Trying for a second child, Dec 2023

In the Netherlands we had already been trying for a second child for a while. After various tests it turned out I was said to have unexplained infertility. The only thing they found was a blocked fallopian tube on the left side. After 7 IUIs we moved on to IVF, resulting in 8 eggs - we were overjoyed. Then on the day of the transfer we heard that the other 7 hadn't made it, with no reason or explanation given, and we both left the hospital with a very mixed feeling.

Then on to the next attempt, where they had already hinted several times that if I wanted a good chance, I really should lose weight. Said and done, so I lost 7 kilos in a short period. But we both kept a somewhat strange feeling about the hospital and our treating gynecologist. A kind of assembly-line approach, just a number without any personal touch. The uncertainty also played on our minds - why wasn't it working, when we'd already brought a healthy daughter into the world with some help...

With the maximum dosage already reached in the Netherlands, we went for the second attempt, this time for ICSI. Again I only had 3 eggs, and on the day of the transfer only 1 was good enough to transfer, the others had dropped out again.

That's when I started looking into IVF/ICSI abroad and ended up on the Humanfirst website. I discussed this with my husband at home and he pretty much thought I was crazy. Going to Turkey for IVF was, according to him, a really bad plan. I had him read the website too, and we agreed to schedule an online call with Evren - only after that call would we decide what to do and what felt right.

We prepared a bit together, and after that call we both had such a good feeling that we decided to travel to Istanbul for our last "covered" attempt. Really pleasant communication with Evren about our treatment plan and all the steps that needed to be taken for the insurance - she really helps you with all of that from A to Z, really great!

I looked for some apartments myself and, after consulting with Evren, booked something central in a nice area and not too far from the hospital. I also booked the flight tickets myself. Being able to discuss this with her even though I wasn't taking a complete package was really nice.

We also decided to book a Dutch-speaking host for during our stay.

The moment of departure got closer. In the Netherlands I already started with injections since I had quite a long schedule. I also had my first ultrasound done in the Netherlands, and Evren helped figure out where I could best do this so it was still somewhat close to my home or work.

All arranged well!

The day of departure went smoothly and we arrived at our apartment. The next day we were picked up by the hospital and the host was waiting for us there.

I wouldn't recommend this transport though. Almost every appointment they were late or couldn't find our apartment. It later turned out that regular taxi transport in Istanbul is so easy that you can arrange it much more easily and cheaply yourself through a very simple app called "BiTaksi"

What a beautiful hospital and what a warm welcome. Everyone so friendly and helpful, and how nice that there was a Dutch-speaking host who guided us through this. There's still quite a bit of paperwork to fill in, and she helps with that too so everything is properly registered.

It's also really nice that she's there during the conversations with the professor. The professor speaks very good English, but you can still double-check everything in Dutch.

They work very carefully at the hospital and treat you with real respect. This shows in small things like hygiene and privacy during changing and internal ultrasounds, for example. They give clear explanations and really take their time with you. Then a nurse explains the medication to you, and the medication can even be delivered to you.

In total we stayed 18 days in Istanbul and really made it into our vacation together with our 3.5-year-old daughter. So much beautiful stuff to see and do, and so child-friendly. Truly a varied city with busy and quieter parts, but also lovely islands where you can really escape the hustle and bustle for a bit and enjoy peace, beach and a completely different setting.

Really recommended! And because our vacation was combined with the treatment, everything went so smoothly and I suffered less from all the hormones. With fantastic results in the end.

After the egg retrieval under anesthesia we had 11 eggs. All 11 of these eggs were kept in an embryoscope on request and for an extra fee. On the day of the transfer all 11 were still intact and dividing well. In the end we got one transfer, and the best 5 eggs were frozen on day 6 - the others wouldn't have been usable after thawing anyway.

After the first transfer I had a positive pregnancy test, our happiness knew no bounds. We'd waited so long, had so many setbacks, and had eventually given up hope a little too. And yet it just worked.

Unfortunately this attempt still ended in a miscarriage after 6 weeks. Evren's guidance and contact during this was also really great.

Since we still had embryos in the freezer, we chose to fly back again soon after. This time for a short trip of 2 nights together with my husband, and this time without the Dutch-speaking host. Again a really good feeling about everything there, and very friendly. After the transfer we also enjoyed another day together in the beautiful city.

Now, after a number of weeks, I can report that I am about 17 weeks pregnant with a boy. We are very happy and are so grateful to everyone involved who helped us through this process.

We can genuinely recommend it to everyone to consider taking this step and making your dreams come true.

A & H

This story was translated from Dutch by our team. Read the original Dutch version →