In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

What IVF involves

IVF is a multi-step treatment carried out over several weeks. According to the NHS, a full cycle usually takes about three to six weeks and follows the same broad stages: suppressing your natural cycle, ovarian stimulation, egg collection, fertilisation in the laboratory, embryo transfer, and a waiting period before a pregnancy test. The exact plan is tailored to your situation by your clinic.

Who IVF may help

The HFEA (the UK regulator) lists common reasons for IVF, including blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, unexplained infertility, low sperm count or quality (often with ICSI), ovulation problems, and situations where less invasive treatments such as IUI are less likely to work — for example with increasing age. Whether IVF is the right step depends on your diagnosis and history, which a clinician can help you weigh up.

Availability on the NHS (UK)

Some IVF is funded by the NHS, but eligibility is decided locally by your Integrated Care Board, so criteria — including age limits and the number of funded cycles — vary by area. NICE guideline NG257 sets national recommendations, but local funding rules differ, so it is worth checking what applies where you live. Many people use private clinics, either fully or to top up funded care.

Understanding success rates

Success rates vary with age, the cause of infertility, and other factors such as weight and smoking. Published figures describe groups of patients over a defined period; they are not a prediction for any individual. When comparing clinics, use age-banded data and check whether a figure is quoted per cycle started or per embryo transfer. Our understanding success rates page explains how to read this data.

Risks to be aware of

Most people tolerate IVF well, but it carries real risks. The main ones are ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and, if more than one embryo is transferred, multiple pregnancy. The HFEA notes that about a third of people get mild OHSS, while severe OHSS is uncommon. Other risks include ectopic pregnancy (around 1%) and the usual risks of a minor procedure at egg collection. Your clinic should explain how it minimises these risks in your plan.

Be cautious with paid “add-ons”

Some clinics offer optional extras (“add-ons”) on top of standard IVF. The HFEA rates these by the strength of the evidence, and warns that most have limited or uncertain evidence of improving your chance of a baby. For most people, standard cycles work without add-ons — see our costs page and ask your clinic why any add-on is recommended for you specifically.

Questions to ask your clinic

• What is your recommended plan for my situation, and why?
• How do you decide how many embryos to transfer?
• How do you report success rates, and for which patient group?
• Are you recommending any add-ons, and what is the evidence for them?
• What are the total expected costs, including medication and storage?