Learn more about IVF, from what it is to what to expect on an IVF journey
If you’re looking into fertility options and want to know more about IVF, we’re here to answer some of the most common questions about this type of treatment.
As with all fertility treatments, your GP will be able to advise you on the best option for you, so speak to them for further advice and support.
What is IVF?
IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is a type of fertility treatment available for people who have been unable to conceive naturally.
During IVF, fertilisation takes place outside of the body. Usually, a woman or person with a womb has medicine to stimulate the ovaries to produce extra eggs, which are then removed from the body to be fertilised by sperm in a laboratory. If fertilisation is successful, an embryo (fertilised egg) is returned to the womb to grow.
IVF can be carried out using your eggs and your partner's sperm, or eggs and sperm from donors.
When to seek more advice on fertility issues?
Everyone’s fertility journey is different, and some people may not become pregnant as quickly as expected.
If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year and haven’t fallen pregnant, then the NHS advises to see your GP who can check for common fertility issues and advise on how to improve your chances of having a baby. However, it’s recommended to see your GP sooner than this if you’re a woman or person with a womb who is aged 36 and over, or already aware you may have fertility problems.
Who can have IVF on the NHS?
Certain criteria need to be met before IVF can be offered on the NHS, and this will vary based on your circumstances and local treatment providers. IVF will not be suitable for everyone so you should speak to your GP who can advise on the best option for you.
As a baseline guide, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) fertility guidelines recommend that IVF should be offered on the NHS to women or people with a womb who haven’t been able to conceive through regular unprotected sex for two years. Although, this is dependent on other criteria too, such as the age of the woman or person with a womb.
They also recommend it’s offered to those who have tried 12 cycles of artificial insemination, with at least six of those using intrauterine insemination (IUI) (a fertility treatment where sperm is directly inserted into a womb). The NHS has further details on their eligibility criteria.
It’s important to note these recommendations are not a guarantee. In England, local integrated care boards (ICBs) will make the final decision on who can access NHS-funded IVF, and they may have stricter criteria than NICE. This will also vary for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Your GP should be able to tell you more.
For those who aren’t eligible for NHS treatment, IVF is also available privately, provided it’s suitable for you.
What’s the average cost of private IVF treatment?
There’s no set cost for IVF. It will vary on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on individual treatment providers. As well as the treatment, there may be additional costs for things such as medication, consultations and storing embryos, if applicable. It’s important to make sure you have a full run-down of costs from your treatment provider before pursuing IVF.
What to expect during IVF
Embarking on IVF treatment is a big decision with lots of things to consider. It’s important to bear in mind that being accepted for treatment is not a guarantee. There will likely be consultations and tests required before being considered for IVF, which can be an emotionally challenging time.
If offered treatment, IVF is both a physical and emotional journey, and it doesn’t work for everyone. IVF usually involves taking a medicine to suppress your natural menstrual cycle, followed by taking a fertility hormone called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which helps your ovaries produce more eggs. These medicines can cause side effects including:
• Hot flushes
• Feeling down or irritable
• Headaches
• Restlessness
Your treatment provider should also offer you counselling to help cope with the emotional challenges.
One cycle of IVF will involve several stages over a period of weeks. The timeframe can vary depending on your medical circumstances and treatment provider. If you would like more information about how the process works, the NHS provides an overview of what happens during IVF in a typical treatment plan.
What’s the success rate of IVF?
The success rate of IVF depends on many factors including the cause of infertility and the age of the woman or person with a womb who is undergoing treatment. More information can be found from the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority who publish all the latest research and data on IVF, including success rates.
What are the risks of IVF?
There are some risks to be aware of with IVF treatment including:
• An increased chance of multiple births (such as twins or triplets) – this can happen if more than one embryo is returned to the womb, and it can cause complications for both the mother and the children
• A higher risk of an ectopic pregnancy – where an embryo implants in the fallopian tubes, rather than in the womb
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) – a rare complication of IVF where too many eggs develop in the ovaries, becoming very large and painful
The NHS has more information on the risks associated with IVF.
If you’re considering IVF and would like to know more about this treatment, your GP will be able to give you more information and discuss its suitability for you.
