IVF Holidays

I am all about the Plan C and D at the moment. In general, I like to plan things ahead, but also it occurred to me that with long lead-in times for treatments, it really might be a good idea to go ahead and get some alternatives teed up well in advance.

Let's assume that the endless waiting times in Scotland become insurmountable/unbearable. Well, we've always said we would go somewhere else if necessary. And, if we don't seek treatment here in Scotland, this opens up a lot of options- almost too many. I mean, we figure once we've reached the point of having to take vacation time and get on a plane for IVF, we may as well pick somewhere that ticks a lot of the boxes- price, exchange rate, location, treatment options, success rates, nearness to friends and family (read: free accommodation).

The funny thing is, once you start looking around at other countries, it suddenly becomes remarkably like planning a normal vacation, albeit one involving a certain amount time spent on your back with a dildo-cam up the fanoir. And honestly, if such antics are required, why not do it somewhere with better weather?

The concept of "Fertility Tourism" is nothing new, and according to the media, is actually on the rise. With long waiting lists and restrictive legislation in certain countries, people are very willing to travel to get treatments that they need.

But it did surprise me a little to find out that "IVF vacations" really do exist. In Barbados, if you so desire. Take a look at this . Tempting, no? They apparently even co-ordinate your flight and hotel arrangements. You can choose from the Luxury, Premium, or Elite Packages. If you choose the Elite package, you not only get perks like first class flights, all your meals and beverages, but also your own Patient Liaison Manager. That's like my dream come true, my own private IVF lackey. Oh, AND you get a mobile phone to carry around with you, so you don't have to worry about missing the calls with the results while you lie in the sun soaking up the rays. What service!

I love the picture on the home page. The couple on the beach are lying there with blissful abandon, holding hands, as if she didn't have to rush back to the villa for her next Lupron injection in ten minutes. Or the picture of the two couples laughing gaily together, not a care in the world. Who cares if I am barren, at least I'm sorting it out in my bikini in Barbados! Negative beta? Well, at least I got a great tan!

Or, what about an IVF holiday in Crete? Gives new meaning to saying "These medication instructions might as well have been written in Greek." Because they will be! Hahahahaha! Oh, the fun of an IVF holiday before you even get on the plane!

For those whose overriding factor is cost, why not try Eastern Europe? Lower prices and marginally higher success rates. Plus, um, the chance to sample some goulash.

As for us, well, I am now seriously pondering the possibility of going to a clinic in Europe. I won't say exactly where it is yet, but let's just say I have already been rehearsing certain key phrases in my head. For example, "¿Podría usted por favor ser más apacible con esa varita del
ultrasonido? Mis ovarios son absolutamente dolorosos. Gracias." Also, "¿Dónde puedo comprar un jarro grande de sangría?"

Watch this space. Or should I say espacio?

Comments

[Suz]

We're looking for a new clinic, too! Thanks for doing the legwork - Barbados, here we come. Although, on second thought, the idea of squeezing into a bikini is perhaps more frightening than the thought of going through all of this again.

[patricia]

Wow. That looks lovely.

Although I must say, no matter where you are, IVF is going to be stressful. You just have more time to sit around and worry about it in Barbados. And a negative beta is a perfect way to ruin an otherwise delightful vacation. Forevermore, sunny beaches could have negative connotations. Of course a positive beta makes the memory fantastic (as long as you don't miscarry!)

Why am I so negative all the time?

[Expat]

May I also suggest Australia?

World class results, english speaking nurses, bargain basement prices and kangaroos! What more could you want?

[Kristin]

Best of luck Mare...plan C, D, or whatever letter you are up to sounds great.

[beaver girl]

I feel like an idiot for doing IVF at home! How 1990's of me. I could have squeezed a vacation into this. Of course - bathing suit and IVF - uh...no. I can't believe they are selling this as a package. But clearly there is a market. Wow. Amazing post. Thanks!

[Meriel]

To complicate your choices even more, South Africa has alot to offer. Tertia (So Close) will agree that in CT they have some excellent doc's and facilities. The exchange rate is fairly good and it doesn't get prettier than Cape Town.

We'd both be happy to assist/chaperone you so let us know if you need some help.

[Tertia]

Mare - you have CLEARLY heard about the IVF safaris to cape town?? much much cheaper here and it works. lots of people come to cape town for their ivf's. total cycle costs about $3,000. or even cheaper, including ICSI etc.

come to SA!!!! let me know if you want to know more.

[Sherry]

What a great concept! Why didn't I think of that...

I would say come to the states, but I'll refrain from being too selfish...it's too damn expensive here.

[Amyesq]

Que bueno! Y en California, hablamos Espanol tambien. Ven aca!

[Emily]

The idea of me and a bikini scared me so that I lost track of where I was...oh yeah ;), that sounds like a good idea Mare.

So does Tertia's SA jaunt too!

[Pamplemousse]

Mare, you lost me at bathing suit too! My white hairy ass is bad enough here!!

[Karen]

Wow, first I laughed and then I ... didn't. Why am I paying full price to drive though blizzards in Boston, again?

[megan]

I suggest Australia as well. Cheap compared to USA and beaches if you want them.
Megan

[anna]

Hi,

So glad you are back from vacation... just got back myself & am happy to catch up on the latest... thanks for sharing!!

Anna

[penny]

where is the cheapest place for IVF treatment? Please can someone email me some links?

[Juno888]

Best of luck Mare...plan C, D, or whatever letter you are up to sounds great.

[MAZ]

I am looking for an IVF clinic in Capetown.I have been looking around, and great advice, but capetown keeps coming up.I just cant find enough information on which one to choose.Help?