So you’ve decided to start IVF – what happens next? Your first IVF fertility consultation may seem daunting, but it’s nothing to worry about. It’s where one of our fertility specialists outlines which treatments are likely to work best for you, and why.
The fertility consultant you see may be influenced by a diagnosis you already have, or any issues you’re already aware of.
Whichever of our consultants you see, you can be assured that all of our specialists work together, sharing their considerable individual expertise in all areas of infertility, to formulate the best treatment plan for you.
If you live outside of our area and are travelling for treatment with us – which many of our patients do - we can arrange for your consultation to be conducted on Zoom or via phone.
Here’s what you can expect from your fertility consultation at Manchester Fertility:
Your results and diagnosis: Pre-treatment testing
As we carry out your initial fertility investigations and tests before you attend your first consultation, we’ll talk you through your results and what they mean for you. Our testing processes are through and detailed, and include ovarian reserve tests, ultrasound scanning, hormone analysis and semen analysis, so we get the most up to date and accurate information about your fertility and that of your partner. If you’ve had previous investigations at your GP, we may also have a copy of these results, and details of any previous treatments you’ve had.
Further testing
We’ll advise if any further tests are necessary and why. We may recommend more detailed semen analysis using SpermComet, which measures the amount of DNA damage in each individual sperm – which can be a hidden cause of unexplained infertility.
Which fertility treatment?
After analysing your test results, medical history and other factors, your consultant will explain which treatment is best for you that gives you the highest chance of pregnancy. You may need IVF, or you may need a different form of treatment, such as ICSI. We’ll explain what’s involved, your likely chances of success and timescales.
IVF innovations to help
In addition to free-of-charge innovations included in your cycle such as EmbryoGlue and Blastocyst transfer, your fertility consultant may also advise the use of techniques that could help increase your chances of success. These include time-lapse EmbryoScope development for your embryos, or pre-IVF Endometrial Scratching, which has been shown to help the embryo to implant. Any additions to your treatment are only recommended if they will directly benefit your outcome, with a full explanation of why they’re being offered, and any associated costs outlined in full.
Treatment costs and funding options
Our transparent pricing means you’ll be told upfront what your treatment cost will be, with no hidden charges. We’ll also advise if there are any funding options you could consider, which you may find useful if you’re worried about the financial risk of private IVF or needing more than one cycle of treatment to conceive.
We offer a range of different funding plans, including a money-back guarantee if you don’t have a baby through Access Fertility’s IVF Refund Plan; multiple discounted cycles of treatment through Access Fertility’s MultiCycle plan and Donor Eggs IVF Refund, which is a refund plan for women aged up to 48 using donor eggs.
Consent & support
If you’re happy to proceed with treatment, you’ll be taken through your consent forms. We don’t expect you to decide at your consultation if you want to go ahead, it’s important that you have time to consider and review everything you’ve been told and make a decision when you’re ready.
You’re free to ask any questions you have at any time, and if you need to clarify any details after your appointment, or want to know more about any aspect of your consultation or recommended treatment, you can always call us. We’re here to help reassure and support you at every stage.
To start your journey to a family with us, call our Patient Advisors on 0161 300 2737 or apply online. You can also request our brochure, or book in for an informal, no obligation one-to-one with a member of our team.
Last updated: 17th August 2020
