Why travel to Spain for fertility treatment?

Words by Poppy Millar-Maher

What is it about IVF in Spain?

Are you thinking of travelling abroad for fertility treatment? Many US-based patients are looking at European egg donation options, which often initially appeal for their relative cost-effectiveness when compared to similar options to those in the States. Affordability is an important factor, but there are other benefits too. We take a look at the pros for travelling from the States to Europe, especially Spain, for the next stage of your fertility journey.

Working alongside expert Spain-based fertility clinic Vida Fertility, we’ll also provide some essential travel tips for seeking IVF treatment abroad, and look at how to prepare yourself for the experience.

1. Affordability

In the US, IVF treatment typically costs anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000, and is rarely included within personal healthcare schemes so must be paid for out of the patient’s own pocket. In comparison, treatment clinics in Spain tend to offer IVF with donor eggs for between €5,000 and €8,000 (approximately $5,500 and $8,700). Even when factoring in the price of flights and accommodation, the difference is considerable, especially for those without health insurance.

2. Quality

Spain is the leading destination in Europe for fertility treatments, and their clinics attract patients from all over Europe and beyond. As a result of strict laws, all donor eggs and sperm undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are of the highest quality.

3. Accessibility & inclusivity

The regulatory bodies in Spain have made treatment easily accessible to more patients, including solo TTC patients and same-sex couples. The laws around age limits are also more relaxed – patients of 50 and under and with a BMI of 30 and under are more likely to be eligible for IVF in Spain.

4. Egg availability

There is an abundance of egg and sperm donors in Spain, and more younger people donating too. This means that there is less competition and shorter waiting times to begin your treatment than in the US.

5. Full donor anonymity

Donating eggs and sperm in Spain is a voluntary act and prospective donors are thoroughly tested before they’re able to make a donation. There is a guarantee of relative confidentiality which for TTC parents wanting anonymity is a big draw.

Preparing for IVF abroad

Flying to Spain from the US is a commitment in terms of time and money, so it’s important to know what to expect and to plan accordingly. 

How long will overseas IVF take?

The amount of time you need to commit to IVF depends on whether you’re doing a frozen embryo transfer or you’re undergoing egg transfer. 

• Frozen embryo transfer: The egg retrieval (yours or your donor’s) takes place around 12 to 15 days of fertility medication (ovarian stimulation). The eggs are collected in a relatively minor day procedure and are fertilized with your partner or donor sperm. After 5 to 6 days of development, the embryo can be transferred to the uterus. This option depends on your medical and fertility situation and has the great advantage that you only need on trip to Spain of about 7-10 days. Except if you need a double donation and in that case, you only need to come from the embryo transfer.
• Egg retrieval and transfer: This kind of transfer means that the embryos are not fertilized and transferred during the same cycle. It can be to run some genetic test on them (and have time to get the results) or because the endometrium lining is not ideal for transfer right after the egg transfer and need another cycle to be prepared. It can be because it’s your second or third transfer of embryos from a previous cycle, it can be many things. In that case, even though you might need to fly twice to Spain, the good thing is that you are sure to have an embryo to transfer and you don’t need to stay long, just for the embryo transfer. And your partner, if you have one, doesn’t need to be there for more than moral support.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for fertility treatment abroad:

• Map out a plan – Your clinic can help you make a clear and detailed treatment plan so you know what to expect. This can include everything from advice on preparing your body for IVF and building a timeline from your initial consultation through to treatment completion.
• Ask away! – Ask as many questions as you need to in your initial IVF consultation. Find out which route of treatment is right for you, how long you’ll need to stay and the best times of years to travel.
• Look at logistics – Take into account logistics in your choice of clinics. We recommend you avoid remote locations, and shop around for cost-effective travel options.
• Combine with a short break – Always wanted to explore Spain? Combining your trip to a clinic with a little vacation is a great way to get the most out of your trip, and a little break could be great for your mindset as you begin treatment. 

Why choose Vida Fertility?

They speak English

Vida Fertility employs internationally trained medical experts, many of whom work almost exclusively with patients from abroad. Their friendly team speaks perfect English, so you can easily voice any questions and concerns you may have.

They’re committed to quality

The laws are more relaxed in Spain, but Vida Fertility will never compromise on the quality of their dedicated donors or of their treatment processes. 

Vida also has the latest techniques and technologies in the fertility space, including PGT-A, Time-Lapse, Witness system, egg quality evaluation, regenerative medicine and more.

They care about their patients

Whether you’re undergoing your first, second, third or fourth round of IVF, it should never be overlooked that this is a deeply personal and at times a very challenging process. Vida Fertility don’t just focus on the science; they care about treating each patient as an individual with unique needs and concerns. 

Their aim is not simply to achieve IVF success; it’s to make the process as stress-free and human as possible.

Convenient location

Vida Fertility is based in Madrid which is the main Spanish city when visiting from the US, at a convenient 15 minute drive from the airport.

Guarantees and fertility benefits

They offer Blastocysts guarantees, pregnancy guarantees and collaborate with main US fertility benefits providers to give our patients peace of mind at the key stages of their fertility journey.

Vida Fertility are a premium destination for all kinds of fertility treatment. Get in touch with one of their friendly team to start planning the next stages of your journey from the US.