From open ID egg donation to next-gen tech – what the top Portuguese fertility clinics are getting right, in 2024

With the cost of fertility care on the up in the UK, plus an increase in the demand for egg and sperm donors, Portuguese fertility clinics are increasingly in the spotlight for their forward-thinking approaches to treatment, and patient experience.

But if we’re looking into travelling for treatment, what should we know? And what are the best fertility clinics in Portugal offering, right now?

Lifting the lid, with help from some of the best fertility clinics Portugal has to offer

Right now, three Portuguese fertility clinics are leading the pack: Porto-based Procriar, Ferticentro in Coimbra, and Ava Clinic in Lisbon. Each offers exceptional fertility treatment options in its own right.

Setting an example for a patient-first approach that caters to internationals – including those of us from the UK – you can get a feel for their expertise through our IVF in Portugal and egg freezing in Portugal mini-guides, as well as watching our deep-dive chat on advances in IVF transparency.

On today’s agenda though – unpacking the gold standard of fertility care in Portugal, and pinpointing what the country’s best clinics are getting right, right now.

Let’s get into it.

Progressive and patient-first treatment offering

First off – Portugal’s fertility clinics champion progressive treatment offerings, and the best clinics should always put you first, no matter what your family-building goals look like.

The country’s inclusive laws support a spectrum of pathways to parenthood, including ROPA IVF, which allows same-sex female couples to share in the IVF process, and solo motherhood, welcoming single women to embark on their fertility journey independently. 

Treatment is also available for women up to the age of 50 by law, providing extended opportunities for parenthood, and options like double donation IVF and fertility preservation are not only legal, but readily accessible, ensuring that your unique journey and future aspirations are taken into account.

Increased transparency through open ID donation

Another huge advantage of choosing Portugal is the open ID donor framework, which helps guarantee clarity and accountability for parents, donor-conceived children, and donors alike. 

This means that Portugal’s leading clinics should all offer access to open ID donor banks and detailed donor profile information, including health status, medical history, and other relevant hereditary data. Ferticentro is a great example of this kind of excellence, and even goes a step further with its Extended Donor Profiles – comprehensive brochures detailing as much information as is legally permissible about each donor. 

The best clinics in Portugal should also be performing genetic and phenotype matching as standard, to ensure that nothing is left to chance.

With donor conception, privacy, and donor motivations can be a concern. This emphasis on transparency ensures that you as an intended parent can make informed decisions with confidence, that the privacy of donor-conceived children is prioritised, and that there is greater certainty over the exact number of donations a donor has made.

Commitment to quality and safety in treatment

When it comes to quality and safety in fertility treatment, Portugal’s top clinics are setting the bar high, in 2024. Look for ISO 9001 certification as standard, as well as embryologists accredited by ESHRE, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

You’ll find some of the best doctors in Europe in Portugal, dedicated to providing top-notch medical expertise. As we’ve mentioned, altruistic, open ID donation means that ethics and safety are also at the heart of donor treatment, ensuring that every step of the process is conducted with integrity and respect.

Procriar stands out here, with its focus on cutting-edge technology and advanced clinical practices – led by some of the top clinicians in Portugal.

Up-to-the-minute technology

On the topic of technology, we, as patients, might wonder what’s going on behind the scenes in the lab. 

Portugal’s leading clinics are using the very latest procedures and tools to optimise for success. This looks like having ICSI as standard in all treatments, and easy availability of PGT testing to screen embryos for genetic conditions.

When it comes to lab tech, EmbryoScope time-lapse incubators that allow for precise monitoring of embryo development around the clock are crucial. RI Witness, a key feature at Ava Clinic, has some of the highest levels of accuracy and ensures security in handling patient samples. 

Also, Ferticentro is leading the way with AI technology, being the first clinic in Portugal to implement this innovation to enhance treatment outcomes.

Top-class personalised patient experience

Long wait times, rising costs, and a one-size-fits-all treatment approach are all sticking points for many of us who are based in the UK.

The very top Portuguese clinics offer almost immediate access to care with no waiting lists, all at reasonable prices. 

Look for boutique settings with comfortable surroundings that make you feel genuinely cared for and valued. AVA Clinic, in particular, emphasises inclusivity and friendly service, creating a truly tailored treatment experience for every patient. 

This personalised approach, combined with state-of-the-art facilities and a warm, welcoming environment, makes the fertility journey in Portugal both exceptional and stress-free.

Tailored IVF coordination for international patients

If we do decide to go for treatment abroad, concerns around logistics can add a layer of complexity. 

However, tailored IVF coordination for international patients is a hallmark of Portugal’s top fertility clinics, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience if you’re travelling from the UK or elsewhere. 

Make sure your chosen clinic offers remote consultations with international teams ready to assist every step of the way. The best clinics in Portugal should also help with travel coordination, including offering deals with local hotels and airport transfers to help with a smooth start to your treatment experience.

Ferticentro in particular stands out as a premier center for international patients, offering multilingual support to communicate with patients in their native languages. This personalised approach to treatment and support, from initial consultation to follow-up care, will allow you to focus on what matters – your path to parenthood.

Getting started with treatment

If you’re looking to begin treatment, or just want to learn more about travelling to Portugal for IVF, these three leading clinics are here to help you get the ball rolling.