarantees, or financing options?
When can I start? Does the clinic adapt the treatment plan to your schedule and needs?
How will the process work? Are the steps clear, and do they offer personalized protocols?
Who will guide me through the process? Will you have consistent contact with the same doctor and coordinator? Do they have in-house donors and advanced facilities?
Dr. Santiago recommends limiting your initial consultations to two or three clinics to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Step 3: Planning Your Travel
Your availability and personal circumstances will influence how you plan your trip.
“For transatlantic patients, it’s often more cost-effective to stay for the entire cycle,” says Dr. Santiago. “This allows patients to complete any outstanding tests, undergo monitoring scans, and purchase much cheaper medications directly in Spain. Many of our international patients, especially those who can work remotely, find this option more practical.”
For egg donation, the patient only needs to travel for the embryo transfer, while fertility preservation or IVF cycles require a stay of approximately 15 days. If a fresh transfer is planned, an additional five days may be needed.
If staying for the full cycle isn’t feasible, the clinic can help organize travel for just the egg retrieval and/or embryo transfer. Vida Fertility also partners with local accommodations to assist patients with their travel logistics.
Step 4: Pre-Cycle Tests and Monitoring
Your approach to pre-cycle tests and monitoring will depend on whether you’re staying abroad or doing most of the preparation at home.
At the clinic: Patients who complete their pre-cycle tests and monitoring onsite benefit from speed, convenience, and lower costs. Dr. Santiago shares, “Many of our patients prefer to visit for an initial consultation and complete their tests, leaving a sperm sample if necessary. This is especially ideal for egg donation cycles, as they only need to return for the transfer once the embryos are ready, and for egg freezing when women stay then the entire cycle and are monitored at the clinic, directly with me.”
At home: If staying abroad for the entire process isn’t possible, Vida Fertility collaborates with various clinics and labs in the US and Canada. Patients can complete their tests with their trusted ob-gyns or affiliated centres, ensuring a smooth and coordinated process.
When undergoing monitoring at home, it’s essential to have a responsive ob-gyn who can provide timely ultrasounds, blood tests, and updated prescriptions.
Step 5: Egg Retrieval and Embryo Transfer
The egg retrieval and embryo transfer are the two critical phases that must take place at the clinic abroad.
“These steps require patients to travel to Spain,” explains Dr. Santiago. “We aim to minimise stress by maintaining open, continuous communication with patients throughout the process. Clear instructions, same-day responses, and a dedicated coordinator who speaks their language make all the difference.”
Step 6: Post-Treatment Care
Fertility treatments don’t end with the embryo transfer or egg freezing. Post-treatment follow-up is essential, especially for patients who travel long distances for their care.
“At Vida Fertility, for example, our egg freezing programs include five years of free storage and discounted rates for future IVF treatments using those eggs,” says Dr. Santiago. “For IVF and egg donation patients, we provide support until the 12th week of pregnancy and offer guarantees that extend through the first trimester or even until the birth of the baby.”
Patients are assigned a dedicated coordinator who stays in touch throughout the process, answering questions promptly and providing support in their preferred language.
Conclusion: Communication is Key
“Many of our international patients tell us that they’ve never experienced such fluid communication with a clinic in their home country,” shares Dr. Santiago.
This level of care is essential for the success of fertility treatments, as patients need clear guidance, quick responses, and emotional support throughout the journey. When choosing a fertility clinic abroad, Dr. Santiago advises patients to contact two or three clinics and evaluate their communication and attentiveness.
“Building a connection with your clinic’s team can make all the difference in minimising the challenges of undergoing IVF abroad,” she concludes. “By understanding these steps and prioritising communication, patients can feel confident and supported as they take this important step toward growing their family.”
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.
