Let’s start with an uncomfortable truth: The IVF industry is notorious for upselling. There’s a whole smorgasbord of acronyms and add-ons that we’re pedalled as we go through our fertility journeys. ICSI, PICSI, IMSI, PGT-A testing… It's a roll call that causes maximum confusion, and with no clarity on what is what and whether it actually helps, it can be tough to know what to do and what to ask for.
If it feels a bit like you’re just being directed to the most expensive wine bottle on the menu (*ahem, IVF*), then these 5 questions are for you. Be bold, be brave, and feel completely entitled to ask your fertility clinic in your first consultation:
1. What is the success rate in this clinic for a patient of my age and with my fertility profile?
Don’t settle for broad “clinic-wide” stats. IVF success rates vary significantly by age, diagnosis, and fertility history. If the clinic can’t provide data that reflects your situation (and not a general average), then this is a red flag.
2. How many cycles does it typically take patients like me (and/or my partner) to conceive in this clinic?
Many patients need more than one cycle to get pregnant. Understanding the realistic number of cycles (and total cost) helps you make an informed decision. If the clinic is promising results in 1 cycle, then they’re selling you, knowing that you’ll likely go back for a second. Ask what their results are in their own clinic.
3. Can you talk me through the data you have from patients here that show the increase in chances of pregnancy per cycle for this treatment add on?
If the clinic is pushing extras (like embryo glue, endometrial scratching, or genetic testing) ask for evidence that those add-ons have made a material improvement to pregnancy outcomes for patients at that specific clinic. Some add-ons sound promising but have little to no proven impact on outcomes. Ask for data. If they don’t have it, it’s sales.
4. What exactly is included in the price of one IVF cycle?
A price tag might cover just the basics, and if you’re not sure, then ask. Are medications included? What about embryo freezing costs if required? Lab tests? How many consultations are included here, and how much access to support will I receive throughout my cycle for this price? If you feel like the price is too low, then it’s likely a teaser price to get you through the door. Trust your instinct. The average spend on a cycle of IVF is £5000 according to the NHS (a very credible source). If you’re being told it’s only £2500, something will likely be added to the final bill that the clinic isn’t being up front about. Challenge them on it. “Yes, that’s the price you’ve put here, but what will the final bill be?”
5. What alternative treatments should I consider before IVF?
IVF isn’t the only option. It’s just the most profitable for the clinic… Ask if treatments like medicated Timed Intercourse or IUI could work for you first. If the clinic is not upselling, they will walk you through all your options, not just the most expensive one.
Here’s a couple of other questions you can ask yourself to make sure you’re feeling confident about your clinic, and making a decision that feels right to you:
What is your gut (or uterus?) telling you?
Bonkers though this may sound, there is some sense to doing a ‘gut check’. Check in with your body, your gut, your inner wisdom. Close your eyes, quiet your mind and scan your body for your feelings in the aftermath of your first appointment. How is your stomach feeling? Clenched or chilled? Do you feel pressured or calm? Confident or uncertain? Your somatic feelings may well be the biggest tell of whether you have been sold or pressured when you’re not ready. To be clear, sometimes we’ll never feel ready for anything, and IVF certainly could be one of those things. But if you find 10 minutes after that first appointment to sit quietly, close your eyes and turn inwards to check in on yourself, you might be surprised by what you discover.
What can I do if I’m seeing nothing but red flags?
There are a few things you can do if your spidey senses are telling you that something isn’t right. First of all, you can shop around and go to other clinics – if this isn’t practical, then look for clinics that have an open day or ‘question session’, where you can attend an online ‘Ask Us Anything’ style webinar. This gives you a feel for how open the clinic is. You can also use the HFEA website to look at different clinics around you – go visit their websites, use Fertility Mapper to look for reviews and experiences of patients at those clinics, and reach out to the clinic asking for any resources or information on pricing they’re able to share.
If you’re looking for more insight into what you can expect from an initial IVF appointment, our Lead Fertility Coach and Clinical Embryologist, Sandy, has got you covered. Check out Preparing for IVF: An embryologist’s guide to getting the best outcome for you.
Share:
Sperm-friendly vs non-spermicidal: The lubricant deep dive