Infertility treatment abroad: How to choose a country for IVF

Medical

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most effective assisted reproductive technologies that helps couples with infertility fulfill their dream of parenthood. This process involves fertilizing an egg in a laboratory setting followed by transferring the embryo into the uterus.

For many couples choosing IVF abroad, selecting the right country becomes a crucial decision, as it affects the quality of medical services, the accessibility of procedures, and the comfort during treatment.

Things to consider when choosing a country for IVF

Choosing a country for IVF depends on several important factors that influence the success of the procedure and the overall experience:

  1. Legislation. Different countries have different regulations regarding reproductive medicine. For example, in Germany or Italy, egg donation is restricted or prohibited, while countries like Ukraine offer flexible legislation that allows anonymous egg and sperm donation. This is especially important for couples who require donor material.
  2. Clinic quality. The success of IVF abroad depends on the qualifications of doctors, the modernity of equipment, and the use of advanced technologies such as ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) or PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies). Leading clinics can achieve success rates of up to 50–70%, especially in programs using donor material.
  3. Donor programs. For couples with poor quality of their own reproductive cells (for example, due to premature ovarian failure or severe male infertility), donor eggs or sperm significantly increase the chances of pregnancy. It is important that the country offers a wide selection of donors and ensures their anonymity.
  4. Support for international patients. For those traveling abroad, organizational support is essential: consultations in their native language, assistance with accommodation, transportation, and paperwork. Some countries offer comprehensive support services that make the process easier.

Popular IVF destinations include Spain, known for its high standards in reproductive medicine, the Czech Republic, which offers more affordable services, and Greece, which combines quality treatment with the opportunity for relaxation. However, more and more couples are turning their attention to Eastern European countries, particularly Ukraine, due to the optimal balance of quality and affordability.

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Why is Ukraine becoming a leader in reproductive medicine?

Ukraine holds a leading position among countries chosen for IVF thanks to several key advantages: 

  1. Technology. Ukrainian clinics are equipped with modern technology and use advanced methods such as ICSI, PGT-A, and cryopreservation (vitrification), which allows eggs, sperm, or embryos to be stored without loss of quality. These techniques increase the chances of a successful pregnancy to 60–70%, especially in programs involving donor material. 
  2. Legislation. Ukraine offers flexible legislation that allows anonymous egg and sperm donation. This means couples can choose from large donor databases that include detailed information about health, phenotypic traits (such as height, eye and hair color), and even education. Donors undergo thorough medical and genetic screening, ensuring the quality of the biological material. 
  3. Doctor qualifications. Doctors in Ukraine have a high level of expertise, often with international training and experience working according to European standards. Many clinics collaborate with international organizations, ensuring that their services meet global protocols.
  4. Service. Ukrainian clinics offer comprehensive support for international patients — from online consultations and donor selection to assistance with accommodation, transportation, and translation. This makes the process comfortable and accessible even for those coming from abroad.
  5. Affordability. Compared to Western European countries, where IVF costs are significantly higher, Ukraine offers similar quality at a lower price. This allows couples to undergo more IVF cycles if needed, without facing substantial financial strain.

Thanks to these factors, Ukraine has become one of the leading destinations for foreign couples seeking effective infertility treatment and IVF abroad.

IVF programs available in Ukraine

Ukrainian clinics offer a wide range of reproductive services suited to various needs:

  • standard IVF 
  • IVF with donor material 
  • ICSI 
  • PGT-A
  • cryopreservation
  • surrogacy

These programs allow treatment to be tailored to each couple’s individual needs, increasing the chances of success. In addition, clinics provide detailed consultations to help choose the most suitable plan. 

One of the leading reproductive clinics in Ukraine is Alternatyva. It is among the best fertilization clinics in Europe and offers a full range of reproductive services: from standard IVF to complex donor programs, programs for single women and LGBT couples, and surrogacy. The clinic collaborates with European partners, including Ovumia Group from Finland, ensuring compliance with international quality standards. Patients have access to large donor catalogs where they can choose candidates based on various criteria, as well as personalized support at every stage — from the initial consultation to the completion of the program. The clinic’s doctors have significant experience and use modern technologies, contributing to high success rates.

IVF clinic Alternatyva also pays special attention to the comfort and safety of international patients (even during the war) and offers translation services, accommodation arrangements, and transfers. This allows patients to focus on treatment without worrying about organizational or other issues. Alternatyva is an example of how Ukraine combines quality, affordability, and patient care.