If you’ve researched the cost of private infertility treatment, and compared IVF success rates between clinics, you’ll know that it can be confusing, and there are often big differences in fees or pregnancy rates.
But should you always believe what you are reading? All registered licensed infertility clinics should report their official statistics to the HFEA. But when it comes to the results detailed on their websites or brochures, clinics are free to publish what they choose – often selectively – to make them appear more successful than other clinics.
You may find that clinics use figures that are out-of-date – sometimes by years – if it shows they are more successful than another local clinic. They may even include a comparison table, again using out of date information, directly pitching their results against others, whether they have accurately researched other clinic results via the HFEA or not.
In many instances, when you actually look at success rates in detail and have greater understanding of how to interpret the information, you’ll find that differences can be negligible.
So what should you bear in mind when looking at results so you can avoid any ‘sales’ tactics?
- You should always double check a clinic’s claimed success rates with the HFEA to ensure you get a full and accurate picture of their achievements for all patients – not just the figures they want to show you
- Although many clinics – including Manchester Fertility – adhere to a Single Embryo Transfer Policy, some do not. And so regularly transfer more than one embryo with the aim of boosting their success rates. Be sure to ask about this when researching a clinic and check the HFEA for high numbers of twin or triplet births – this could indicate that they don’t follow a Single Embryo Transfer policy, even if they tell you they do
- Don’t assume that a direct comparison table comparing one clinic with others is accurate and up to date – cherry-picking the right figures can easily be done as ‘evidence’ that they are more successful
- Remember that patient demographics can vary between clinics. Some clinics may treat larger numbers of older women and so success rates would be lower overall than those who routinely select younger patients where success is far more likely
At Manchester Fertility, we have always had a transparent policy when it comes to our success rates. We do not selectively publish results, use comparison tables or other tactics to try to boost our patient numbers.
Our reputation and standing as one of the longest-established and leading private infertility clinics in the UK does that for us – along with our ‘patient first’ approach in everything we do. It’s why so many people choose us to help them have their family – because they know they can trust us to give them the best care and treatment for their needs, open and honestly, every step of the way. We always tell you what your treatment will cost with complete transparency, there are never any 'hidden charges'.
Come and see us to find out more about how we can help you. If you have any questions about success rates and how to understand them, please contact our team on 0161 300 2737.
Last updated: 20th January 2020
