Patient Stories | Embryo Genetic Testing | IVF | Fertility for the Over 40s | Patient Stories

24 April 2026

How PGT-A helped one patient create her family

Michelle was 39 when she walked into a London Women's Clinic open day, already certain of one thing: she didn't want to waste time. What followed was two IVF cycles, a devastating first round where no embryos were chromosomally normal, a mosaic result, and an embryo that came back from retesting as something extraordinary — euploid, chromosomally normal, and ready to become her daughter.

When she first attended an open day at London Women’s Clinic, Michelle had already been trying to conceive for a year. At 39, she felt time mattered.

“I didn’t want to delay things,” she says. “I knew my age would be a factor and I wanted to understand my options.” The educational session at the open day proved pivotal. Hearing clinicians talk openly about age and fertility success rates helped her realise she was ready to move forward with IVF.

“It was eye-opening. It made me think, if we’re serious about having a baby, we need to act now.”

She began treatment under Mr Summers, who was recommended by a friend who had previously undergone fertility treatment. And because she was approaching 40 — and her partner was ten years older — they also discussed pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT-A).

“For us it was about giving ourselves the best possible chance,” she explains. “I didn’t want to go through IVF and it not work if there was something we could do to improve the odds.”

PGT-A is a genetic test that checks embryos for the correct number of chromosomes before transfer. For Michelle, the decision was also influenced by concerns about age-related genetic conditions and the desire to avoid repeated unsuccessful transfers.

“If testing meant we had a better chance of success, then it felt worth doing,” she says.

But IVF rarely follows a straight path. Her first cycle produced six embryos that reached day five. All were tested. And none were chromosomally normal.

“It was devastating,” she says. “You go through everything — the hormones, the procedures, the emotional toll — and to find none were usable was incredibly hard.”

But science offered another chance

In her second IVF cycle, the results were also uncertain. One embryo was mosaic, and another returned no result from the genetic test. After discussions with the embryology team, she was offered the option to retest the embryo with no result. That conversation — and the support she received — made a huge difference.

“Balsam, the embryologist, was incredible. After egg collection you start speaking directly to the embryology team and she became a real constant for me throughout the process.”

They decided to test the embryo again. The second test revealed something extraordinary. The embryo was euploid — chromosomally normal.

“It felt like we had nothing to lose by trying,” she says. “It was either that, or going through another full IVF cycle.” The embryo was transferred the following month in the January, and a few months later Michelle received the news she’d been hoping for. By Easter she was celebrating her 12 week scan. That September Michelle and her partner welcomed a healthy baby girl, born at 39 weeks. Looking back she often thinks about the moment the embryology team suggested retesting that embryo, “If we hadn’t tested again, she wouldn’t be here.”

Michelle remembers the people who supported her through the process during such an overwhelming time. The relationship you build with the embryology team is so important. Balsam was there when I was at my lowest and helped me to look at things pragmatically.

Michelle returned to LWC when her daughter was two, hoping to have a sibling. This time she was under the care of Mr Rimington, again recommended by a friend. Another round of IVF and PGT-A testing, she had two chromosomally normal embryos. The first transfer worked, and she welcomed her son in November 2023 at the age of 43.

“PGT-A gave us the reassurance that we were giving ourselves the best possible chance.” She says. “I didn’t want to waste time or put myself through repeated cycles if there was science that could help guide us.”

Today she has two young children, and one embryo still frozen.

“My partner keeps asking about it” she laughs, “but I’m not sure I’m just ready yet!”

All of our blog posts are written, edited, or produced by the London Women's Clinic Content Team. This is a collaboration between our expert writers, health editors, and the leading researchers and senior doctors at our Harley Street clinic.

‘I honestly cannot fault Kind IVF. From start to finish, I have been so incredibly impressed with the care, compassion and professionalism shown by the entire team. Going through IVF can be such an emotional and overwhelming journey, but they have made the whole experience feel so much more reassuring and positive. Every step of the way, I have felt cared for, listened to and supported. The team have been amazing at answering questions, putting my mind at ease and making sure I felt comfortable throughout the process. You can really tell how much they care about their patients, and that makes such a huge difference during a journey that can be so personal and emotional. I am so grateful to everyone at Kind IVF for everything they have done for us. Choosing them has been one of the best decisions we have made, and I genuinely couldn’t recommend them enough to anyone considering IVF. The standard of care has been outstanding, and I cannot thank them enough for helping us on this journey. ❤️ Thank you, Kind IVF, for being so amazing!’

Georgia Burt

22 October 2026, LWC Tunbridge Wells

‘I highly recommend the London Women's Clinic Brentwood. The staff were very supportive, patient, and always available to answer questions. They guided me through an emotional process with clear explanations and genuine care. The staff were always available and happy to help.’

S Begum

21 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘Choosing an IVF clinic is such a big decision and I'm so incredibly glad that we chose this one. IVF can be such an emotional and overwhelming journey but having a clinic that offers so much support and genuinely cares for you makes such a difference. The care and kindness that we have received has been exceptional. We can't thank LWC Brentwood enough ❤️’

Laura Keary

21 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘I honestly can’t thank London Women’s Clinic enough for helping me achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a mum. It wasn’t an easy journey, but the team were absolutely fantastic and supported me every step of the way. Their kindness, care and reassurance made such a difference during what was a really emotional and challenging time. I always felt supported and in safe hands. A special thank you to Carla, Ana-Maria and Dr Goswami. You have all been absolutely fantastic and I am so grateful for everything you have done for me. I’ll never forget the support and care you have shown me during such an important and emotional journey. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping me achieve something I have wanted for as long as I can remember. It means more to me than words can say. I would recommend London Women’s Clinic to anyone going through their own fertility journey.’

Sarah

21 October 2026, LWC Harrow

‘We started our treatment in July, and I have had a very positive experience with this clinic. Lorraine on reception especially made me feel like nothing was too much trouble and always knew me by name which is such a nice personal touch, especially at such a sensitive time. Along with Dr Safwat Ashour he always recommended the best treatment for us and just had such a kind caring attitude towards us while explaining our options and being very honest with us too. One of the nurses (so sorry I can’t remember your name) she only recently started in July and I felt so at home with her and cared for. To finish off we are currently pregnant with our IVF miracle all thanks you this clinic. Thank you all so much, no thanks would ever be enough for the gift you have given us!’

Sophie Jay

21 October 2026, LWC Darlington

‘Very professional and very welcoming, and very clean I was given time to feel relaxed and I didn't feel like I had to rush this made me feel very comfortable.’

Ryan Harmer

21 October 2026, LWC Brighton

‘My wife and I have had a brilliant experience with LWC throughout our fertility journey. We always felt listened to, supported, and in control of the decisions we were making. Our PCC Suzanna, Dr Verstraete, and the nursing team were consistently friendly, responsive, and knowledgeable, which made navigating the shared motherhood process feel so much easier. We’re incredibly grateful for the care and support we received.’

Megan Nelkon

20 October 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘I’ve had a great experience with the clinic so far. From the very beginning, I’ve felt incredibly well cared for and supported throughout my egg freezing journey. Daenira on reception is always so lovely, welcoming and helpful, and Liv, my nurse, has been fantastic! She’s made me feel comfortable, reassured and well looked after at every step. Dr Wade has also been absolutely brilliant and I have complete confidence in the care and guidance I’ve received. I would highly recommend this clinic to anybody considering egg freezing.’

Saffy

20 October 2026, LWC Oxford

‘The most amazing experience with the clinic from start to end Nothing is to much for them They will answer every Question Worry or concern no matter how big or small, My experience and care they have shown in one of the hardest times and most worrying experiences they were there every single step of the way, I honestly couldn’t thank every member I’ve dealt with anymore and would recommend this clinic to anyone thinking about it , hardest decision but best decision every made and all the staff here made this possible for me you are all amazing caring people And I thank you from the bottom of my heart 🙏🏼🩷’

Stephanie

18 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘I truly feel blessed and thankful to God that we are in such a wonderful place and in such caring hands during one of the most precious journeys of our lives. The clinic has been outstanding throughout my treatment, making the entire journey feel as smooth as possible. The whole team at the Brentwood clinic is absolutely amazing, everyone is so warm, welcoming and supportive. The treatment has been incredible so far, and we are extremely satisfied with the care, support, and overall service we have received throughout our journey. Fingers crossed, I truly believe that the best news is just around the corner! ❤️🤞 I would wholeheartedly recommend Brentwood clinic for the care and support they provide in parenthood journey.’

Harika

14 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘London Women’s Clinic, Reading were fantastic and Nurse Nicky was such a supportive and reassuring professional. Thank you for journeying with me Nicky!’

Sope Adekola

14 October 2026, LWC Reading

‘Where to start… Fertility treatment is the last thing any of us expect to need. But if you find yourself on this journey, Brentwood London Women’s Clinic is where you want to be. Carina’s warm welcome sets the tone the moment you arrive, and every single nurse is wonderful, kind, calm, and reassuring. It’s a complicated and sometimes difficult road, but they walk it beside you. We’ve experienced both joy and heartache here, and through every moment we’ve felt cared for and supported. They truly get to know you, and the care feels personal and bespoke. Today we have our precious 3-year-old, and we will forever be thankful to this amazing team. They are everything you could hope for kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely there for you. We couldn’t recommend them more.’

Sarah Tidey

13 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘We honestly can’t thank London Women’s Clinic in Brentwood enough for everything they have done and continue to do for us. They helped us create our now 3 year old, and we are incredibly grateful to be back with them on our journey to hopefully have another little one. Angela and Katie are truly incredible nurses. They go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable, listened to and supported every step of the way. They take the time to explain the process, answer any questions and put your mind at ease, making what can sometimes be an overwhelming and emotional journey feel that little bit easier. It means so much to be cared for by people who genuinely seem to care about you and your family, rather than just seeing you as another patient. Their kindness, compassion and reassurance make such a difference, and we feel very lucky to have them supporting us again. We will always be grateful to London Women’s Clinic for helping us bring our little girl into the world, and we have every hope that they will help us grow our family once more. We couldn’t recommend the team highly enough. Thank you, Angela, Katie and everyone at the Brentwood clinic, for being such a special part of our journey. ❤️ Also a special mention for the smiley face in the reception. Carina, you are great!!’

bethan philp

13 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘Came here after my treatment at LWC Darlington as I needed to be part of the failed implantation team. The care and communication was second to none. It was everything and more, no question to my coordinator was never too much. They were extremely accommodating when I had to travel from up north multiple times and were always happy to let me have my then 2 year old son come to monitoring appointments. I’m grateful for their expertise in failed implantation as my 3rd egg collection was successful and my fresh transfer worked first time & I’ve just gave birth to my second LWC baby in September 2026. Would always recommend LWC - especially London Bridge / Harley Street.’

Jeni J

13 October 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘Great experience. Very kind and supportive.’

Jesylin Luka

12 October 2026, LWC Reading

‘My experience with London Women's Clinic Brighton has been wonderful so far. The staff are kind and patient, as well as exceptionally knowledgeable. I have had all my questions answered (and have been encouraged to ask more whenever!), and I feel assured that I'm receiving transparent, evidence-based advice.’

Jess Smith

12 October 2026, LWC Brighton

‘Excellent service, highly recommend!’

Lenka Kalafutova

10 October 2026, LWC Tunbridge Wells

‘Lovely people. Truly!’

Eve Reiser

8 October 2026, LWC Reading

‘My experience was positive throughout. The team at the clinic was friendly at every visit. Suzanna was always very responsive and kind and happy to answer any questions. Dr Verstraete was always empathetic and knowledgeable! Most importantly: the outcome is a healthy baby :)’

Mir

8 October 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘Thank you so much Dr Naware, Linda and Emmanuella’

Moyo T

7 October 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘Going through the IVF journey is always going to be difficult, but the team at London Women's Clinic in Harrow have made it the best experience possible. We've had constant support, check ins, and they have really got to know us and understand our concerns and issues. No question has ever felt like a silly one, and they've been incredibly accommodating when we've needed it too. The whole team have been amazing, but in particular Carla, Ana-Marie and Dr Goswami. We actually relocated away from Harrow 12 months ago, but have continued to go back to the team there as we've built such a great relationship with them, and their support through such a difficult journey has meant the world to us. I can't recommend them highly enough. And probably the important bit for anyone considering going to them - we're expecting our first baby in February!’

Emma Dunning

6 October 2026, LWC Harrow

‘I’d like to say a massive thankyou to everyone at the Cambridge London clinic there all loverly, with out you guys we wouldn’t be were we are today with our little journey of having a baby 😊 not only did they help us with our pregnancy but the amount of support they have given us has been incredible. We had to have a frozen ivf and as you can imagine we were so nervous but we have been lucky enough for ours to work first time and now my partner is 7+weeks 😊 the whole way through this process has been nothing but support and kindness all members of the team that we had dealings with our amazing and it’s actually kind of sad to be leaving but we would love to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for everything’s that you guys have done for us. If your looking at going through ivf process London clinic Cambridge is the best place for this. Again thankyou so much guys we will miss you all ❤️ (April + Ricky )’

Ricky Watson

5 October 2026, LWC Cambridge

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April Dearman

5 October 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘After a lot of research at the start of what felt like quite a daunting journey, we chose the London Women's Clinic Bristol and it is one of the best decisions we have ever made. From the very first appointment, we felt genuinely looked after. The team knew our names, remembered our story, and made us feel like so much more than just patients. That warmth and care never wavered - through the uncertainty, the hope, the waiting, and ultimately the joy - and we have now been through this journey with them twice. A truly heartfelt thank you to Ana, who has been the most wonderful expert and support to have by our side through all of this. Her knowledge and her kindness have meant more than we can say. And to Ellie and Kat at reception - always there, always warm, always ready for our questions - nothing would have been the same without you both. We are now a family of four, and we carry so much gratitude for everyone at LWC Bristol & Cardiff who played a part in making that possible. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.’

Coralie Estrade

4 October 2026, LWC Bristol

‘I am incredibly grateful for the care I received. The nursing staff and my coordinator were exceptionally supportive during the two weeks of hormone injections and tracking scans. They took the time to answer all my questions, which made a highly clinical and invasive process feel much more personal and manageable. The medical team during the egg collection procedure was also professional, reassuring, and kind. Big thanks to all of who were part of my journey.’

Chitra Banveer

3 October 2026, LWC 112 Harley Street