IVF abroad: TTC and infertility for those considering conceiving abroad

In this episode, I'm joined by fertility writer, speaker and patient advocate Seetal Savla, who shares her deeply personal journey through infertility, multiple failed IVF cycles, miscarriage/loss and ultimately becoming a mum.

As a UK born daughter of an immigrant South Asian family, Seetal also opens up about the unique pressures many women face within communities, where conversations around infertility, miscarriage and fertility treatment can still feel taboo. We talk about the expectation to be the "good girl", the fear of judgement, and why sharing our stories matters.

Whether you're currently trying to conceive, going through IVF, grieving a pregnancy loss or simply feeling like nobody around you understands, I hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone.

In this episode we discuss:

• Seetal's six-year journey through infertility.
• Experiencing multiple failed IVF cycles and pregnancy loss.
• The emotional impact of unexplained fertility challenges and failed treatment.
• The pressures within South Asian and other similar communities.
• Growing up as the daughter of an immigrant family and the expectation to be the "good girl".
• Why infertility and miscarriage are still difficult topics to talk about in many communities.
• The shame, blame and isolation so many people experience during fertility treatment.
• Finding support through the trying-to-conceive (TTC) community.
• Learning to advocate for yourself throughout fertility treatment.
• Why peer support and sharing lived experiences can be so powerful.
• Pregnancy after loss and the anxiety that often comes with it.
• How writing, therapy and community helped Seetal cope.
• Why every loss matters, no matter how early it happened.

If you've ever questioned whether your feelings are valid, felt left behind while everyone else seems to be moving forwards, or struggled under the weight of other people's expectations, this episode is for you.

About Seetal Savla

Seetal Savla is a fertility writer, speaker, patient advocate and ambassador. Having experienced multiple failed IVFs and losses before becoming mum to a daughter, she is passionate about sharing her story to support, educate and empower others, as well as challenging stigma - particularly within South Asian communities. 

Connect with Seetal:

Instagram: @www.instagram.com/seetalsavla

LinkedIn: Seetal Savla

Some of Seetal's published work:

• Pregnancy After Loss – Women's Health UK - https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/mental-health/a40020673/pregnant-after-loss/
• Six Lessons I Learned After Pregnancy Loss – Stylist - https://www.stylist.co.uk/fitness-health/wellbeing/miscarriage-lessons-support/930219
• Intergenerational Experiences of Miscarriage – Tommy's  - https://www.tommys.org/about-us/news-views/my-grandmother-mother-and-i-intergenerational-experiences-miscarriage
• Navigating Infertility as a Woman of Colour – HuffPost UK - https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/ivf-infertility-women-of-colour_uk_5ddd5b3be4b0913e6f74ca22

Need help making confident fertility decisions?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice, don't know what to do next, or you're considering fertility treatment abroad but want to make sure you're choosing the right clinic and country for your situation, I'd love to help.

Book a complimentary call with me to talk through where you are now, what's holding you back, and how I can help you move forwards with more confidence.

You can also explore my free fertility resources at yourivfabroad.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. It helps more people who are struggling to conceive find the support and information they need.

Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

Trigger warning: Suicide

When we think about infertility, we often focus on the physical side of treatment.

But what about the emotional impact and how might this look for men?

Male infertility affects around 1 in 6 couples trying to conceive, yet it's still one of the least talked about aspects of fertility treatment. Behind every diagnosis is a person trying to process feelings of guilt, loss, isolation and uncertainty often without knowing who to talk to.

In this episode, I'm joined by Ciaran Hannington, co-founder of the Male Fertility Hub and co-host of the Male Fertility Podcast, who shares his deeply personal story of male infertility, multiple rounds of ICSI, pregnancy loss, mental health struggles and ultimately becoming a father to two children.

Whether you're experiencing male factor infertility yourself, supporting a partner, or simply want to better understand what many men are going through behind the scenes, I hope this episode helps you feel a little less alone.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Cieran's personal journey through male infertility, ICSI and recurrent pregnancy loss

• The devastating emotional impact of receiving a male infertility diagnosis - mental health and suicide

• Why so many men suffer in silence and struggle to ask for help

• The guilt, shame and identity challenges that often accompany male infertility

• Why couples can end up protecting each other by hiding how they really feel

• The importance of counselling and opening up about mental health

• Why male infertility deserves far more attention and support

• The incredible work being done by the Male Fertility Hub to support men, women and couples navigating fertility challenges

Resources mentioned

💙 The Male Fertility Hub

A supportive online community helping men, women and couples affected by male infertility through education, peer support, webinars, online meet-ups and expert resources.

🌐 https://themalefertilityhub.com

🎙️ The Male Fertility Podcast

Hosted by Kieran Hannington and Shaun Greenaway, sharing honest conversations, lived experiences and expert advice around male fertility and infertility.

Search The Male Fertility Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this season…

it’s that you are not running out of options just because the path you imagined hasn’t worked out yet.

This season, we’ve talked about so many important topics:

•  unexplained infertility 
•  BMI restrictions 
•  IVF abroad 
•  success rates 
•  feeling overwhelmed by options 
•  what can go wrong without the right guidance 
•  and why more information doesn’t always create more clarity 

But underneath all of that, the thing I see most often is this:

People thinking they’re doing something wrong…

when actually they’re just under-supported.

In this episode, I reflect on:

• Why you are not failing because you feel overwhelmed or stuck
 • The difference between having endless information and having real clarity
 • Why there may be more options available to you than you realise
 • The importance of personalised fertility care and guidance
 • Why fertility treatment should never be one-size-fits-all
 • The emotional toll of infertility and trying not to lose yourself in the process

More than anything, I hope this episode leaves you feeling:

💛 a little less alone
 💛 a little more hopeful
 💛 and a little clearer on the fact that there may still be paths forward you haven’t been shown yet

💛 Free Training: Want More Clarity On Your Options?

If you’re trying to understand whether fertility treatment abroad could be right for you — or want to better understand your options, the opportunities, and the watchouts — you can watch my free training here:

From Obstacles to Options: 3 Secrets to Having Fertility Treatment Abroad (That Most People Don’t Know About)

👉 Watch the free masterclass here

In this training, I cover:

• The biggest opportunities many people don’t realise exist
 • What to look out for when researching clinics and countries
 • The mistakes that can cost people time, money, and momentum
 • How to approach fertility treatment abroad properly and safely
 • What actually matters when planning your next steps

💛 Want Personalised Support?

If you’re at the point where you want help understanding your options, narrowing down countries and clinics, and creating a clearer plan for your next steps, you can also book a complimentary call with me here to find out what it looks like to work with me:

👉 Book a free 15-minute call

Thank you so much for listening this season.

I never take for granted that you choose to spend this time with me, and I hope this podcast has helped you feel a little more informed, empowered and hopeful moving forward.

I will be back in July with the next series of the IVF abroad podcast. 

Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

I ran a live workshop this week and what really stood out wasn’t just the questions people asked…

it was what people weren’t asking, but were clearly feeling.

Because even in a small group, the same patterns showed up again and again:

Feeling stuck.

Feeling overwhelmed.

Second-guessing every decision.

And this is something I see all the time.

Not because people are doing anything wrong - but because they haven’t been given the clarity, or structure to actually move forward in a way that works for them.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why feeling stuck is often about not knowing what your next step should be

• How too much information can create overwhelm instead of clarity

• The fear of getting it wrong  -  and how that keeps people in the same place

• Why second-guessing yourself is so common in this process

• The quiet curiosity many people have about fertility treatment abroad -  but don’t fully explore

• What people really need in order to move forward with confidence

If you’ve been going round in circles, unsure what to do next, or feeling overwhelmed by all the options…

this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and hopefully a little clearer.

Because this is not your fault and there will be a way forwards.

You’ve just not been shown how to approach this in a way that actually helps you move forward step by step in a way that works for you.

💛 Want more clarity on your next step?

If this resonated with you, you can watch a recording of this workshop:

The 3 Secrets to Going Abroad for Fertility Treatment That Most People Don’t Know About

In this training, I walk you through:

• Whether fertility treatment abroad could be right for you

• The opportunities many people don’t realise exist

• The highlights — and the watchouts to be aware of

• What actually matters when planning your next steps

• And how to approach this in a way that gives you clarity and confidence

👉 Watch the free training here:

https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

Thinking about fertility treatment abroad… but not sure where to start?

Or maybe you’ve already decided it’s something you want to explore, but now you feel overwhelmed by all the clinics, countries, costs, and conflicting information out there.

You’re not alone.

In this episode, I’m sharing what nobody tells you about planning fertility treatment abroad — the things most people only realise after they’ve wasted time, felt overwhelmed, or gone round in circles trying to figure it all out themselves.

Because the problem usually isn’t that you’re not capable of doing this.

It’s that nobody has shown you how to approach it properly.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why fertility treatment abroad can sometimes feel easier than staying stuck where you are

• Why “going abroad” is not one thing — and how countries differ hugely

• Why researching clinics first often creates overwhelm

• What to focus on before looking at clinics

• How the right support can save you time, stress and money

• Why this process doesn’t have to take over your life

If you’ve been curious about treatment abroad, feeling stuck with your current options, or overwhelmed by researching…

this episode will help you see a clearer way forward.

Because you do not need to have the whole plan figured out today.

You just need the next right step.

💛 Join My Free Live Masterclass + Q&A

If you’d like help with that next step, I’m hosting a free live masterclass that I very rarely run live:

The 3 Secrets to Going Abroad for Fertility Treatment That Most People Don’t Know About

📅 Wednesday 29th April

🕖 7pm BST

This is for you if:

• You’re stuck with treatment options in your home country

• You’re curious whether going abroad could be right for you

• You’ve decided to explore it but don’t know where to start

• You’re researching but still don’t feel clear on your next step

By the end of the session, you’ll leave with:

• More clarity on whether treatment abroad could be right for you

• The opportunities many people don’t realise exist

• The highlights and the watchouts to know about

• What actually matters when planning your next steps

• Plus the chance to ask me your questions live in the Q&A

You can join however you like — cameras on or off, in your PJs, eating your dinner — whatever feels comfortable.

👉 Save your free place here:

https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/live-masterclass

Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

Why So Many People Get Stuck Researching IVF Abroad (And What To Do Instead)

Undecided about fertility treatment abroad. Or have you decided it's for you but you are overwhelmed by all of the options and information out there? T

You’re not alone.

So many people know they need another option, but then get stuck in research mode - comparing clinics, reading forums, scrolling social media and AI - asking for recommendations, and still feeling no clearer on what to actually do next.

And it's keeping them stuck.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many people get stuck researching fertility treatment abroad and, more importantly, what to do instead.

Because the problem usually isn’t that you’re not capable of figuring it out.

It’s that nobody has shown you how to approach it properly and what your next step should be.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why starting with clinics instead of strategy often creates confusion

• Why not every country or clinic is right for every person

• How too much conflicting information can keep you stuck

• Why success rates, pricing and marketing don’t tell the full story

• The difference between researching endlessly and making real progress

• What to focus on instead if you want clarity and momentum

If you’ve been going round in circles, second-guessing yourself, or feeling overwhelmed by making this decision and all the options, this episode will help you take a breath and see a clearer way forward.

Because you do not need to have the whole plan figured out today.

You just need the next right step.

💛 Want help with that next step?

If you’re listening before 7pm BST on Tuesday 29th April 2026:

I’m hosting a free live training that I very rarely deliver live with a q&a:

The 3 Secrets to Going Abroad for Fertility Treatment That Most People Don’t Know About

I’ll be covering:

• How to know if treatment abroad could be right for you

• The highlights and opportunities many people don’t realise exist

• The watchouts and mistakes to avoid

• How to approach your next steps properly

• Plus a live Q&A where you can ask me your questions

👉 Save your free place here:

yourivfabroad.co.uk/live-masterclass

You can join with cameras on or off, in your PJs, eating your dinner - whatever feels comfortable.

If you’re listening after 29th April 2026:

You can watch the recording of the training here:

👉 https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

Sometimes what you need isn’t more information.

It’s the right information, in the right order, at the right time and from someone who has lived this and who has helped 100s of people to do this.

Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

The Advice I’d Give You If We Were Sitting Having a Coffee

If we were sitting having a coffee together, and you told me how stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure you feel right now…

this is what I would say to you.

In this episode, I’m sharing the advice I’d give you if we were having that conversation in real life - not just as an expert and teacher, but as someone who has been there and who understands just how confusing and emotionally draining this process can feel.

Because when it comes to struggling to conceive and thinking about and fertility treatment, especially if you’re navigating options, different clinics, or even considering going abroad…

it’s not that you’re doing anything wrong and this is not your fault.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why feeling stuck and overwhelmed makes complete sense and what you can do about it

• Why you don’t need to have everything figured out right now

• The difference between having more information and having the right information

• Why you are not the problem

• How to start thinking about your next steps differently

• Why you’re allowed to explore options outside of what you’ve been told is 'normal'

💛 Want help taking your next step?

If you’re listening to this before 7pm on Wednesday 29th April, I’m running a free live training and Q&A that I very rarely do.

In it, I’ll walk you through:

• Your options if you’re feeling stuck with fertility treatment in your home country

• What going abroad can look like for advanced testing and treatment

• The highlights — and the watchouts you need to be aware of

• Plus a live Q&A where I will answer some of your questions

You can join however you like - cameras on or off, in your PJs, eating your dinner - I really don’t mind!

👉 Save your free spot here:

https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

If you’re listening after that date, you can still access a recording of the training using the same link above.

Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

A recent media investigation has raised serious concerns about IVF treatment abroad — and understandably, it’s left many people asking:

👉 Is IVF abroad actually safe?

👉 Should I be worried about going overseas for treatment?

In this episode, I break down what’s really going on because it does raise serious concerns, but also importantly, what the headlines are missing.

Because the truth is:

👉 IVF or other fertility treatment abroad isn’t the problem.

👉 Doing it without the right knowledge, guidance, and safeguards is.

In this episode, I cover:

• What this week’s media story reveals (and why it matters)
• The biggest misunderstanding about IVF abroad
• Why “regulated” doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere
• How rules, standards, and oversight vary between countries and clinics
• The hidden risks of choosing a country and clinic without proper guidance
• Why relying on free clinic matching tools, AI and commission-based models can lead to regret
• What actually protects you when pursuing treatment abroad

⚠️ What you need to know

Not all countries - or clinics operate under the same systems.

There is no single international regulator for IVF.

And while many destinations offer safe, high-quality care and regulation, some don't and the differences between countries, clinics, and standards matter more than most people realise.

🎯 Work with me

If you’re thinking about fertility treatment abroad and want to:

• Understand which countries are actually safe, well regulated and right for you
• Choose a reputable safe clinic based on your medical needs, not marketing
• Avoid costly mistakes, delays, and regret
• And move forward with clarity, confidence, and the right information and support

👉 You can book a call with me via the link below to discuss your situation and the options to work with me:

https://calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

🎓 Free training

If you’re earlier on in your research and want to understand:

• How IVF abroad works
• What to look out for
• And the biggest mistakes to avoid
• And the best bits about going abroad

👉 You can access my free training here:

https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

🔚 Final thought

IVF abroad can be an incredible opportunity…

👉 But only when it’s done properly and with the right guidance.

Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

There are many incredible clinics, doctors, and professionals working in fertility.

But there are also some patterns and people in the industry that I don’t think are serving patients in the way they should.

In this episode, I’m sharing openly and honestly some of the things I don’t agree with in the fertility industry, based on what I see every day working with people navigating infertility and treatment.

Not to criticise for the sake of it, but to help you understand what’s really going on behind the scenes and how it could be impacting your experience and decisions without awareness.

Because when you’re going through something as emotional, complex, and important as fertility treatment, you deserve clarity, transparency, and the right guidance.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why success rates are often over-relied on and why they don’t tell the full story

• The issue with commission-based recommendations and why transparency matters

• How 'one-size-fits-all' approaches can lead to unexplained infertility and repeated cycles without answers

• Why so many people are left to figure things out alone with too much conflicting information and how that creates overwhelm and confusion

• The difference between having information… and having a clear, personalised plan

Fertility treatment is too important to be reduced to statistics, generic advice, or decisions made under pressure.

The right clinic isn’t the one with the highest numbers or the best marketing - it’s the one that’s right for your individual situation.

If you’ve ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or unsure about the decisions you’re being asked to make, this episode will help you see things from a different perspective and hopefully feel more informed and empowered moving forward.

Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop

Planning and having fertility treatment abroad can change you life - but without the right guidance, it’s also where many people start to feel overwhelmed, lose time, and make decisions that don’t actually move them forward.

In this episode, I’m talking through some of the most common things I see go wrong when people try to navigate fertility treatment abroad without a clear plan.

Not to scare you - but to help you avoid mistakes that can cost you time, energy, and confidence along the way.

Because while there is more information available than ever before — from Google searches and online forums to AI tools - none of these take into account your individual situation, your medical history, or what’s actually going to give you the best chance of success and many are inaccurate and biased.

And that’s where many people unknowingly go wrong.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why going into the process without the right guidance can lead to confusion and delays

• The risks of choosing a clinic based on how it looks or feels, rather than whether it’s right for you

• Why speaking to multiple clinics often creates more overwhelm, not clarity

• The importance of choosing the right country first, before narrowing down clinics

• How logistics like testing, medication, and travel can become stressful without a clear plan

• The emotional impact of feeling stuck, second-guessing decisions, and losing momentum

Fertility treatment abroad doesn’t have to feel complicated — but it does require a thoughtful, structured approach.

When the right country, clinic, and plan are aligned with your needs, the process can feel far more manageable and supportive than many people expect.

💛 Want to understand how to approach this properly?

I’ve created a free training where I walk you through exactly how to plan fertility treatment abroad step by step, including:

• The key decisions you need to make first

• The common mistakes to avoid

• How to narrow down your options with clarity and confidence

• The highlights and the watchouts to be aware of

You can watch the free training here:

👉 https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

Or drop the word TRAINING into my DMs on Instagram @yourivfabroad - www.instagram.com/yourivfabroad

If this episode resonated, it may be a sign that what you need next isn’t more information - but a clearer plan.

Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Watch this free masterclass: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers at home or abroad?:  calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

Your IVF abroad planner/journal  - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here:yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop