How to choose a fertility clinic

Why “best clinic” lists mislead

No clinic is simply the “best” for everyone. The HFEA is explicit that most clinics are broadly as good as each other, and that small differences in published success rates are usually explained by the different types of patients each clinic treats — not by one clinic being better. Be cautious of ranking lists that claim a single winner.

Reading success rates critically

The HFEA warns it is very difficult to compare clinic success rates fairly. Two main measures exist — births per egg collection and births per embryo transferred — and each answers a slightly different question. The HFEA presents a reliability range around each clinic’s figure; larger clinics have narrower, more reliable ranges, and small differences often sit within these ranges. Age is one of the strongest predictors of success, so use age-banded figures rather than headline averages. Our understanding success rates page explains this in more detail.

Treatment add-ons and their evidence

Many clinics offer optional “add-ons” on top of standard treatment. The HFEA rates these using an evidence-based, five-colour scale — from green (evidence of benefit) through amber (conflicting evidence), grey (not enough evidence), and black (no effect) to red (possible safety concern or reduced effectiveness). Its key message is that, for most patients, standard cycles work without add-ons, and that unproven add-ons should ideally be offered only within research and without extra charge. Because ratings are reviewed regularly, always check the live HFEA add-ons page rather than relying on a fixed colour.

Checking a clinic’s licence

Only use a UK clinic that holds a current HFEA licence — this is what assures regulated safety and quality. Every clinic in the HFEA comparison tool is licensed, and you can confirm a clinic’s licence and inspection record there. Use our questions to ask guide to test transparency in conversation.