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IVF abroad: TTC and infertility for those considering conceiving abroad

IVF abroad: TTC and infertility for those considering conceiving abroad

By: Emma Haslam
Listen for free

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!


© 2026 IVF abroad: TTC and infertility for those considering conceiving abroad
Hygiene & Healthy Living Science
Episodes
  • The Hidden Pressure of Infertility: IVF, Loss & Cultural Expectations | with Seetal SavlaHow
    Jul 14 2026
    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 SavlaSeetal 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/seetalsavlaLinkedIn: Seetal SavlaSome 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/930219Intergenerational Experiences of Miscarriage – Tommy's - https://www.tommys.org/about-us/news-views/my-grandmother-mother-and-i-intergenerational-experiences-miscarriageNavigating Infertility as a Woman of Colour – HuffPost UK - https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/ivf-infertility-women-of-colour_uk_5ddd5b3be4b0913e6f74ca22Need 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.ukIf 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/freemasterclassFREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers: calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15minFREE 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-serviceYour 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
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • The hidden impact of male infertility: A conversation with Ciaran Hannington
    Jul 7 2026

    Trigger warning: Suicide

    When we think about infertility, we often focus on the physical side of treatment.

    But what about the emotional impact and how might this look for men?

    Male infertility affects around 1 in 6 couples trying to conceive, yet it's still one of the least talked about aspects of fertility treatment. Behind every diagnosis is a person trying to process feelings of guilt, loss, isolation and uncertainty often without knowing who to talk to.

    In this episode, I'm joined by Ciaran Hannington, co-founder of the Male Fertility Hub and co-host of the Male Fertility Podcast, who shares his deeply personal story of male infertility, multiple rounds of ICSI, pregnancy loss, mental health struggles and ultimately becoming a father to two children.

    Whether you're experiencing male factor infertility yourself, supporting a partner, or simply want to better understand what many men are going through behind the scenes, I hope this episode helps you feel a little less alone.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Cieran's personal journey through male infertility, ICSI and recurrent pregnancy loss

    • The devastating emotional impact of receiving a male infertility diagnosis - mental health and suicide

    • Why so many men suffer in silence and struggle to ask for help

    • The guilt, shame and identity challenges that often accompany male infertility

    • Why couples can end up protecting each other by hiding how they really feel

    • The importance of counselling and opening up about mental health

    • Why male infertility deserves far more attention and support

    • The incredible work being done by the Male Fertility Hub to support men, women and couples navigating fertility challenges

    Resources mentioned

    💙 The Male Fertility Hub

    A supportive online community helping men, women and couples affected by male infertility through education, peer support, webinars, online meet-ups and expert resources.

    🌐 https://themalefertilityhub.com

    🎙️ The Male Fertility Podcast

    Hosted by Kieran Hannington and Shaun Greenaway, sharing honest conversations, lived experiences and expert advice around male fertility and infertility.

    Search The Male Fertility Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

    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

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • What I hope you take away as the podcast ends for another series
    May 12 2026

    If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this season…

    it’s that you are not running out of options just because the path you imagined hasn’t worked out yet.

    This season, we’ve talked about so many important topics:

    • unexplained infertility
    • BMI restrictions
    • IVF abroad
    • success rates
    • feeling overwhelmed by options
    • what can go wrong without the right guidance
    • and why more information doesn’t always create more clarity

    But underneath all of that, the thing I see most often is this:

    People thinking they’re doing something wrong…

    when actually they’re just under-supported.

    In this episode, I reflect on:

    • Why you are not failing because you feel overwhelmed or stuck
    • The difference between having endless information and having real clarity
    • Why there may be more options available to you than you realise
    • The importance of personalised fertility care and guidance
    • Why fertility treatment should never be one-size-fits-all
    • The emotional toll of infertility and trying not to lose yourself in the process

    More than anything, I hope this episode leaves you feeling:

    💛 a little less alone
    💛 a little more hopeful
    💛 and a little clearer on the fact that there may still be paths forward you haven’t been shown yet

    💛 Free Training: Want More Clarity On Your Options?

    If you’re trying to understand whether fertility treatment abroad could be right for you — or want to better understand your options, the opportunities, and the watchouts — you can watch my free training here:

    From Obstacles to Options: 3 Secrets to Having Fertility Treatment Abroad (That Most People Don’t Know About)

    👉 Watch the free masterclass here

    In this training, I cover:

    • The biggest opportunities many people don’t realise exist
    • What to look out for when researching clinics and countries
    • The mistakes that can cost people time, money, and momentum
    • How to approach fertility treatment abroad properly and safely
    • What actually matters when planning your next steps

    💛 Want Personalised Support?

    If you’re at the point where you want help understanding your options, narrowing down countries and clinics, and creating a clearer plan for your next steps, you can also book a complimentary call with me here to find out what it looks like to work with me:

    👉 Book a free 15-minute call

    Thank you so much for listening this season.

    I never take for granted that you choose to spend this time with me, and I hope this podcast has helped you feel a little more informed, empowered and hopeful moving forward.

    I will be back in July with the next series of the IVF abroad podcast.

    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

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
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