Personalised IVF treatments for you

Your journey starts by speaking to one of our fertility specialists. We’ll discuss your health, medical history, and options for IVF treatment. If you’re ready we’ll book you in for your first consultation. We’ll also book you in for your fertility tests, if you need them. These will help us personalise your treatment plan. Our goal is to gather as much information as possible to create a tailored treatment plan that gives you the best chance of success.

Before starting IVF you’ll most likely need some fertility and health tests, these tests help us to get a full picture of your health and reproductive health – this gives us the very best chance at creating a treatment plan that works for you.  

The fertility tests will determine your ovarian reserve and analyse sperm health and viability. You will also have some basic health checks such as your Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure.  

If you have experienced recurrent miscarriage, or you’ve had unsuccessful IVF treatment before, then you might need more in-depth tests. Our fertility specialists will guide you based on your medical history and concerns and ensure that you get the right tests.  

When your test results have come back, you will have a consultation with one of our fertility doctors. They will go through your results with you, and let you know the best treatment route. Your treatment plan will be personalised to you, to give you the very best chance at success. Remember, this is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have – it's completely normal to have questions! 

After your consultation, we’ll share with your treatment plan and a cost estimation with you via our treatment companion app, Salve, so that you can make an informed decision on what to do next. 

You will also have access to your own Patient Portal, where you can find all the necessary information and resources. Our CarePals coordinator will be in touch to answer any questions and provide any additional information you might need – so don’t worry if you didn’t ask everything at your consultation. We’re here to ensure you feel prepared and confident as you begin your IVF journey. 

When you’re ready to begin treatment, you’ll take a course of fertility drugs to stimulate your ovaries and produce mature eggs. Your drug regime will be specifically tailored for you. 

Ovarian stimulation is a crucial phase in the IVF process. The goal of ovarian stimulation is to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which increases the chances of successful fertilisation. We use a range of fertility drugs, carefully selected and dosed based on your individual needs. 

You will be closely monitored during this stage, with regular ultrasounds and blood tests to track your response to the medication. This allows us to adjust dosages if necessary and ensure your body is responding well. Our nursing team is always available to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support throughout this process. 

Monitoring during ovarian stimulation is essential to determine the best time for egg collection. The process typically involves several ultrasound scans and blood tests over a period of 3-7 days. These tests help us assess the growth and development of the follicles, which contain the eggs. 

Once your follicles have reached the appropriate size, youll be ready to take a trigger injection. This injection is carefully timed to induce the final maturation of the eggs and prepare them for retrieval. The timing of this injection is really important, as it directly impacts the success of the egg collection procedure. 

Once ovulation is triggered, your eggs will be retrieved at our clinic. If you are using partner sperm in your IVF treatment, a sperm sample will be collected at the same time.

Egg collection

This straightforward procedure takes about 30 minutes and is performed with sedation and pain relief.  

Using ultrasound guidance, a needle is inserted through the vaginal wall to reach the ovaries and collect the eggs from the follicles. Most patients find this procedure to be comfortable and relatively quick. 

After the egg collection, you’ll be advised to rest for a short period before going home. It’s normal to experience some cramping or spotting, but these symptoms usually subside within a day or two. 

Sperm collection

We usually ask for the sperm sample to be given at the time of egg collection. Semen is generally at its optimum quality after 2-3 days of abstinence, so we recommend ejaculation 2-3 days before the egg collection day and then abstaining until the sample is provided. 

In certain conditions, sperm may not be present in the ejaculate due to a blockage or absence of the tube carrying the sperm from the testes. In such cases, Surgical sperm retrieval can be performed to obtain sperm directly from the reproductive tract. These sperm can then be used for fertilisation, often with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where the sperm is injected directly into the egg.  

Once the eggs are retrieved, they are placed in a special culture medium and kept in an incubator to create the perfect environment for fertilisation. The prepared sperm sample is then added to the eggs, and we monitor them closely for signs of fertilisation. 

Over the next few days, the fertilised eggs, now embryos, are carefully observed as they develop. The embryos are grown in a controlled environment, with regular assessments to ensure they are developing normally. Our embryologists are highly skilled and use the latest technology to monitor and support embryo development. 

When the embryos are ready, you’ll come into the clinic for the transfer. This simple procedure takes about 15 minutes and usually doesn’t require sedation. 

Embryo transfer is a straightforward process. Using a speculum to gently open the cervix, a fine, soft catheter is used to transfer the selected embryo into the uterus. The procedure is quick and typically painless, though some patients may experience mild cramping. 

After the transfer, you’ll be advised to rest briefly before going home. You can resume normal activities, but we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. It’s important to take care of yourself and follow any specific instructions provided by your specialist. 

After embryo transfer, you’ll wait around 12-14 days to find out if your IVF treatment was successful.  

During the two-week wait, it’s important to take progesterone, a hormone that helps prepare the uterine lining for implantation. This period can be emotionally challenging, as you await the outcome of your treatment. Remember, we’re here to support you.  

Take an at-home pregnancy test around two weeks after embryo transfer. If the test is positive, you’ll come to the clinic for an ultrasound scan to check for a heartbeat. We support you every step of the way. 

If your pregnancy test is negative or if the scan does not show an ongoing pregnancy, we understand that this can be very upsetting. Support is always available to you. Speaking with a specialist fertility counsellor can help you process your emotions and decide on your next steps. When you’re ready, we’ll book a follow-up appointment with your consultant to plan your next steps. 

Typically, IVF takes about seven weeks from the start of your first medication until your pregnancy test. This timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances, including how your body responds to the treatment and any additional procedures that may be necessary.

IVF can assist with various fertility issues, including: 

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes 

• Endometriosis 

• Unexplained fertility issues 

• Difficulty with ovulation 

• PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) 

• Lower ovarian reserve in older women 

• Men with low sperm counts 

IVF is often recommended for couples who have been trying to conceive for over a year without success or for those with specific medical conditions that impact fertility. Our specialists will work with you to determine the best approach for your individual needs. 

IVF success rates vary, but the HFEA reports that birth rates have steadily increased over time. In 2019, they found: 

• 32% success rate for patients under 35 

• 25% for patients aged 35-37 

• 19% for patients aged 38-39 

• Below 5% for women 43+ 

Success rates can vary based on individual factors, such as age, the underlying cause of infertility, and overall health. At Care Fertility, we are committed to providing the highest quality care and support to maximise your chances of success. 

IVF involves some risks, including: 

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), where the ovaries become swollen and painful 

• Stress and emotional challenges 

• Complications during the egg retrieval procedure 

• Multiple births, which can carry higher health risks for both mother and babies 

At Care Fertility, the health and well-being of our patients are our top priorities. We take every precaution to minimise risks and provide comprehensive support throughout your treatment. 

Medications used in IVF can have side effects, but the benefits often outweigh them. Possible side effects include: 

• Abdominal pain 

• Bloating and cramping 

• Breast tenderness 

• Headaches 

• Constipation 

• Mood swings 

Most side effects are mild and temporary, but our team is always available to address any concerns you may have and provide guidance on managing symptoms.