The 5 reasons why Americans choose Europe for their fertility treatment, the third one will leave you speechless
The 5 reasons why Americans choose Europe for their fertility treatment, the third one will leave you speechless
In assisted reproduction’s field, an increasing number of Americans are opting for their fertility treatment abroud, especially Spain. Quality, regulation, and price are the main factors that drive them to seek in vitro fertilization (IVF) options abroad.
Spain stands out as a destination with modern regulations that have fostered innovation and technologies in ART (Assisted Reproductive Treatments). The United States also have advanced clinics, but the costs are significantly higher, leading many to explore alternatives in Europe.
The lack of public funding for IVF treatments and limited insurance coverage in the United States, coupled with high specialist fees, explain the growing trend of patients traveling to Europe. Spain, in this context, offers more affordable IVF treatments, attracts patients with the guarantee of anonymity in egg and sperm donation , and has regulations that allow the country to at the state-of-the-art of the field with a long and high quality clinical experience.
Dr. Hector Izquierdo, fertility specialist and Medical Director of Vida Fertility Alicante, shares the five main reasons that lead Americans to choose Spain to undergo their fertility treatment.
When to start fertility treatment?
According to Dr. Hector Izquierdo, if a couple is under 35 years old and has been trying to conceive for a year without success, it’s time to seek help from a specialist for a fertility check-up of both partners. For those over 35 years old, an appointment at a fertility clinic is advisable after 6 months of unsuccessful attempts.
Once the cause of infertility is identified, either it’s a male or female factor, or both, it becomes easier to determine the most suitable treatment for the couple. The age of the future mother is in that matter essential to consider, as egg quality declines after 35 years.
Reasons why Americans choose Spain for their fertility treatment
- Affordability
In the United States, IVF treatment typically costs between $15,000 and $25,000, and it is rarely covered by personal health insurance, requiring patients to pay out of their pocket. In comparison, clinics in Spain tend to offer IVF with donor eggs for between €5,000 and €8,000 (approximately $5,500 and $8,700). Even with flights and accommodation, the difference is considerable, especially for people without health insurance.
- Success Rates and Quality
After more than 30 years of a very open fertility regulation, Spain has accumulated clinical experience along with highly qualified professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, resulting in high success rates.
Spain is the leading destination in Europe for fertility treatments, attracting patients from all over Europe and beyond. Strict laws ensure rigorous testing of all donor eggs and sperm to ensure the highest quality.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity
Compared to other countries, especially in Europe, regulatory bodies in Spain have facilitated access to treatment for more patients, including single women who wish to become mothers and lesbian couples. In Spain, shared motherhood or, as already mentioned, Egg Donation are allowed; the age limits are more flexible with treatments for women until 50; and BMI over 30 can be accepted.
- Egg Availability
Spain has an abundance of egg and sperm donors, with more young people choosing to donate than any other countries. This means there is a shorter waiting times to start treatment in Spain compared to the United States.
- Full Donor Anonymity
Egg and sperm donation in Spain is voluntary, and prospective donors undergo rigorous testing before being able to make a donation. There is a confidentiality guarantee, which is appealing for parents seeking anonymity.
Steps to plan your fertility treatment in Spain
The steps to plan your fertility treatment in Spain depend on the treatment involved. We can differentiate the steps for in vitro fertilization into two cases:
- Frozen embryo transfer from egg donation: This option depends on your medical and fertility situation and has the great advantage that you only need two visits to Spain, each one-day long. Unless you are a candidate for double donation, in which case you only need to come for the embryo transfer.
- Egg retrieval and subsequent embryo transfer: In this case, you may need to fly to Spain twice, the first visit lasting 7 days and the second, if applied in case of a frozen embryo transfer, just one day. However, if a fresh transfer is not possible, you have the security of having an embryo for transfer and don’t need to stay long, only for the embryo transfer.
Steps to IVF fertility treatment
In both cases, the steps of the fertility treatment are as follows:
- First online or in-person consultation: We study your case and design the best therapeutic plan.
- Ovarian stimulation: Daily administration of hormones through subcutaneous injections to promote follicular growth. This phase usually lasts between 10 and 14 days, during which we monitor your ovarian response via ultrasound. Once the follicles have reached an adequate size, we induce ovulation with a final injection and schedule the date for your ovarian puncture. Your initial plan will already define the date of the puncture, allowing you to organize your trip well in advance. In case of Egg Donation, this step is done by the donor.
- Ovarian puncture: A simple and quick procedure (about 15 minutes). During the puncture, we gently aspirate the follicular fluid where the developed eggs are located. It is done through transvaginal ultrasound and does not require hospitalization, so the recovery is quick, and you can resume your normal life, even travel back to your place of origin on the same day. In case of Egg Donation, this step is done by the donor.
- Fertilization and embryo development: The obtained eggs are fertilized within the laboratory using ICSI or the technique that our laboratory director decides most appropriate. After 5 to 6 days of development, the embryo can be transferred to the uterus, biopsied for genetic study, or frozen for a transfer at a later time.
- Embryo Transfer: The embryo transfer is performed when the embryo has reached the expanded blastocyst stage, thus increasing implantation rates. It is a simple procedure that involves depositing the selected embryo into the patient’s uterus, without the need for anesthesia.
Why choose Vida Fertility as your assisted reproduction clinic in Spain?
- Empathy
At Vida Fertility, we care deeply for our patients and aim to break down the barriers between doctor and patient. Our goal is not just achieving a successful fertility treatment; it is to make the process as stress-free and human as possible.
- Specialists in Assisted Reproduction
At Vida Fertility, we have internationally trained physicians specializing in assisted reproduction, many of whom work almost exclusively with foreign patients. The team speaks fluent English, so you can easily express any doubts or concerns you may have.
- New Techniques and Advanced Technology
Moreover, at Vida Fertility, we have the latest techniques and technologies in the field of fertility, including PGT-A, Time-Lapse, Witness system, egg quality evaluation, regenerative medicine, to name just a few.
- Convenient Location
Vida Fertility is located in Madrid, the main Spanish city for US visitors, just a 15-minute drive from the airport.
Your goal is our commitment, that’s why at Vida Fertility, we offer blastocyst guarantees, pregnancy guarantees, and collaborate with leading fertility benefits providers in the United States.
Vida Fertility is a premium destination for all types of fertility treatments. Get in touch with one of our specialists to start planning your journey from the United States.
Tips for planning your fertility treatment in Spain
- Plan your treatment plan
With the help of our specialists, we will create a clear and detailed treatment plan, so you know what to expect. This may include advice on how to prepare your body for IVF and building a timeline from your initial consultation to the completion of treatment.
- Ask all the questions you need
Feel free to ask as many questions as you need during your initial IVF consultation. Find out which treatment is suitable for you, how long you may need to stay, and the best times of the year to travel.
- Vacation and fertility treatment
Consider the destination and combine it with your vacation. We recommend avoiding remote accommodation, and a short break could be emotionally perfect to start your fertility treatment in the best possible shape.