At Manchester Fertility patients arrive at our clinic through many routes. Some have come via their GP, others have self-referred, and some find they need infertility treatment after undergoing our Fertility MOT tests.
Usually, they are also armed with lots of questions and are often confused about what will happen in future when it comes to their treatment plan. So here we look at the top questions we get asked when patients first visit us, and our expert answers from our team:
Do I need IVF?
A very common question, born from the common assumption that if you’re having trouble getting pregnant, then you must need IVF to help. The good news is that not everyone needs IVF treatment. Although around one in six couples need help getting pregnant, there are other treatment options which may be best for yo u. Or, it could be that you just need to try conceiving for longer and need to use ovulation prediction kits to help identify your fertile days. IVF should never be the automatic ‘go-to’ option. There are other treatments – such as induction ovulation if your aren’t actually ovulating, or intrauterine insemination where sperm is inserted into the uterus closer to your egg around the time of ovulation, which may be a better treatment option for you. We will always discuss your treatment plan with you fully and honestly, with open and transparent costs, so you know what to expect, what will happen and the realistic chances of success.
Will IVF give me twins or triplets?
The HFEA has guidelines in place so that clinics such as ours now transfer only one embryo – known as Single Embryo Transfer (SET) – if you have a good chance of success from your IVF treatment. This is to reduce the number of twins and triplets born via infertility treatment and so far, since the new policy was adopted by clinics, the birth rate from IVF has remained consistent whilst the number of multiple pregnancies has dropped. This means that SET doesn’t reduce your chances of pregnancy and a baby. But we always decide how many embryos to transfer in consultation with you. It could be that your age, or medical history, means it would be better for you to have two embryos transferred.
Can I get help with costs for my infertility treatment?
If you are eligible for NHS-funded IVF treatment where you live, it is possible for you to request for this funding to be transferred to us, instead of the NHS clinic your doctor would normally refer you to. Many Primary Care Trusts – the bodies responsible for funding IVF in your area – do consider these requests and we have welcomed many patients who have successfully transferred funding in this way. We have a handy guide for you about how to do this here. It’s also possible, if you are willing to share half your eggs to help other infertile women, to receive a reduced-rate cycle of IVF with us for £870, inclusive of all drugs and screening through our egg sharing programme. To be an egg-sharer with Manchester Fertility, you must meet certain health criteria and must be within the age range of 18-35 years old.
Who will I see throughout my treatment?
Team consistency is something we value very highly at Manchester Fertility. Did you know that many of our team have been here since we first opened our doors over 27 years ago? You will initially see one of our expert consultants and, dependent upon your diagnosis, one of our specialists. Many members of our team have specific specialisms in areas such as male infertility and recurring miscarriage and so they will be able to guide you through your treatment plan in detail. Our nursing team are here to help you through the ups and downs of your journey, both before, during and after your treatment, and our Patient Advisors are here to help you with any queries you may have at any time. It’s why we are known for our friendly, open and honest approach. Why not come and see for yourself by booking in for our informal, free open evenings?
How long will treatment take?
Unlike NHS clinics, as a private infertility treatment clinic we don’t have waiting lists for any of our treatments at Manchester Fertility, even if you need a donor egg or donor sperm. You do not have to wait to begin your cycle of IVF or other infertility treatment. A typical IVF cycle can be completed within six to eight weeks.
If you need fertility help or just want to find out more about your options, please contact us today on 0161 300 2737. You can also use our confidential ask the expert feature where you can submit a question of your own, for our team to answer. We are here to help you through your fertility journey and our aim is always to give you the very best chance of a baby. Our approach means that we only offer evidence-based treatments which have proven success.
Last updated: 7th February 2024
