IVF Journey in Spain — Maria's Story

Maria's Journey

Maria, 39, and her partner had been trying to conceive for five years. After three failed IVF cycles using her own eggs — two at a clinic in London and one at a different clinic — her doctor gently suggested that her diminished ovarian reserve meant her best chance lay with donor eggs. "That conversation was devastating. It felt like giving up on a biological connection I'd always imagined. But I also knew I wanted to be a mother more than anything."

The UK clinic quoted £12,000–£15,000 for a donor egg cycle — with a 6–9 month waiting list for a suitable donor. "After three failed cycles, we had spent over £25,000. Another £15,000 with no guarantee was terrifying. And waiting another 9 months at 39 felt like time we didn't have."

The Challenge

• Diminished ovarian reserve — three failed IVF cycles with own eggs; donor eggs recommended
• Financial strain — £25,000+ already spent on fertility treatment; another £15,000 was daunting
• Waiting time — 6–9 month donor waiting list in the UK was anxiety-provoking at age 39
• Emotional toll — years of disappointment, grief over biological connection, and relationship strain

Treatment Planning

Through SurgeryPlanet, Maria connected with a fertility clinic in Barcelona — one of Europe's most established IVF centers, with outcomes data published in peer-reviewed journals and membership in ESHRE. "The clinic coordinator was a former IVF patient herself. She understood exactly what we were going through emotionally — not just medically."

A video consultation with the reproductive endocrinologist reviewed Maria's full history. "He didn't just look at the last cycle — he reviewed all three, looking for patterns. He explained why the previous protocols may not have worked and what they would do differently. He was honest about success rates — about 55–60% live birth per donor egg transfer for women in my age group at their clinic. No wild promises."

Treatment plan: IVF with anonymous donor eggs (Spanish regulations), ICSI, blastocyst culture, single embryo transfer, vitrification of remaining embryos. Cost: €5,800 including donor compensation, medications, ICSI, blastocyst culture, transfer, and first year of embryo storage. Spain's regulated donor program meant no waiting list — the clinic matched donors within 2–4 weeks.

Recovery Experience

"We arrived in Barcelona on a Saturday. The city was beautiful — we spent Sunday walking through the Gothic Quarter, trying to relax before Monday's appointment. The clinic was modern and immaculate. Everyone spoke English. The coordinator gave us her personal WhatsApp — she responded to questions within minutes, even on weekends."

The embryo transfer itself was quick and painless. "I'd been through it before, so I knew what to expect. But this time felt different — I felt calmer. The clinic encouraged us to rest for 48 hours but said there was no evidence that bed rest improved outcomes. We took it easy, enjoyed Spanish food, and tried not to obsess."

They flew home on day 5 after transfer. "The two-week wait was agonizing, as always. But the clinic stayed in touch — checking in, answering questions. When I took the pregnancy test and saw those two lines, I couldn't believe it. I took three more tests just to be sure."

Maria's pregnancy was uncomplicated. She delivered a healthy baby girl. "Our daughter is now two years old. She has her father's eyes and my stubbornness. She is simply our child — the fact that we used a donor egg doesn't cross my mind anymore. She's ours in every way that matters."

Lessons Learned — Maria's Advice

• "Consider donor eggs earlier than you think you need to." "I spent three cycles — three years — and over £25,000 trying with my own eggs when the odds were very low. In hindsight, I wish someone had guided me toward donor eggs sooner. The grief of using a donor is real, but it passes — and what replaces it is joy."
• "Don't underestimate the emotional support aspect." "The clinic in Spain treated me as a whole person, not just a set of ovaries. The coordinator's personal experience with IVF, the doctor's willingness to review all my history, the WhatsApp access — it all made me feel cared for, not processed."
• "Spain's regulated donor system gave us confidence." "Knowing that donors are anonymous but rigorously screened — medical history, genetic testing, psychological evaluation — reassured us. Spain's laws are clear and well-regulated. That mattered."
• "Plan a little time to enjoy the destination." "We arrived two days before the transfer and spent that time exploring Barcelona. It helped reduce the stress. IVF tourism doesn't mean you can't enjoy the trip — just don't plan anything strenuous."

Related Guides

• IVF & Fertility Treatment Abroad — Complete Guide
• How to Choose a Clinic Abroad
• IVF Second Opinion — Expert Fertility Review