BONUS EPISODE: IVF Abroad - Understanding guarantees in egg donation programs

In the final episode of this three-part mini-series, created in partnership with fertilityclinicsabroad.com, Natalie is joined once more by Joanna Jewell, Head of Patient Experience at IVF Media, to demystify the world of egg donation guarantees.

Whether you’re exploring donor eggs, embryo donation, or refund-based pregnancy guarantees, this episode breaks it all down. Joanna explains how these programs work, what they include, who they’re for, and what to ask before you commit.

What we discuss:

• What egg donation programs actually are and what’s included
• The difference between oocyte and blastocyst guarantees
• What to expect with embryo donation and double donation (egg + sperm)
• Pregnancy and live birth guarantee programs and the truth behind the fine print
• Refund guarantees: how they work, what they cost, and how much you could get back
• Common requirements to qualify for guarantee programs
• Transparency matters: why it’s essential to ask what’s included and what’s not
• Additional costs to prepare for: medication, storage fees, testing, and admin
• Donor availability for different ethnicities and specific features (like red hair)
• The emotional reality when things don’t work even with a “guarantee”
• What support clinics do (and don’t) offer after unsuccessful cycles
• Why support groups, peer connections, and advocacy matter in your journey
• Embryo shipping after Brexit: is it still possible to bring material back to the UK?

Links & Resources:

Let’s Stay Connected

• Learn more at: fertilityclinicsabroad.com
• Follow on Instagram @fertility_clinics_abroad
• Visit eggdonationfriends.com for helpful resources
• Contact Joanna’s team directly for guidance on donor programs and clinics abroad
• Follow Natalie on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
• Don’t forget to listen to Episode 1 (How to Choose a Clinic Abroad) and Episode 2 (IVF Abroad Over 40) if you missed them!