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
BMI and fertility: When is BMI really the issue? With Nicola Salmon, Fat Positive Fertility
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BMI and Fertility: When Is BMI Really the Issue?
Weight and BMI can become one of the biggest and most emotional parts of the fertility journey. But when does BMI genuinely matter, and when might it become the whole conversation?
In this episode, I'm joined by fat-positive fertility coach Nicola Salmon to explore one of the most complex and often misunderstood topics in fertility care.
Together, we discuss the role BMI plays in fertility treatment, where the evidence ends and clinic policies begin, and why people in larger bodies can sometimes feel that their weight becomes the focus of every appointment.
This isn't about ignoring the role BMI can play. It's about having an honest, balanced conversation that helps you better understand your options, ask the right questions and feel more confident advocating for yourself.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why BMI has become such a dominant part of fertility treatment.
- When BMI genuinely matters and when there may be more going on.
- Whether focusing on BMI can sometimes delay further investigations.
- What fertility professionals could do differently to better support people in larger bodies.
- How to advocate for yourself if you feel your weight has become the whole conversation.
- Common myths and misconceptions about BMI and fertility.
- Nicola's advice for anyone feeling stuck, blamed or unheard.
Whether you're trying to conceive naturally, considering IVF, or exploring fertility treatment abroad, this episode offers practical advice, reassurance and a reminder that every fertility journey deserves an individual, evidence-informed approach.
About Nicola Salmon
Nicola Salmon is a fat-positive fertility specialist and the author of Fat and Fertile. She supports fat folks navigating getting pregnant in a weight-obsessed world, without dieting or weight loss.
Told at 16 that PCOS meant she'd never have children, she went on to have two children in her fat body. She has spent the last eight years handing other people the evidence, the permission, and the words to advocate for themselves inside a system that tells them to lose weight and come back.
Connect with Nicola
Be sure to follow Nicola and find out more about her work:
Website https://nicolasalmon.co.uk/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fatpositivefertility/
Supported Program https://nicolasalmon.co.uk/supported
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: calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min
FREE Online fertility pharmacy introduction - Need an introduction to a specialist pharmacist for a no obligation quote for all your fertility medication at competitive rates and delivered globally?
yourivfabroad.co.uk/online-fertility-pharmacy-service
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