Considering IVF Treatment

Is IVF right for you?

IVF is one of many fertility treatments. Your GP or fertility clinic can advise on whether it is right for you, and help you decide if you want to have it.

Though IVF is the best-known treatment for people experiencing fertility problems, it isn’t the answer every time. In many cases of infertility, other treatments, such as medicines or surgery, can give the best chance of eventually achieving pregnancy.

If IVF is the best treatment for you, you’ll have to decide whether to have it. You should find out as much as you can about the process of IVF, the risks associated with it, and the chance of success. Your fertility clinic should help with this.

IVF is a demanding process both physically and emotionally. In making your decision, you should be aware of the psychological challenges that come with treatment, including the risk of disappointment if IVF is not successful.

Who is it for?

IVF is the best treatment to deal with many fertility problems. These include:

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, which can prevent eggs released by the ovaries from reaching the uterus. In IVF, eggs are taken from the ovary and implanted straight into the uterus.

• Low sperm count or poor sperm movement. This can prevent sperm fertilising the egg in the fallopian tube. In IVF, a sperm sample is provided by the male partner, and, in a laboratory, mixed with eggs taken from the female partner.

• Unexplained infertility. No cause can be found in about one in five cases of infertility. Couples or women with unexplained infertility who haven't had success with other fertility treatments may find success with IVF.

Can I have it?

Access to IVF on the NHS varies across England. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that suitable couples receive up to three cycles of IVF on the NHS if the woman is between 23 and 39.

If you have a child or children from your current relationship or a previous relationship, you are not eligible for NHS treatment.

The rate at which primary care trusts (PCTs) across England are implementing the NICE guideline has varied. There continues to be wide variation in the number of IVF cycles funded, and the waiting time for treatment but PCTs across England are working to provide the same levels of service.

Your GP will be able to tell you more about the IVF options open to you.

Some women or couples opt for private IVF treatment. Cost of treatment varies from clinic to clinic, but one IVF cycle typically costs between £3,000 and £4,000.

How does it feel?

IVF will make big demands on your time, body and emotions. Clare Brown, chief executive of Infertility Network UK, which helps people living with fertility problems says: “IVF is such a long treatment, and it's often stressful. One cycle can go on for seven weeks, and you’ll be in and out of the fertility clinic.

“People can become depressed or anxious having IVF. Fertility problems can come to dominate your life with your partner, so it may be hard to ever switch off from the stress.”

But help is out there, says Brown, and no one should be reluctant to ask for it.

“All fertility clinics are obliged to offer counselling for people having IVF. You shouldn’t be reluctant to say that you want to see the counsellor: you're not saying you can't cope. It’s just a chance to talk through your feelings.”

Additionally, Infertility Network UK and other organisations can provide valuable support during IVF treatment, including the chance to contact others having the same experience.