IVF abroad: TTC and infertility for those considering conceiving abroad

Emma Haslam

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 knowNavigating donor conception with confidence How to save money on fertility treatments (and beyond!) Real-life experiences from others who've successfully conceived abroadExpert tips and guidance from professionals in the industryHonest conversations about the realities of infertilityTips, guidance, and real talk about all things related to infertility and trying to conceiveConsidering 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!

  1. DEC 23

    Gentle Reflection and Reset

    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 yearWhy repetition doesn’t mean failure or fault - it often signals a lack of clarity or supportHow to choose one to do one thing differently to create meaningful changeGentle ways to reflect on what this year has taught you and what you want to carry forward and what you want to leave behindYour 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: 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

    15 min
  2. DEC 16

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

    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 treatmentHow to navigate things that trigger you, including the questionsHow to cope with seeing pregnancies or announcements around youPractical ways to protect your energy during gatheringsHow to plan ahead and how to create space for yourselfWhen 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: 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

    22 min
  3. DEC 9

    Awkward fertility questions and how to answer them

    The Awkward Fertility Questions You are not prepared for(And How to Answer Them) There is never a good time for these questions, but I feel during any celebratory time like Christmas it can feel more overwhelming when you're TTC or navigating IVF. And while everyone else is talking about food, gifts and plans… you’re bracing for the questions - the ones that cut deeper than people realise and you deserve to protect your peace. In this episode, Emma shares real, practical scripts you can use when family, friends or colleagues make comments about fertility, IVF, age, your body that are not helpful! You’ll learn how to set boundaries that suit you, how to protect your emotional energy, and move through Christmas and other occasions like Thanksgiving, without feeling triggered, exposed or blindsided. This is your toolkit for staying grounded, protecting your peace, and getting through the holidays or any family/friend gatherings - on your terms. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why seemingly innocent Christmas questions can feel so painful How to respond to:  • “When are you having kids?”  • “Why don’t you just relax?”  • “Have you thought about adoption?”  • “Should you be drinking alcohol if you’re trying?”  • “Aren’t you getting too old for all this?” Even if the intention is good and including what to say when the intention is not good! Polite, firm and shut-it-down scripts for every situation, plus a one liner that is easy to remember and a great distraction for most situations How to protect your emotional energy during the festive season Ways to navigate triggering conversations without over-explaining Other things to consider to make these situations more about thriving than surviving and on your terms 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

    25 min
  4. DEC 2

    How to Access Affordable Fertility Medications, Supplements & HRT Privately (Wherever You Live)

    If you’re struggling to access the fertility medication, supplements, or HRT you’ve been prescribed—whether due to high costs or limited availability - this episode walks you through a safe, reliable way to get what you need privately. Or maybe you suspect (or know) you are in peri-menopause or menopause but you are not being taken seriously by medical professionals, or you are on a long NHS waiting list to see a Consultant and are struggling with symptoms that are impacting on your daily life.  For many women in the UK and other countries like the USA the system can feel unpredictable: Meds are expensive and frequently out of stockHRT shortages happening without warningMenopause 'care' is dismissive for many or stuck behind long waiting listsPrivate menopause clinics that are expensive for most peopleIn this episode, you’ll learn exactly how to source genuine, fertility and HRT medication with availability and sometimes at a more accessible price too, no matter where your prescription was written, as long as it’s in English. Whether you're trying to conceive, navigating IVF, managing symptoms of peri-menopause/menopause, or simply trying to follow your treatment plan without constant disruption, this is a practical guide to getting your medication safely and stress-free. 🌱 What We Cover in This Episode How to legally use a valid prescription from anywhere in the worldOrdering medication privately even when your local pharmacy is out of stockGetting a quote for:IVF meds HRT (oestrogen patches & gels, progesterone, testosterone)Fertility supplementsHow the process works step-by-stepHow to save money without compromising quality, safety, or regulationWhen it makes sense to book a consultation with a menopause specialist for private support 💊 Want a Price Quote for Fertility Meds, Supplements, or HRT? Get a free, no-obligation quote from the partner pharmacy I recommend. 👉 Request your personalised price quote here: https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/online-fertility-pharmacy-introduction   You’ll receive: A direct price comparisonConfirmation of availabilityFast turnaroundClear instructions for placing an order using your prescription🌼 Need a Private Menopause Specialist to Review Your Symptoms, Treatment or Prescribe HRT? Book a call with Emma who can talk you through the process so you can book a private online consultation with a menopause specialist. 👉 Book a call with Emma here: https://calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min   This is ideal if you need: a review of your current symptomsHRT for the first time or adjustments to your HRTadvice on testosteronehelp accessing reliable private prescriptionssupport navigating complex or persistent symptoms✨ Please follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with someone who may be struggling to access their medication or 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

    26 min
  5. NOV 25

    Trying to Get Pregnant but It’s Not Working: What to Do Next

    You’ve been trying to get pregnant for what feels like forever… and you’re exhausted and don't know what to do next or what options you may even have. This episode is here to help you work out what to do next, without spiralling, Googling at midnight, or feeling like you’re somehow 'behind' everyone else. Inside, I walk you through: • Why trying is not failure or your fault • When to consider changing things and what options might be available and why IVF isn't always the next step • When to push for answers and when to look beyond the UK system  • How to finally get clarity on your next step so you don't feel stuck in limbo wasting time when you are ready for answers and a plan If you’re stuck in limbo and the ‘just relax and keep trying’ advice is wearing thin, or you are not getting the help you need then this episode will give you a clearer, calmer path forward 🌟 Want personalised guidance on your situation? Book a free no obligation call with me and let’s talk about what’s going on for you and whether working together is the right next step. https://calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min 🎧 Curious about fertility treatment abroad and how it actually works? Watch my free training to understand the process, costs, safety, timelines, and how to choose the right clinic abroad with confidence. https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass 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

    24 min
  6. NOV 18

    The Hidden Costs of Fertility Treatment in the UK (That No One Warns You About)

    When it comes to fertility care in the UK and other countries like the USA most people only think about the financial cost. But the real 'hidden costs' go far beyond money. In this episode, I break down the biggest obstacles people face, from long NHS and private delays to limited choice in clinics and egg donation options. I also discuss the emotional and time costs that aren’t talked about and how understanding these hidden factors can help you make informed decisions and feel more confident in your journey. In this episode, you’ll learn: How time and delays in both NHS and private care impact your fertility journeyThe limitations of fertility treatment options in the UK, including egg donation shortagesWhy lack of choice can affect your chances of success and your peace of mindYour next step:  If you’re considering fertility treatment abroad, want to work out if it's right for you, or want a clearer path through the confusion, I’ve created a free training that walks you step-by-step through the process. Save yourself time, stress, and frustration! Free Training: https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass Connect with me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/YourivfabroadWant 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

    18 min
  7. OCT 21

    Could this be delaying you getting pregnant?

    You've been doing everything right, but you feel stuck on your fertility journey and nothing is happening, or not quickly enough. Sometimes, what’s keeping you from moving forward isn’t medical at all. It’s fear. Or it’s about clarity - not knowing what step to take next, or feeling paralysed by too many options. In this solo episode, Emma talks about: ✨ The two main reasons people get stuck on their fertility journey ✨ Why staying still often feels safer than taking the next step (and how that can quietly cost you time and hope) ✨ How to recognise what kind of “stuck” you’re in — and how to get unstuck ✨ Practical ways to start moving forward again, with more confidence and less overwhelm If you’ve been feeling like you’re losing time, direction, or faith in what to do next, this episode will help you reconnect to hope — and remind you that it’s not too late, you just need a plan. Because you can’t think your way out of stuckness you have to plan your way out of it. Listen now to feel clearer, calmer, and ready to take the next step in your fertility journey. If you need help to plan your next steps please contact Emma on hello@yourivfabroad.co.uk to find out more about the services she offers. If you would like to watch the free training Emma mentioned then you can grab that link 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: 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

    17 min

About

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 knowNavigating donor conception with confidence How to save money on fertility treatments (and beyond!) Real-life experiences from others who've successfully conceived abroadExpert tips and guidance from professionals in the industryHonest conversations about the realities of infertilityTips, guidance, and real talk about all things related to infertility and trying to conceiveConsidering 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!