IVF abroad: TTC and infertility for those considering conceiving abroad
Trying to conceive (TTC) and navigating fertility testing and treatment like IVF can be a long complicated conception rollercoaster - especially when navigating infertility challenges like high BMI, Low AMH, PCOS, Endometriosis, secondary infertility, Unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarrage, baby loss, or being part of the LGBTQI+ community.
Struggling with infertility and access to fertility treatment in your home country? Feeling frustrated by the lack of options, long waiting lists, NHS/state funded constraints, BMI restrictions, not getting answers, multiple failed IVF cycles, the high cost of private fertility treatment and at best average customer service?
My friend, you're not alone.
But what if there is another way?
Welcome to IVF abroad, the podcast designed to support, inform, and empower you on your journey to parenthood - wherever that path may lead.
I'm Emma Haslam, Founder of Your IVF abroad - the UK’s only independent reproductive agency. I am a fellow fertility warrior and now Mama of one thanks to fertility treatment abroad.
With my experience of helping hundreds of people worldwide since 2019 I will help you to understand and explore fertility options abroad in mainland Europe, like IVF, IUI, egg freezing, egg donation, sperm donation and double donation - making fertility treatment abroad safe, ethical, more affordable, accessible and a stress-reduced experience.
Each week, I'll share expert insights, guest interviews, personal stories, and practical tips on topics like:
- Pros and cons of conceiving abroad
- IVF and other fertility treatments - what you need to know
- Navigating donor conception with confidence
- How to save money on fertility treatments (and beyond!)
- Real-life experiences from others who've successfully conceived abroad
- Expert tips and guidance from professionals in the industry
- Honest conversations about the realities of infertility
- Tips, guidance, and real talk about all things related to infertility and trying to conceive
Considering having fertility treatment like IVF, donation, or advanced testing abroad in mainland Europe?
Or are you curious about how things work abroad and want to learn more?
Either way, if you're looking for options on your fertility journey that are faster, more affordable, accessible and on your terms and timescales, then you are in the right place.
Here you will get honest advice from someone who TRULY gets it and learn how to get over the obstacles you are currently facing such as overwhelming high costs, the pressure of the ticking clock and being stuck in limbo.
You want options, answers and you know that you deserve better.
Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode and I'll show everything I know about making your dream of parenthood a reality - without the barriers and on your terms, timescales and without regrets!
Love Emma x
Emma Haslam is a fertility warrior, speaker, writer, campaigner, and resident fertility treatment abroad expert who has been featured in books, fertility apps, the press, radio, and podcasts. Her mission? To make fertility treatment more affordable, accessible, transparent, and supported for everyone.
For more free resources, expert guidance and ways to work with Emma be sure to check out the show notes!
IVF abroad: TTC and infertility for those considering conceiving abroad
The Hidden Pressure of Infertility: IVF, Loss & Cultural Expectations | with Seetal Savla
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Infertility can feel incredibly lonely. Add in cultural expectations, societal ideals, family pressure and the feeling that you're expected to follow a set path and it can make people feel isolated and make a difficult time even harder to navigate.
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