Home / Resources / Trip Timeline
Planning

Your IVF Trip to Colombia: Complete Timeline

📖 11 min read 📅 Updated January 2025

Planning an IVF trip to Colombia involves coordination across time zones, medical protocols, and travel logistics. This timeline breaks down exactly what happens at each stage — from your first consultation to coming home (hopefully pregnant).

Quick Overview

Total trip length: 15-20 days in Colombia

Pre-trip preparation: 4-8 weeks before departure

Trips required: 1 for most fresh IVF cycles

Before You Leave: Preparation Phase

8-12 Weeks Before

Initial Planning
  • Choose your clinic — Research, compare, schedule consultations
  • Initial video consultation — Discuss your history and treatment plan
  • Review pricing and sign agreement — Get everything in writing
  • Complete required testing — Can often be done at home with your local doctor

4-6 Weeks Before

Medical Preparation
  • Send test results to Colombian clinic — Blood work, ultrasound reports, previous records
  • Receive medication protocol — Your clinic will prescribe stimulation medications
  • Order/obtain medications — Some patients bring from home; others buy in Colombia
  • Book flights and accommodation — Aim for flexible tickets if possible

2-3 Weeks Before

Final Prep
  • Begin birth control (if prescribed) — Helps synchronize your cycle
  • Confirm appointments — Get your full schedule from the clinic
  • Arrange work/childcare coverage — Plan for 2-3 weeks away
  • Pack (see checklist below)

In Colombia: The Treatment Phase

Day 1-2

Arrival
  • Arrive and settle in — Rest, adjust to time zone (minimal jet lag from US)
  • Initial clinic visit — Baseline ultrasound and blood work
  • Begin stimulation injections — Nurse training if needed

Day 3-10

Stimulation Phase
  • Daily injections — Self-administered, usually in the morning or evening
  • Monitoring appointments every 2-3 days — Ultrasound to track follicle growth
  • Medication adjustments as needed — Based on your response
  • Free time to explore/rest — Appointments are typically 1-2 hours

This is when you'll have the most downtime. Enjoy Colombia!

Day 11-12

Trigger & Retrieval
  • "Trigger shot" — Precisely timed injection to mature eggs
  • Egg retrieval (36 hours after trigger) — 15-20 minute procedure under sedation
  • Sperm collection — Same day as retrieval
  • Rest for remainder of day — Light cramping is normal

Day 12-17

Embryo Development
  • Fertilization report (Day 1) — How many eggs fertilized
  • Development updates (Day 3, Day 5) — Clinic tracks embryo progress
  • PGT-A testing (if doing) — Results usually same day or next day
  • Embryo selection — Best embryo(s) chosen for transfer

More free time during this phase. You'll feel physically fine.

Day 17-18

Embryo Transfer
  • Transfer procedure — Quick (15-20 min), painless, no sedation needed
  • Brief rest at clinic — Then back to accommodation
  • Begin progesterone support — Continues through early pregnancy
  • Take it easy for 24-48 hours — No bed rest required, just relax

Day 19-20

Departure
  • Final consultation — Review next steps, get medications for home
  • Fly home — Flying is safe after transfer
  • Continue medications — As prescribed

After You Return Home

10-12 Days Post-Transfer

Pregnancy Test
  • Blood test (beta hCG) — Done at local lab or doctor's office
  • Report results to Colombian clinic — They'll guide next steps
  • If positive: continue medications — Progesterone until ~10-12 weeks
  • If negative: debrief with your doctor — Discuss options including frozen embryos

6-8 Weeks Pregnant

Ultrasound
  • First ultrasound — Confirm heartbeat, done locally
  • Transfer care to local OB — Colombian clinic releases you
  • Continue as normal pregnancy

What to Pack

📋 Medical Documents

  • Passport (valid 6+ months)
  • All test results and records
  • Medication prescriptions
  • Insurance information
  • Clinic contact info

💊 Medications

  • All prescribed fertility meds
  • Needles and syringes
  • Sharps container
  • Personal medications
  • Pain relievers (Tylenol)

👕 Clothing

  • Comfortable, loose clothing
  • Layers (evenings can be cool)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Something nice for dining out

🎒 Comfort Items

  • Books, tablet, entertainment
  • Heating pad (for cramps)
  • Snacks from home
  • Journal

💡 Pro Tips

Medications through security: Keep in original packaging with prescriptions. TSA allows injectable medications.

Sharps disposal: Ask your clinic or hotel — they can help with proper disposal.

Flight flexibility: Book refundable/changeable tickets. Retrieval timing can shift by a day or two.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

We'll help you coordinate timing, choose the right clinic, and prepare for a smooth journey.

Get Free Consultation

Read more: Cost Guide | IVF in Medellín | Choosing a Clinic

Pre-Trip Preparation Checklist

Successful international IVF requires thorough preparation in the weeks before travel. Start by completing all baseline testing locally—your Colombian clinic will provide a list of required bloodwork and imaging studies that you can have done at home, saving valuable time once you arrive. Gather all medical records, test results, and previous treatment summaries to share with your new care team. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.

Coordinate with your clinic on medication logistics. Some patients begin certain medications before traveling, while others pick everything up upon arrival. Understand exactly what you need to bring versus what will be provided. Pack comfortable clothing that accommodates potential bloating, and consider bringing items that help you feel at home—your favorite pillow, snacks, entertainment for downtime.

Accommodation and Transportation

Book accommodations in advance, ideally within easy distance of your clinic. For a two to three week stay, apartments with kitchens offer more flexibility and comfort than hotels. Look for places with reliable WiFi, air conditioning, and good natural light. Many patients find that having cooking facilities helps them maintain healthy eating during treatment while also saving money compared to eating every meal out.

Familiarize yourself with transportation options before arrival. Download Uber and local ride-sharing apps. Know how far your accommodation is from the clinic and plan for early morning appointments when traffic may be lighter. Having a trusted transportation method reduces one source of stress during an already emotionally demanding time.

Managing Work and Life from Abroad

Before departing, communicate with your employer about your absence, sharing as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Set up out-of-office messages and delegate urgent responsibilities. Consider your time zone and plan any essential calls accordingly. Many patients find that being physically removed from daily work stress actually helps them focus better on their treatment and self-care. Embrace this time as an opportunity to prioritize your health and future family.

What to Expect Day by Day

Your clinic will provide a detailed schedule, but generally expect monitoring appointments every two to three days during stimulation, with daily appointments toward the end as you approach trigger timing. Build flexibility into your plans—IVF timelines are not perfectly predictable, and you may need to adjust. Plan restful activities for days between appointments: gentle exploration of the city, spa treatments, catching up on reading or shows, connecting with loved ones back home via video calls.

Emergency Preparedness

Before traveling, ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep your clinics emergency contact numbers saved in your phone. Know the location of the nearest hospital. Have a plan for extending your stay if medically necessary. While complications are rare, being prepared gives peace of mind and ensures you can handle unexpected situations calmly.

Returning Home

Plan your return travel thoughtfully. After egg retrieval, most women feel well enough to fly within one to two days, though some prefer to wait a bit longer. After embryo transfer, there are no medical restrictions on flying, but many women choose to rest a day before traveling. Book flexible tickets if possible to accommodate potential timeline shifts. Once home, follow up with your clinic as directed and continue any prescribed medications exactly as instructed until your pregnancy test and beyond if positive.

Emotional Preparation for Your Journey

Beyond logistics, prepare yourself emotionally for this experience. You are undertaking a significant medical procedure in an unfamiliar country, which can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Connect with other international patients through online forums to hear about their experiences. Consider working with a therapist who specializes in fertility issues before and during your trip. Having emotional support strategies in place makes the journey more manageable regardless of outcomes.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Every fertility journey is unique, and what works for one person may not be the right path for another. The most important thing is to gather accurate information, work with experienced professionals who understand your specific situation, and make decisions that align with your values and goals. Dont hesitate to ask questions, seek second opinions, and advocate for yourself throughout the process.

If youre considering treatment in Colombia, start with a virtual consultation to discuss your situation with experienced fertility specialists. There is no obligation—its simply an opportunity to learn more about your options and determine if international treatment might be right for you. Many patients find that taking this first step brings clarity and helps them move forward with confidence, whatever path they ultimately choose.

Remember that seeking fertility treatment takes courage. Whether youre preserving your fertility for the future, trying to conceive now, or exploring options after previous challenges, you are taking proactive steps toward your family-building goals. Support is available at every stage of the journey, and you do not have to navigate this path alone. Reach out, ask questions, and trust that you can handle whatever comes next on your journey to parenthood.

We hope this guide has provided valuable information to help you understand your options and feel more prepared for what lies ahead. Your dreams of building a family are worth pursuing, and modern fertility medicine offers more possibilities than ever before. Take the next step when you are ready—your future family may be closer than you think.