Frequently Asked Questions for Patients

Read through our most frequently asked questions to seek the answers you need. Can't find what you're looking for? Why not ask our very own Medical Director and founder Professor Brian Lieberman in our new 'Ask Professor Brian' section.

• How long should we be trying for a baby before we get fertility help?

  Some couples get pregnant quickly and easily, others can take a lot longer. There is no set point to seek fertility help, although generally many people turn to their GP if they have not conceived after a year of trying for a baby. 

• What can be done to help improve a low or poor sperm count, or improve poor sperm quality?

  There are no effective, simple measures to instantly improve sperm quality. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle is beneficial so men should not smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol. It’s a myth that wearing loose underwear can help improve sperm quality or count.

• How do we find the best fertility clinic for us?

  Firstly visit the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s website (HFEA) www.hfea.gov.uk for a list of registered clinics local to you. Then ring up the fertility clinic and ask for brochures or information, or visit the clinic’s website. Don’t be afraid to go and tour the clinic. At Manchester Fertility Services we hold regular open evenings so that you can come and visit us when it suits you, where our friendly team is on hand to answer any questions you might have.

• When do I start to pay for infertility treatment? Do you do free fertility consultations?

  Infertility treatment costs start at the point of an initial consultation with one of our fertility consultants. As we are a private clinic we do not offer free fertility consultations. View our Fees page for more information about our fees and charges. 

• How much does IVF or infertility treatment cost?

  IVF costs vary depending on which clinic you choose. You will need to pay for the initial consultation, any pre-treatment tests or scans, and then for the actual treatment itself and any necessary medications. For more details, see our Fees page.

• How can I get an appointment with Manchester Fertility Services?

  You can request a fertility referral from your GP for a consultation with us. For more information about how to do this, click here.

• What IVF success has Manchester Fertility Services had?

  Manchester Fertility Services has been at the forefront of IVF technologies since we opened over 25 years ago. Back then, it was a fairly new development, but it is now used the world over. We welcome more than 850 new patients a year and have seen more than 3,500 babies born thanks to the skill of our team. We are continuously looking at new ways to overcome fertility issues, through dedicated research, to make sure our patients always benefit from the latest infertility treatments available.Visit the Success Rates page for more information.

• I’m in a same-sex relationship and we would like to have a family. Can you help us?

  Yes, we welcome many same-sex couples through our doors for pregnancy help, whether you need surrogacy, a donor egg or donor insemination. For information about the fertility treatments we offer to help you, visit our Treatments page. 

• I already have a child but I’m having problems getting pregnant again. Is there something wrong with me?

  Secondary infertility – the inability to have a second or third child despite have a successful pregnancy before – is not uncommon. But you may be worrying over nothing. Remember, infertility isn’t defined until you’ve been having regular, unprotected intercourse for up to two years without falling pregnant, so it could just be that this time it’s taking longer than before to conceive. Your age could also be a factor, remember that fertility starts to decline from age 30 onwards and even more so from age 35. But if you think you need fertility help, don’t hesitate seeing your GP.

• Do you offer fertility treatment via the NHS?

  No, we do not offer fertility treatment on the NHS as we are a wholly private fertility clinic, however certain Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) will consider allowing you to transfer the funding for your NHS IVF cycles to us.  Information can be found from Infertility Network UK, www.infertilitynetworkuk.com/fundingforfertility.

• Is there a waiting list for infertility treatment at Manchester Fertility Services?

  No, there is no waiting list for infertility treatment using donor sperm, IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination. However egg donors are in extremely short supply and so therefore the waiting list is long if you need infertility treatment using a donor egg. We always need more egg donors so if you want to find out more visit www.manchesterdonors.com.

• I want to get pregnant but I’m over 40 years of age, can you help me conceive?

  Yes, we do infertility procedures for women up to the age of fifty. However, you need to consider the fact that live birth rates for older women in their mid-40s, who wish to use their own eggs to conceive, is generally extremely low. Your options will include ovarian stimulation, and intrauterine insemination or IVF. Dependent upon your individual case, you may need to consider using donor eggs to get pregnant. For more details, call Manchester Fertility Services on 0161 227 0010 or come and see us at one of our regular open evenings. Details of forthcoming dates can be found here.

• What hours are you open?

  Being flexible with our opening times is vital for our patients at Manchester Fertility Services, we always aim to see you at times convenient to you. Our current opening times are 7.30 am - 4.00 pm. You will always see the most appropriate staff member for your needs.