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The Overseas Conception Connection

A Trip Across the Ocean May Solve Fertility Problems

By Teri Brown

The United States isn't the only country to make strides in assisted reproductive therapy (ART). Researchers and specialists from all over the world continue to move forward with leaps and bounds in their treatments of fertility issues. Because of this, more people are looking across the ocean for fertility options. While some look for egg donors from other countries, others travel across the globe for fertility treatments in foreign clinics.

Dr. Richard Scott, a board certified reproductive endocrinologist and one of the founding partners of Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, believes there are a number of reasons why ART consumers might seek treatment from somewhere other than the United States. "Some couples are traveling to other countries for infertility treatment because the cost of treatment is often lower at many centers outside the United States," he says. "Couples may also seek treatment in other countries for reasons other than cost. Some couples pursue these options for reasons related to culture and ethnicity. For example, a Korean-American couple may want to use a fertility practice in Korea to have access to a Korean egg donor."

Dr. Scott says it is unclear whether going overseas represents a trend because there is no monitoring in place to assess the numbers of patients considering this option for treatment. He also believes some concerns exist and should be considered before pursuing the option. "Reproductive medicine in the U.S. is regulated, and all IVF centers must meet certain standards in quality and patient care," he says. "These same standards may not apply to centers in many other countries. In addition, centers in the U.S. report on their success rates, giving couples helpful information to assess a clinic's capabilities."

Another important consideration, according to Dr. Scott, is the identification of the cause of the infertility. If a couple needs an advanced form of treatment, these services may not be widely available, and many IVF centers may not have extensive experience in using them. "The bottom line with this option is that it is only something to consider if you are able to identify a treatment center that is able to meet your needs with the highest levels of experience and service," he says.

Other difficulties in seeking options elsewhere may include language obstacles or cultural differences. "If there is a language barrier, understanding treatment issues may be a special challenge," says Dr. Scott. "So while it is possible to hire a medical interpreter so that you can have a consultation with a doctor or conduct a meeting with limited proficiency in the language, it is easy to see how essential information and important nuances about the treatment may be lost. Where medicine and surgery are concerned, there should be as few obstacles between doctor and patient as possible."

Want to see more?

• The Infertility Marketplace: How Success Rates Are Advertised
• High Tech Babies: Artificial Insemination
• When Is It Time to See an Infertility Specialist?
• Talk about it!

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