Multiple attempts...

We've now been going through all kinds of tests and treatments for a number of years to get pregnant. My husband had a vasectomy years ago and first had to have it reversed. It took months before that could even be arranged, and then more months again before it became clear that the sperm quality was, despite everything, insufficient to get pregnant the usual way. I too had to undergo various tests before it turned out that, thankfully, nothing was wrong with me. Since there was no other option, we started with ICSI — three times, with a negative result. After that the hospital decided they'd rather not treat me/us any further, because the chance of success would be too small in relation to the risks. If we absolutely wanted to try once more, they'd first have to have a meeting about it.

By that point we were completely done with that hospital. They'd strung us along for months during the tests and weren't always equally careful during treatment. They didn't need to hold any meeting for us: we didn't want to continue with a hospital that had no confidence in its own treatments anyway.

But we still had a strong desire to have children. Through the internet we ended up at Human First. After first having a really pleasant phone conversation with Human First, our file was reviewed by dr. Cem in Istanbul, and it turned out he still saw possibilities for us. Our entire trip, stay and treatment were arranged by Human First. Before our departure I had frequent phone and email contact to air all our little questions and worries, and this was always responded to very promptly. In Istanbul we were guided by a hostess, who was a great help to us and with whom we also had a lot of fun. The hospital was amazing. The staff were friendly, helpful and highly competent. The treatment went smoothly. The egg retrieval in particular was so different from the Netherlands. Thanks to the good anesthesia I barely felt a thing, whereas in the Netherlands I practically jumped out of the chair because the pain was almost unbearable.

Even before departure, Human First called us asking if we'd be willing to take part in a radio program about IVF abroad. It seemed like a great idea to us to share our experiences and the differences and similarities between the Netherlands and Istanbul with anyone interested. In the Netherlands the radio people came to our house before and after the trip for interviews. In Istanbul we did this by phone. We enjoyed doing it, but it was unpleasant having to tell them that the first attempt in Istanbul hadn't succeeded. But we didn't want to give up yet.

A few months later we went back. Again with all the help and preparation from Human First, but now without a hostess, since by now we knew our way around everything. Since the previous time we'd been in Istanbul for a good 3 weeks, we now wanted to limit our time there as much as possible. Human First arranged for the necessary medication to be sent to the Netherlands, since I had to use a compound that wasn't available in the Netherlands. Again everything seemed to go very smoothly, but the result was negative once again.

We actually wanted to give up. Every time it was so hard to process another disappointment. On top of that it was getting very expensive. Because we'd already done three attempts in the Netherlands, the treatments and medication in Istanbul were no longer reimbursed. Then of course there were the travel and accommodation costs on top of that each time, so the costs really added up. However, when it turned out dr. Cem still saw possibilities for us, we decided to do one last attempt. So that we would really have tried everything. And then it worked! We could hardly believe it — after all the misery and disappointments we'd been through, I was finally pregnant.

We now have a beautiful little one, who we enjoy so much. But then the itch started again. It would be so wonderful to give our little one a brother or sister. We contacted Human First again. Given everything we'd experienced, we would never go to a hospital in the Netherlands for this again. A few months ago we were back in Istanbul. It was already lovely just "showing off" our little one there, and everyone was completely smitten. The treatment went well again too, but it still didn't work out. Fortunately the insurance covered all the medical costs.

We want to go back to Istanbul very soon for another attempt. It worked once, we know it can happen, so it just has to work one more time.

So, this story is to be continued, and hopefully with a happy ending...

Frank and Daniëlle (October 2011)

Frank and Danielle also took part in a Radio 1 report about IVF in Turkey back in 2008. Would you like to listen to that report? Click here.

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