Things every man and woman should know about IVF

18th December 2015 in IVF

This information was correct at the time of publishing. It may not reflect our current practices, prices or regulations.

Is there anything you’d like to know about IVF but were afraid to ask? Here our expert team, including our Fertility Nurses, Laboratory team and Consultants, share their insights into what you and your partner should know about IVF treatment before you start your cycle: 

Dr David Polson, Medical Director: “The chance of IVF working is completely individual to you”

IVF success rates are improving all the time, but always bear in mind that what works for others, might not be the best thing for you. In IVF treatment, there is no such thing as ‘one size fits all’. All of our treatments are completely tailored so they give you the very best chance of success, and this includes whether we think additional help will improve your chances, such as pre-IVF endometrial scratching, the use of our EmbryoScope time-lapse monitoring for your embryos or refining your IVF through the use ofICSI or different drug protocol. Working together as a team, we share our expertise. We each have various specialisms here and this means we can always give you the most appropriate, bespoke treatment, based on your unique test results and circumstances. 

Alan Birks, Senior Embryologist: “It’s very normal that some men might struggle to give a sample”

IVF is an emotional journey and although the woman is usually the focus, we don’t forget about the man at Manchester Fertility, we ensure they are supported and feel just as involved too. Male partners are just as affected by the fact that IVF is needed as women, they feel the pressure just as much. It’s not unusual for a man to not be able to give a sample of sperm at the crucial time on the day of his partner’s egg collection due to anxiety and worry. In these instances, there’s no need to panic. We can always freeze the eggs that are collected and fertilise them when we do get a sample. Men can also give a sample at home and bring it into the clinic, if they feel more comfortable this way.

Samantha Potts, Fertility Nurse Team Leader: “Post transfer you can carry on as normal”

Coming in for your embryos to be transferred is one of the most exciting yet anxious times of your IVF treatment cycle. Many women think they have to keep completely still and not do any of their normal activities post-transfer, but this isn’t true. Although you have a period of rest in our clinic after transfer, we don’t expect you to go to bed when you get home. The ‘two week wait’ between transfer and pregnancy test is stressful enough and so you should try to carry on as normal. We will give you all the post-transfer advice you need to know, with the reassurance that we’re always available at the end of the phone, with emergency contact available 24/7, if you’re ever worried about anything. 

Samantha Slack, Donor Programme Co-ordinator:  “Donor Egg IVF is more common than you might think”

Donor egg IVF is increasing and it’s not just down to fertility problems, often it’s age related too. If you need a donor egg to have a baby, you’re not on your own. But with this special treatment comes special support. It’s such a personal and emotional treatment. Not just in terms of choosing the right donor from our egg donor bank with the help of our Donation Team, but coming to terms with the fact that you need a donor egg in the first place. It’s why we have multi-level support here, Our Counsellors provide professional support and guidance but we are all here to help you, even if it’s just providing a listening ear. We understand your fears and concerns, nothing you say or are feeling will be unusual. Remember – it’s our job to make this journey as stress-free as we can for both of you.

If you have any questions about our fertility treatments, you can contact our friendly Patient Advisors on 0161 300 2737.

Last updated: 18th December 2015