IVF abroad: TTC and infertility for those considering conceiving abroad

When people first start considering fertility treatment abroad, the idea can feel overwhelming.

Questions about travel, choosing the right clinic, understanding timelines, and coordinating treatment from another country can make the whole process seem complicated or even risky.

But the reality is that when the right country and clinic are chosen for your specific situation, and the logistics are planned properly, fertility treatment abroad can be far more structured and manageable than many people expect.

In this episode, I walk you through what fertility treatment abroad actually looks like in practice, from the very first steps of choosing a country and clinic through to consultations, testing, treatment, and follow-up care.

We cover:

• Why choosing the right country and clinic is the most important first step
• What usually happens during the initial consultation process
• How testing and preparation are often done from home before you travel
• What the treatment timeline typically looks like
• How long you may actually need to spend abroad for treatment
• Why planning and coordination make a huge difference to how smooth the process feels

For many people, the biggest shift comes when they realise that fertility treatment abroad isn’t something you have to figure out alone — there is a clear process, and when it’s followed properly, it can open up options that may not have been available at home.

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 Success Rates Don’t Tell You Which Fertility Clinic Is Best

When people start researching fertility clinics - especially when considering treatment abroad one of the first things they look at is success rates.

And that makes sense. If you’re investing emotionally, physically and financially into treatment, you want the best possible chance of success.

But the reality is that success rates rarely tell the full story.

In this episode, I explain why comparing fertility clinics based purely on success rates can be misleading - particularly when you're looking at clinics across different countries.

We explore how clinics report their results, why those numbers are often difficult to compare, and what you should really be looking at instead when choosing where to have treatment.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why success rates are often the first thing people look at when choosing a clinic
• How patient selection can dramatically influence clinic statistics
• Why success rates are reported differently across countries and clinics
• The difference between pregnancy rates, live birth rates and cumulative success
• How marketing can make statistics appear more impressive than they really are
• What actually matters more than success rates when choosing a fertility clinic

Fertility treatment is complex, and the clinic with the highest numbers on a website is not necessarily the right clinic for your situation.

The goal is not simply to find the clinic with the best statistics — but to find the clinic that is best suited to your individual circumstances.

For more help please see the links below.

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

After eight and a half years of trying to conceive, Emma's client Zoe was told what so many people hear: “There’s nothing wrong.” But deep down, she knew that couldn’t be true and so did Emma. 

In this honest and emotional conversation, Zoe shares what it felt like to be labelled with unexplained infertility, to be turned away because of BMI thresholds, and to spend years stuck in limbo with no real answers. When she finally travelled abroad using Emma's guidance, for advanced diagnostic testing at the right clinic for her and husband Ben's needs, everything changed - and she received a diagnosis that explained why pregnancy had never happened quickly, a fix and support for next steps. 

This episode is for you if: 

You’ve been told your infertility is 'unexplained' 

You’ve never seen a positive pregnancy test and don’t know why 

You’ve been sent away because of BMI restrictions 

You’re considering IVF but feel unsure whether you’ve had the right testing upfront to give you the best chances of success 

You have had multiple failed cycles and/or losses 

You’re exhausted from trying without clarity 

This is not just a conversation about going abroad. It’s about getting guidance from the right places and clinics for your needs and when you need to question things,getting proper answers and taking back some control. 

Covered in the episode: 

What 'unexplained infertility' really means (and why it’s often just unexplored/or not explored in the right places) 

The emotional impact of BMI thresholds in UK fertility care 

Why basic NHS fertility tests are only a snapshot 

The difference between baseline testing and advanced diagnostics 

Why IVF is not always the first or right next step 

What happened when Zoe went to a BMI-inclusive clinic abroad 

The diagnosis that explained 8 years of infertility and how this has positively changed things for her and husband Ben

Why thorough testing can actually increase IVF success later 

How clarity changes everything - even if you’re still on the journey 

Unexplained infertility is not unexplained. It’s under-investigated or not investigated at the right clinics and fertility treatment is too important - emotionally, financially, physically - to get wrong - but we are mislead into thinking all fertility clinics are the same. 

If you have been trying for a long time naturally or you have had multiple failed cycles of IVF or losses then before you move to IVF, (or more IVF) you need to find out why sure you find our why you cannot get pregnant, or why you have had multiple losses. 

If you’re tired of being told 'there’s nothing wrong' and/or having your BMI blamed without evidence, but you’re still not pregnant… 

There is always a reason. The question is whether you’ve been given the right environment to find it. 

🎓 Free Training: How to Overcome Fertility Testing & Treatment Obstacles in your home country Watch here: 👉 https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass 

Interested in working with Emma to explore fertility testing, or treatment abroad at the right clinic for your needs? Visit the link below and then book your call with Emma to find out more about what it looks like to work with her and how she can help you. 👉

 https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/work-with-me 

About This Podcast:

The IVF Abroad Podcast is for people around the world facing more obstacles than options when it comes to fertility testing and treatment in their home country. Hosted by Emma Haslam, mum of one and the UK’s only independent fertility abroad consultant who does not take commission from clinics - this podcast helps you: Understand your real options Avoid costly clinic mistakes Save

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 IVF in the US but frustrated by high costs and long waits?

In this episode, I break down why I'm helping more Americans that are choosing to travel to Europe for fertility treatment - and how it can save you tens of thousands of dollars, for own egg IVF and more if you're having egg donation.

We talk about:

• The real cost differences between IVF and egg donation in the US vs Europe
• Other reasons why people are choosing to travel abroad for fertility treatment
• How to access world-class clinics abroad safely
• Options to reduce time spent travelling
• Planning, testing, and timelines and how this works in practice
• How to choose the right country and clinic

Whether you’re looking for your first IVF cycle, donor treatment, or trying to avoid long waits and excessive costs, this episode gives you clarity and actionable next steps.

💛 Take the next step:

• Watch my free training to learn more about the highlights and watchouts too https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass
• Book a free call if you want to know what it looks like to work with me to grow your family with guidance and support every step of the way. https://calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

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

Unexplained Infertility and Acupuncture: What It Can (and Can’t) Do

Being told your infertility is 'unexplained' can feel frustrating, confusing, and hopeless. When tests come back “normal' but pregnancy still isn’t happening, many people are left wondering what else - if anything, they can do.

In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Sheriff, fertility acupuncturist and founder of The Fertility Suite, to explore the role acupuncture can play in supporting people with unexplained infertility.

This is a grounded, honest conversation about what fertility acupuncture can offer -and just as importantly, what it can’t. We talk about acupuncture as a tool alongside the right medical care and how it can help people feel supported during an often overwhelming journey.

In this episode, we cover:

• What unexplained infertility really means and how it impacts people emotionally
• What fertility acupuncture actually involves (and how it differs from general acupuncture) 
• How acupuncture can support the nervous system and why this is important
• How fertility acupuncture can support if you have been told that you have unexplained infertility 
• What acupuncture is and isn't useful for when trying to conceive
• When acupuncture might be helpful alongside IVF or other fertility treatment
• The importance of ethics and transparency in complimentary therapies and fertility care

Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF, or navigating unexplained infertility or failed cycles, this episode offers reassurance, clarity, and a balanced perspective on other options.

👤 About Rachel Sheriff

Rachel Sherriff is the Founder of The Fertility Suite, following her own journey with fertility struggles that led to her wanting to understand more about what could be done to support her own fertility and IVF cycle. 

The Fertility Suite is a group of 6 fertility acupuncture clinics around the UK, Rachel and her team are passionate about helping couples to either get pregnant naturally or if IVF is needed helping them to prepare for the best possible outcome. They also work online globally with couples to offer advice and guidance. Rachel has featured widely in various media publications, is passionate about fertility education and hosts The Fertility Suite podcast which aims to share knowledge from fertility experts. 

🔗 Connect with Rachel Sheriff

instagram.com/thefertility_suite

The Fertility Suite also offer free resources to support your fertility: 

Fertility Supplements Guide

Free Progesterone Webinar 

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

Overwhelmed by Which Fertility Clinic or Country to Choose? Here’s How to Decide with Confidence

Feeling overwhelmed by fertility clinics abroad? Not sure which country or clinic is right for you? You’re not alone.

In this solo episode, I break down why so many people feel stuck when deciding where to have fertility treatment and how to start narrowing down your options without overwhelm.

You’ll learn:

✨ Why too many options can actually make it harder to move forward

✨ The hidden reason most people get stuck - it’s rarely just the amount of choice, it's knowing how to assess their fit and suitability

✨ How these three steps will help to move you forwards and reduce overwhelm.

✨ How getting the right guidance and information can save you time, money, and stress

If you are considering fertility testing/treatment abroad, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and actionable steps to start moving forward.

💛 Take the next step with confidence:

• Sign up for my free training via the link below to get a step-by-step roadmap for choosing the right country and clinic for fertility treatment abroad

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

• Or, if you want to find out what it’s like to work with me directly, how I can help you to choose the best fit clinics and countries for your needs, you can book a free, no-obligation 15-minute call to discuss your situation and next steps.

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

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

Before You Trust Advice About Fertility Treatment Abroad you need to know this

Episode Description:

Thinking about going abroad for fertility treatment? Before you make any decisions, there’s one question you need to ask - and it could completely change the way you approach your options, the experience you have and the results you get.

In this episode, I break down:

• Why so much advice about fertility treatment abroad isn’t as neutral as it seems
• How to spot when recommendations are influenced by commission, partnerships, or hidden incentives and even by well meaning friends or a stranger on the internet
• The common myths that can lead people to choose the wrong country or clinic
• How to protect your time, money, and emotional energy when exploring options overseas
• Practical steps and questions you can ask to make confident, informed decisions for your family

Going abroad for fertility treatment can be an incredible option for lots of people - but only when you have clear, unbiased information to make informed decisions every step of the way.

This episode will give you the tools to see through the noise and avoid mistakes that cost time, money, and hope.

Highlights & Watchouts Covered in This Episode:

• How some influencer and agency recommendations can be biased
• Why confident advice doesn’t always mean correct advice
• The hidden costs of choosing the wrong clinic or country abroad
• The simple “Who Benefits?” filter to apply before acting on advice
• How myths about fertility treatment abroad misleading and used as marketing
• How to work out what is education content vs marketing

 Free Training:

If you want the full, no-nonsense truth about going abroad for fertility testing and treatment including the highlights and more importantly the watch outs, I’ve put together a free training just for you to tell you everything you need to know to make informed decisions that are right for you and to help to grow your family with confidence.

Get your free copy here - https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass

Or book a 30 minute Pick My Brain call to get your questions answered honestly and without bias here - https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/pick-my-brain

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

Things You Should Let Go of in the New Year (or Anytime)

People are losing time on their fertility journey in ways that can sometimes be controlled (even though it may not feel like it) and by doing things because they are overwhelmed, stuck or because it feels 'safe', 'easier' but actually aren’t actually serving them.

In this episode, I break down the habits, beliefs, and 'sensible' choices that quietly waste your time, money, and energy and sometimes even your chances.

From waiting loops and indecision, to relying on Google/AI/'free' platforms or friends to match you to clinics, to thinking fertility treatment abroad is a second-class options - it’s time to learn more and let go of what isn’t helping you move forward in the right direction for you.

If you’re ready to stop tolerating what’s keeping you stuck and take control of your fertility journey where you can. listen in.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why waiting and indecision can quietly cost you months (or years)
• Why 'easy' decisions - like choosing a local clinic aren’t always the best decisions
• The risks of relying on Google, AI, free platforms, or friends to match you to clinics
• Why accepting 'unexplained infertility' as a diagnosis or NHS options can hold you back
• How thinking of going abroad as 'second-class' can cost you opportunities
• Why winging it abroad is risky and how to do it right

Key Takeaway:

Work With Me:

If this episode resonates and you’re ready to move forward with clarity, guidance and support. I offer various services including work one-to-one for people who don’t want another year going in circles.

I have very limited availability remaining in January for 121, and all the details are below.

Links & Resources:

• Work with me: https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/work-with-me
• Free resources: https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/free-resources
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Yourivfabroad

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 this year has felt heavy, repetitive, or emotionally draining, it’s easy to wonder: What if next year looks exactly the same?

In this episode, I’m helping you pause, reflect, and consider how next year could look different - without pressure, guilt, or unrealistic resolutions.

Emma explores why patterns repeat, how fear and overwhelm can keep you stuck, and the quiet power of choosing one thing differently so you can step into the year ahead with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to recognise patterns that may have kept you stuck this year
• Why repetition doesn’t mean failure or fault - it often signals a lack of clarity or support
• How to choose one to do one thing differently to create meaningful change
• Gentle ways to reflect on what this year has taught you and what you want to carry forward and what you want to leave behind

Your next step:

🌟 Looking for guidance and support to make changes in 2026?

Book a call with me to talk through your situation and see if working together is the right next step (from £397):

https://calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min?month=2025-12

🎧 Want more clarity on how going abroad for fertility treatment works first?

Watch my free training to understand the process, costs, timelines, and how to choose the right clinic abroad with confidence:

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

Your IVF abroad is closed until 6th January and the podcast will resume from 13th January.

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

What to Do If You Expected to Be Pregnant by Christmas… and You’re Not

Christmas can feel totally joyful for some, but for those trying to conceive, navigating IVF, or planning fertility treatment, it can also be a season of grief, stress, and emotional triggers.

If you imagined being pregnant by now, December can bring reminders of hopes unfulfilled, questions from friends and family members, and a constant comparison to other people’s pregnancies or announcements.

In this episode, Emma Haslam shares validation, guidance, and practical strategies to help you navigate the festive season with more confidence, peace, and emotional protection.

💬 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Christmas can feel so emotionally heavy when you’re TTC or undergoing fertility treatment
• How to navigate things that trigger you, including the questions
• How to cope with seeing pregnancies or announcements around you
• Practical ways to protect your energy during gatherings
• How to plan ahead and how to create space for yourself
• When it makes sense to seek extra support in your network to provide back up and when to absent yourself

✨ Loved this episode?

Please follow the podcast, leave a review and also share this episode with someone who might need it this festive season.

Your support helps others feel seen, heard, and less alone during what can be an emotionally complex time.

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