IVF (in vitro fertilisation)

Who it's for

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Unexplained infertility after 2 years of trying (or 12 cycles of insemination)
• Endometriosis, ovulation problems that haven't responded to medication
• Male fertility problems (with ICSI)
• Single women and same-sex couples, often with donor sperm
• Surrogacy, egg donation, embryo testing and fertility preservation

Key facts

• One cycle takes around 4–6 weeks from starting drugs to pregnancy test.
• The UK average is around 30% births per embryo transferred (2024) – 38% for ages 18–34, 8% for 43–44.
• 84% of UK IVF transfers in 2024 used a single embryo, keeping twin rates around 3%.
• A 'full cycle' should include the fresh transfer and transfers of any frozen embryos from the same egg collection.
• IVF accounted for about 1 in 31 UK births in 2024.

What happens

1. 1

   Tests and planning

   Blood tests, scans, semen analysis and screening for infections. You'll sign consent forms and should be offered counselling.

2. 2

   Stimulation (10–14 days)

   Daily hormone injections you do yourself at home to grow several follicles. Depending on your 'protocol', you may also take drugs to stop you ovulating early.

3. 3

   Monitoring

   Scans and sometimes blood tests every few days to check how follicles are growing and adjust doses.

4. 4

   Trigger injection

   A final injection matures the eggs. Egg collection is timed about 36 hours later.

5. 5

   Egg collection

   Under sedation, a needle guided by ultrasound collects eggs from the follicles. It takes around 20–30 minutes.

6. 6

   Fertilisation

   Eggs are mixed with sperm (IVF) or each egg is injected with a single sperm (ICSI). Embryos grow in the lab for 2–6 days.

7. 7

   Embryo transfer

   Usually one embryo is placed in your womb using a thin catheter – no anaesthetic needed. Good-quality extra embryos can be frozen.

8. 8

   Pregnancy test

   About two weeks after egg collection.

How long it takes: Allow 2–3 months from first consultation to egg collection. One cycle is 4–6 weeks of active treatment. Many clinics suggest a 1–2 month break before trying again.

Success rates

• HFEA 2024: average 30% births per embryo transferred (fresh and frozen, own eggs).
• By age (2024): 38% for 18–34, falling to 8% for 43–44.
• Per egg collection (including later frozen transfers), the national average in recent clinic data is about 47% under 38 and 22% at 38+.
• Each clinic's own rates are on its profile, compared with the national average.

Each clinic's published rates – compared with the UK average – are on its profile in the clinic finder.

Costs

HFEA puts the average at about £5,000 per cycle, but clinic base prices range from about £3,750 to £7,900 – and medication (often £300–£3,250), ICSI, freezing and storage are usually extra. All-in, many people pay £6,000–£10,000+ per cycle.

NHS funding

• NICE (March 2026) recommends 3 full NHS cycles under 40 – and up to 3 more if those don't work – and 1 full cycle at 40–41 if you've not had IVF before.
• In England your local Integrated Care Board decides what's actually funded; most fund only 1 cycle. Scotland funds up to 3 full cycles, Wales up to 2 and Northern Ireland 1.
• Only 28% of UK IVF cycles were NHS-funded in 2024 (25% in England, 54% in Scotland).

Risks and side effects

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) – an over-response to the drugs; usually mild but occasionally serious. Know the symptoms.
• Multiple pregnancy if more than one embryo is transferred – the biggest health risk to you and your babies.
• Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb).
• Side effects of drugs: bloating, mood changes, headaches. Mild discomfort after egg collection.
• The emotional toll – treatment may not work. Counselling should be offered.