IVF, IVF treatment and IVF cost, particularly when going abroad seem to be a concern for some organisations within the UK. However, for some couples this might be their only option and in our opinion they could not be making a better one!

Much has been made over the last few years about the “fertility tourism” issue generated by the UK press and the governing body that regulates IVF and donation issues within the UK. To a degree we have to accept that there are many clinics around the world that might take advantage of the overwhelming desire for couples to be able to have children. However, there has been much “scaremongering” over certain issues and we believe that anyone who genuinely desires to have children does not enter into this course of action lightly, and without doing hours of research. To suggest otherwise is an insult to the integrity of these couples. It is still a huge decision to make and should be discussed with whomever you feel it is right to discuss it with. If you feel that we can be of service then we are here. Please read on!

More and more couples seeking treatment in the UK are finding that waiting times to start any type of fertility treatment are growing longer and longer. So, why go abroad for IVF treatment? There could be a few reasons.

Restrictive UK legislation means that in the case of egg and sperm donation, there is a major shortage of donors as there is no longer anonymity for these people. In Greece there are no such anonymity issues which means that there are plenty of donors and much, much shorter waiting lists.

This last issue is so important, not only from an emotional perspective, but also from a biological one. When it comes to using your own eggs and sperm, UK legislation states that the number of embryos transferred is restricted dependent on female age and treatment undertaken. In Greece there is a more open attitude in regard to these issues with clinics able to offer more flexible options, but still within legislated parameters.

We also find that patients tend to be more relaxed when coming for treatment in a foreign country, and indeed, this is the feedback that we have received from many, many patients that we have treated.

Whether people automatically switch into holiday mode, (although we do realise this is not the the main purpose of the visit), we are not sure, but certainly many clients have adopted this attitude to their break away from the UK. You are certainly not having to juggle work commitments as well as putting yourself through a cycle of treatment at the same time.

There is certainly no harm in taking advantage of good weather and immersing yourself in the local culture for a short while!