5 Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Fertility Clinic — and How to Avoid Them
- Your IVF abroad
- May 6
- 4 min read
Finding the right fertility clinic can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re just starting out, have faced repeated setbacks, or are considering treatment abroad, choosing a clinic that aligns with your values, health needs, and emotional wellbeing is one of the most important steps on your fertility journey.
But too often, we are left navigating this decision with little guidance, limited information, and a whole lot of pressure.
Here are the five most common mistakes people make when choosing a fertility clinic — and how to avoid them.
❌ 1. Choosing the Clinic Closest to Home
It’s totally natural to start your search by looking for clinics nearby. But the truth is, the most convenient clinic isn’t always the most suitable one.
Fertility care varies hugely between providers — in approach, expertise, support, and even outcomes. Limiting your options to what’s local could mean missing out on a clinic that better understands your unique situation or offers a more holistic, supportive experience.
💡 Instead, begin by identifying what YOU need — then find a clinic that meets those needs, regardless of postcode.
❓ 2. Not Asking the Right Questions
You might feel like the clinic should be leading the conversation. But in reality, the right questions can reveal everything — about the clinic’s ethos, their success rates, how they treat patients, and whether they’re truly listening to you.
A few powerful questions to ask:
What is your experience with cases like mine?
How are your success rates calculated?
What emotional support is available?
Can I speak to previous patients?
Don’t be afraid to go deep. You deserve transparency.
💷 3. Underestimating the True Cost of Treatment
Fertility treatment pricing can be incredibly opaque. Many clinics advertise one figure, but once you're in the process, hidden costs can quickly pile up — for medications, blood tests, scans, consultations, donor sperm/eggs, and more.
This can lead to unexpected financial strain or having to pause treatment midway.
✨ Avoid this by asking for a full breakdown of likely costs upfront — and don’t be afraid to compare clinics or ask for clarity.
🌐 4. Relying Too Heavily on Google Reviews or Forums
While it’s tempting to fall down the rabbit hole of forums or online reviews, it’s important to remember that experiences are subjective, and many people only post when they’ve had either a very positive or very negative outcome.
You’re not seeing the full picture.
Instead of relying solely on anecdotal stories, focus on your needs, values, and how a clinic aligns with them. If possible, seek out professional, unbiased support to help you evaluate your options.
💛 5. Overlooking the Importance of Patient Support
This one is easy to underestimate — until you're in it.
Fertility treatment is not just medical. It's emotional. It's physical. It’s vulnerable. And the way a clinic supports you as a person (not just a patient) makes all the difference.
Ask:
Is there access to a fertility counsellor?
Can I get help navigating logistics, travel, or medications?
What happens if I don’t respond well to treatment — will I still be supported?
🧠 The right clinic should offer more than just protocols. They should offer compassion, clarity, and connection.
✨ You Deserve a Clinic That Sees the Whole You
You are not just a set of numbers. You are not a protocol. You are a person — navigating an incredibly personal journey — and you deserve to be treated with care, dignity, and understanding every step of the way.
Choosing the right clinic isn’t about finding the “best” on paper — it’s about finding the one that’s best for YOU.
If you’re considering treatment abroad or you're feeling overwhelmed by the options, take a step back, ask the right questions, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. You’ve got more power than you think.
Free Resources & Step-By-Step Guides
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