3 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Fertility Clinic

If you've been trying to conceive for some time, it can start to feel as though IVF is the inevitable next step.

Perhaps you've had some tests and been told everything looks normal. Maybe you've been given a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. Or perhaps IVF has simply been suggested as the next thing to try.

Before long, you can find yourself researching clinics, comparing success rates and wondering where to go.

But there is an important question to ask first:

Do I actually need IVF?

For some people, IVF absolutely is the right treatment. But before committing to it, it's worth making sure you understand why it is being recommended and whether it really is the right next step for you.

1. Have you had the right investigations?

Many people reach the point of considering IVF believing that their fertility has already been thoroughly investigated. Sometimes it has. Sometimes the testing has been relatively basic and hasn't given the full picture. That doesn't mean everyone needs every fertility test available. They don't. The important question is whether the investigations you've had are appropriate for your history and circumstances.

If you've been trying for a long time, experienced recurrent loss, had unsuccessful treatment or simply feel that something doesn't quite add up, it can be reasonable to pause and ask whether anything else needs considering.

The aim isn't more testing for the sake of it.

It's making sure the right questions have been asked before you move on to treatment.

2. Do you understand why IVF is being recommended?

If IVF has been recommended, you should feel able to understand why. That may sound obvious, but many people move surprisingly far along the treatment pathway without really understanding the reasoning behind the recommendation. Sometimes it can feel uncomfortable questioning a doctor or clinic. But asking questions isn't confrontational. This is your body, your treatment and your decision.

IVF may be completely appropriate for your circumstances.

The important thing is that you understand why it is being recommended for you, rather than simply feeling that IVF is "what happens next". This becomes especially important if different clinics have given you different advice. More information isn't always what you need at that point. Sometimes what you need is help working out which information actually matters.

3. Are you solving the right problem?

This is one of the biggest things I see. People come to me asking:

"Which IVF clinic should I choose?"

They may already have spent hours researching clinics, countries and success rates. But sometimes choosing a clinic isn't actually the decision they need to make yet. The question might be:

What is the right next step for me?

That may be IVF.

It may be further investigation. It may be getting clarity on conflicting advice. Or it may simply be understanding your options properly before making a decision. Once you know what you actually need, choosing a clinic becomes much easier. You're no longer searching for the "best" fertility clinic. You're looking for the right clinic for your situation.

When fertility research becomes overwhelming

Research can feel empowering at first but there comes a point where more information can make things harder rather than easier. You may have dozens of tabs open, several clinics you're considering and conflicting advice from specialists, forums and social media. Eventually, it becomes difficult to work out what is actually relevant to you.

Before you go further down the research rabbit hole, come back to three questions:

Have I had the right investigations for my circumstances?

Do I understand why IVF is being recommended?

Am I solving the right problem?

You don't need to know every answer yourself. But you should feel confident that your next step makes sense.

Feeling unsure about your next fertility step?

Many people contact me because they think they need help finding an IVF clinic.

Sometimes they do, but sometimes what they really need first is help making sense of what has happened so far, identifying the important unanswered questions and understanding what their realistic options are.

I work independently with people around the world who are making decisions about fertility treatment at home or abroad.

I help you make sense of your options, join the dots and work out what you need before choosing a clinic and because I don't take commission from fertility clinics, my advice is based on your needs, not on where I'm paid to send you.

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unsure whether IVF really is your next step, you can find more information about working with me at Your IVF Abroad.

Want to learn more about fertility treatment at home or abroad? 

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Or take my free quiz: yourivfabroad.co.uk/quiz

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