How to plan IVF treatment from abroad

Deciding to undergo IVF treatment in another country is a big step: exciting, hopeful, and sometimes a little overwhelming. One of the first questions patients ask us is how long they’ll need to be away from home. Right after that comes the next big concern: which country and which fertility clinic should they trust with something so important.

Choosing the right place isn’t only about checking success rates or reading opinions online. It’s also about considering crucial aspects such as:

• Does the clinic offer dedicated support for international patients?
• What are the local laws regarding assisted reproduction?
• How much medical experience do the professionals have?

These details can make a world of difference in your treatment experience.

Why Choose Spain for Your IVF Treatment?

When you’re weighing up your options, you’ll naturally consider personal factors like your feelings, your confidence in the clinic, the way the team treats you. But there are also strong objective reasons why Spain stands out as a top destination for fertility treatment in Europe.

Spain is home to one of the highest numbers of fertility clinics in the world. This is partly due to Spain’s progressive and patient-friendly assisted reproduction laws, which are among the least restrictive in Europe. But, above all, it’s thanks to the exceptional level of specialisation among Spanish reproductive medicine professionals.

And once you decide on Spain, the next question is: which city?

From our perspective, the answer is clear: Málaga.

Málaga has become one of Spain’s most important hubs for tourism and medical tourism. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, beautiful surroundings, and excellent transport connections (international airport + high-speed train), it’s an ideal place for your treatment and for a peaceful break.

As the capital of the Costa del Sol, Málaga offers rich culture, spectacular cuisine, and easy access to iconic Andalusian destinations such as Granada, Córdoba and Seville.

And once you decide on Málaga, the next question is: which clinic?

Our story at URE Centro Gutenberg began here in Málaga back in the early days of IVF in Spain. In fact, just two years after the world’s first IVF baby, our team achieved a milestone:

•  The first IVF baby in the province of Málaga (1989)
•  The second in Andalusia.
•  The sixth in Spain.

Since then, we have become the clinic performing the highest number of fertility treatments per year in Málaga, and we continue to innovate and support families from around the world.

What Will Your IVF Treatment be like at URE Centro Gutenberg?

If you feel ready to take the next step, here’s what your journey with us typically looks like — in four simple, guided stages:

1. Your first consultation — free of charge

Your initial appointment, online or in person, lasts about one hour.

A fertility specialist will review your medical history, past treatments, test results and any relevant background.

If you’ve already undergone treatment or diagnostic tests elsewhere, you can send everything beforehand to help us make an accurate assessment.

2. Arriving in Spain and visiting our clinic

During your first in-person visit, the doctor will perform a complete gynaecological examination, and if needed, an andrology appointment for the male partner.

We will also carry out a semen analysis , either here in Málaga or in a certified laboratory in your home country if that is more convenient.

3. Starting your personalised treatment plan

Once all tests are completed and we have a full diagnosis, we’ll outline your individual treatment plan.

You’ll receive clear instructions regarding medication, monitoring, number of visits, and every step of your procedure.

Throughout the entire process, you’ll be supported by our specialists and international patient coordinators so you never feel lost or unsure.

4. Returning home and waiting for your Beta hCG test

After completing treatment, you can safely return home while you wait for your pregnancy test.

Your Beta hCG test can be done locally in your country, and our team will guide you through the results.

How Long Will You Need to Stay in Spain for an IVF treatment?

The length of your stay depends mainly on your treatment type and any previous tests you need (for example, a diagnostic hysteroscopy).

If your first visit is in person, you benefit from completing all analyses and tests directly at our clinic and even taking your medication home with you.

Here are general timeframes (always personalised to your case):

• IVF with own eggs:
  Approximately 16–18 days in Málaga.
  In special cases (and not ideal), this can be reduced to 11–12 days by starting ovarian stimulation in your home country.
• IVF with donor eggs (egg donation):
  Typically 6–7 days.
• Egg freezing or embryo freezing:
  Usually 5–6 days.
• Frozen embryo transfer:
  A short stay of 2–3 days.

Need Help Planning Your IVF treatment Trip?

Travelling abroad for fertility treatment involves many questions, and we’re here to support you from the very beginning.

Our International Patient Services Department can help you organise your stay in Málaga:

• accommodations
• transfers
• transport services
• car rental
• local guidance

You can contact us 365 days a year, and our extensive working hours ensure that you’ll always be able to reach us when you need us.

Ready to Begin Your IVF Treatment abroad?

If this feels like the right step for you, we’d love to help you start planning.

Your dream of becoming a family deserves personalised care, clarity and support, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with us.

 Request your free consultation with us by completing this form.

We’ll be here, ready to guide you every step of the way.