What I Learned From My IVF Disaster in Greece (Aged 43)

What could go wrong? A lot.

Sep 06, 2025

Across both my IVF cycles, I made a ton of mistakes. I’ve poured those learnings into the 5-Step Fertility Starter Map.

It’s the guide through the fertility maze that I wish I’d had at the very start. It launches later this month. Sign up to get it delivered to your inbox plus opportunities to discuss each step live with me.

After two IVF cycles, I’d learned a few things about how it all works - logistically, financially and medically. But I was still unprepared for what lay ahead.

After spending €11k on a single, failed IVF cycle in Spain, I headed to Greece hoping for better odds, and more affordable treatment. A woman in a fertility forum had given me a heads up about an independent doctor.

But my results got worse. Instead of 5 mature eggs and 3 embryos - all tragically aneuploid according to PGT-A - I got one egg that didn't fancy the top quality Greek donor sperm.

Here’s what happened at the Institute of Life (IOL), Athens during November 2024.

1. First Impressions: Public Healthcare Vibes, Private Clinic Prices

The IOL looks like a plush NHS: soft lighting, comfy chairs, even TVs. But it’s busy. Egg collections run like clockwork - two women in, two women out. The changing room is cramped, lockers are limited, and post-retrieval there's no area to relax with a tea and some empathy. You dress and return to Athens’ busy streets.

Independent doctors rent space and set their own fee. You pay a second fee to the hospital for access to facilities.

It’s no-frills fertility. But at least it’s not Spain-level pricing.

2. The Protocol Switch That Made No Sense

In Spain, I’d responded well to Pergoveris. Few side effects, good response, quick recovery. So why did we switch to Meriofert on a higher dose (1:1 FSH:LH ratio) and human growth hormone (HGH)?

I knew HGH wasn’t proven. It’s yet another aspect of fertility care where opinion, and results, are divided.

I never thought to query the doctor. The 300 Meriofert hit hard. I felt unwell from the outset and the doctor ignored my complaints.

Some doctors suggest limiting LH in older women. Pergoveris is FSH:LH 2:1, a ratio that worked well for me. It’s also more stable than Meriofert.

Once again, I learned potentially important information too late.

3. Scans? What Scans?

My baseline scan showed 7 follicles. A blood test confirmed my Estradiol level was fine. Then... nothing. No scans before flying to Athens. No idea how I was responding.

Turns out, I wasn’t. One mature egg. I should have cancelled the cycle.

Tip: Always insist on a scan before travel. It could save you a wasted flight, and a heartbreak.

4. Stimming Solo in Athens

I had to stim for a few more days on arrival.

Feeling rubbish and alone in a new city, it wasn’t a happy time. The stress was eased by my lovely Airbnb host.

I couldn't wait to get back to my own home though.

5. The One Egg That Didn’t Fertilise

Retrieval was brisk. You get changed, have the procedure, and leave. There’s no recovery lounge or chat. Just noise and busyness.

I used donor sperm from Cryogonia. But my one chance at motherhood didn’t fertilise.

As much as I was devastated, I was also relieved to not be taking any more Meriofert - or injecting anything into my battered system.

6. The Aftermath: Sickness, Cold, and Crashing

I returned to the UK with broken spirits and a cold from all the stress. I'd been in Greece for over a week, alone.

In sharp contrast to the Pergoveris cycle, it took 2–3 months to recover.

I lost hair around my temples; endured cramps every morning soothed by hot baths; and felt anxious about my dwindling funds. Greece had been a 3.5K euro disaster.

I flew to India, my winter home, and got to work with my trusted gynae. He ran bloods and scans. At £5 a visit, I could actually afford to feel looked after. The insight provided much-needed reassurance that my body (hormone levels) was returning to normal.

7. The Emotional Fallout

Nine months later, I’m just writing about it now.

Greece was a hard experience, for different reasons to Spain. The doctor was more personable but had ignored my complaints and the poor attention to detail had cost me.

Perhaps the worst part was receiving another recommendation that I move to donor eggs.

At 43, with regular cycles, no known issues, and a healthy BMI, I found it hard to believe it was truly game over for my natural fertility.

8. Tips if You’re Considering IVF in Greece

Finding a doctor: Ask IOL for the list of independent doctors and contact them directly. Some offer free consults.
Scan frequency: Ask how often you’ll be scanned - and confirm a final scan before flying.
Protocol clarity: Discuss what worked in past cycles and push for justification if they recommend a protocol change.
Legal bit: If you're single, Greek law requires a lawyer's letter confirming this before you can proceed. Your doctor will recommend an advocate. Cost: €100–140.
Medication: Buy meds locally if possible. I picked up LDN (not available in the UK). Avoid “Pharmacy of Athens” who tried to scam me. Use Mr Harris, the nicest pharmacist in town:
Be kind to yourself: You don’t have to sightsee. This isn’t a holiday. You’re jacked up on hormones and need to feel calm and well rested.