Fertility Treatments
IVF is a safe and effective treatment that has helped millions of people worldwide build their families since the first baby was born in 1978, through the pioneering science of one of our founders, Sir Robert Edwards. Discover how we can help you move forward.
IVF, or in vitro fertilisation, is a fertility treatment where eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the womb, with the aim of achieving pregnancy.
IVF was originally developed to help women with damaged fallopian tubes, but it is now used to support a wide range of fertility challenges.
You may be recommended IVF if:
From starting IVF to completion usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks, with a series of key steps guiding you through each stage of the journey.
Hormone medication injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Ultrasound scans track your follicle growth. When the time comes to collect the eggs, you administer a shot to trigger final maturation and allow your ovaries to release the mature eggs. These are then collected under light sedation in the clinic.
Eggs are fertilised with sperm in the laboratory by the embryologists. In some male infertility cases, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is used to increase success.
Embryos grow in the lab for 5–6 days until reaching the blastocyst stage. At London Women’s Clinic we use time-lapse imaging and AI-assisted embryo selection.
Once embryos have developed in the laboratory, one is selected for transfer into the uterus, typically on day 3 or day 5 of development. In some cases, all embryos are frozen first for transfer at a later date (Frozen Embryo Transfer), and any remaining suitable embryos may also be frozen for future use.
Around 12–14 days later, a pregnancy test confirms whether IVF has been successful. This is known as the two week wait.
Once your embryos have developed in the laboratory, you and your doctor will decide the best way to transfer them into the womb. There are two main options: fresh transfer or frozen embryo transfer (FET).
This happens in the same cycle as your egg collection. After fertilisation, one embryo is transferred into the womb around 5–6 days later, while it is still developing in the lab.
FET involves transferring a previously frozen embryo into the uterus, usually in a subsequent cycle after egg collection. It may be recommended when a fresh transfer isn't suitable. Thanks to advances in freezing technology, frozen transfers now achieve success rates comparable to fresh transfers, and are in fact the more common approach at most clinics today.
Thanks to advances in freezing, frozen transfers are now as successful as fresh transfers, offering flexibility and peace of mind.
Our IVF Success in Numbers
Behind every number is a family. Our IVF success rates reflect decades of expertise, innovation and compassionate care.
Between 2022–2024, outcomes for patients under 38 were particularly strong, with 57% welcoming a baby after three embryo transfers from a single egg collection.
During this period, our patients’ average age was 36, and most underwent one egg collection and one embryo transfer on average.
To explore our success rates in more detail, visit our Success Rates page.
Many patients ask whether to try IUI or IVF. IUI (intrauterine insemination) is less invasive and lower-cost, but success rates per cycle are typically lower than IVF. A course of several IUI cycles is usually recommended and your specialist will guide you on what to expect at each stage. IVF may be recommended sooner if there are underlying fertility issues or if time is an important factor.
| Feature | IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) | IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure type | Sperm is placed directly into the womb around ovulation. | Eggs are collected, fertilised in a lab, and embryos are transferred into the womb. |
| Treatment approach | Minimally intervention-based; no surgical procedure required. | More involved; includes hormone stimulation, egg collection, and embryo transfer. |
| Cost | Lower cost per cycle. | Higher cost per cycle due to lab work and medications. |
| Success rates | Generally lower than IVF, especially for women over 35 or with underlying fertility issues. | Higher success rates, particularly for women with certain fertility challenges or after failed IUI. |
| Best for | Couples with mild fertility issues or unexplained infertility. | Couples with more complex fertility problems, failed IUI, low ovarian reserve, or older age. |
| Time to pregnancy | May require multiple cycles. | Typically faster results per cycle due to higher success rates per attempt. |
The cost of IVF can vary depending on whether donor eggs or sperm are used, how many cycles are required, and your personal treatment plan. Understanding the costs and what’s included can help you plan your IVF treatment journey.
For a detailed breakdown of IVF costs, including multi-cycle, Reciprocal IVF or donor egg treatments, please contact our team. They will also explain what’s not included so you feel confident and clear about every aspect of your treatment plan.
Costs start from
Included in the fee:
In addition to your main procedure fee, there are some additional costs you will need to be aware of when planning your treatment. Additonal costs may include:
Exact costs will be discussed after your consultation and once a treatment plan has been confirmed for you. For Single Cycle IVF the average total treatment cost is £9,140 - £10,640
Included in the fee:
In addition to your main procedure fee, there are some additional costs you will need to be aware of when planning your treatment. Additonal costs may include:
Exact costs will be discussed after your consultation and once a treatment plan has been confirmed for you. For IVF with Known Egg Donor the average total treatment cost is £10,695 - £12,095
Included in the fee:
In addition to your main procedure fee, there are some additional costs you will need to be aware of when planning your treatment. Additonal costs may include:
The Multi-Cycle package is complete after a 20 week pregnancy has been achieved or all three egg collections and subsequent embryo transfers have been completed. All treatments must be completed within 12 months of the first baseline scan. Please note that all embryos must be transferred before moving on to the next egg collection
If you undergo all three egg collection cycles is £15,195 - £16,695. If you undergo only one or two egg collections, your average treatment cost will be less as you will not require three rounds of stimulatory medication.
‘Everyone my partner and I have interacted with at the Oxford clinic has been warm, friendly and knowledgeable. They’ve really helped make a very daunting process easier to go through and I’m very glad we chose this clinic!’
Jess Palmer
5 November 2026, LWC Oxford
‘Very friendly staff and a lovely inclusive environment, had a wonderful experience here. Highly recommend for anyone looking at fertility preservation.’
T Ilagan
5 November 2026, LWC Oxford
‘As an LGBTQ couple we found LWC Colchester incredibly supportive, no question was too much. They were friendly and welcoming, with modern facilities, and made your journey feel very personalised. We would highly recommend them for your fertility journey.’
Jasmine Colman
5 November 2026, LWC Colchester
‘A massive thank you to Dom and Dr Vasquez for all of their help throughout the process!’
James Purcell
5 November 2026, LWC Tunbridge Wells
‘Me and my husband can’t thank everyone at London Women’s Clinic enough for all the care and support throughout our recent treatment. Everything went really well, and we are so grateful to all the doctors and the entire team for looking after me. A special thank you to Mimi, Dr Barbara, Caroline, Trina and Elena from Embryology team and the Theatre Team - Rose, Martin and Amy F. Everyone was so kind, helpful and reassuring, and it really made a difference. Thank you all for everything. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️’
IsadelandCyril
4 November 2026, LWC Harley Street
‘I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the entire team who supported us throughout our IVF treatment. ❤️<br><br>A special thank you to Ana-Maria,our nurse, for her kindness, patience, compassion and professionalism. She was always so caring, understanding and supportive, making us feel reassured and comfortable during such an emotional and challenging journey.<br><br>We would also like to thank Dr Gill from the bottom of our hearts for his professionalism, dedication, expertise and the confidence he gave us throughout the entire process.<br><br>IVF is not just a medical treatment; it is an emotional journey filled with hope, challenges and many feelings. Having such wonderful people by our side made everything so much easier.<br><br>Thank you for your care, support and dedication. We truly appreciate everything you have done for us and would wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone beginning their IVF journey.<br><br>Thank you for being part of our journey! ❤️’
Alexandru Predescu
3 November 2026, LWC Harrow
‘I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the entire team who supported us throughout our IVF treatment. ❤️<br><br>A special thank you to Ana-Maria,our nurse, for her kindness, patience, compassion and professionalism. She was always so caring, understanding and supportive, making us feel reassured and comfortable during such an emotional and challenging journey.<br><br>We would also like to thank Dr Gill from the bottom of our hearts for his professionalism, dedication, expertise and the confidence he gave us throughout the entire process.<br><br>IVF is not just a medical treatment; it is an emotional journey filled with hope, challenges and many feelings. Having such wonderful people by our side made everything so much easier.<br><br>Thank you for your care, support and dedication. We truly appreciate everything you have done for us and would wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone beginning their IVF journey.<br><br>Thank you for being part of our journey! ❤️’
Mihaela-Clemansa Predescu
3 November 2026, LWC Harrow
‘Simply Brilliant .’
Ramachandran Jeyamohan
3 November 2026, LWC Colchester
‘I feel so blessed and grateful to have been under the lovely nurse Katie and Dr Kovats’s care. Everyone I encountered in the clinic on or off line was friendly, reassuring, thoughtful, and patient with me.<br><br>I could feel the genuine care from Katie and Dr Kovats. I feel very reassured knowing they'd be there with me every step of the way; it is a great relief to have medical professionals like them on my side. They listened attentively, were reassuring, explained what I need to know thoroughly and were very approachable.<br><br>Thank you to Carina, the friendly clinic coordinator, for always answering my emails promptly and being so helpful with all the questions I threw at her.<br><br>Also, to the lovely staff member with blonde hair (I’m so sorry I forgot your name!) who did the ultrasound scan, thank you for being so attentive and making me feel relaxed.<br><br>The clinic has a calm, relaxing vibe and is very clean.<br><br>I have had a wonderful experience with the clinic and would highly recommend the team to anyone on their fertility journey!’
T Yang
3 November 2026, LWC Brentwood
‘We have used London Women's Clinic twice in the last two years for successful egg retrieval and two subsequent frozen embryo transfers. We have always been met with care, compassion and a personal approach. Every step from the initial consultation right through to the 7 week scan has been professional and polite, always accommodating our needs and timings. We can't thank the team enough for giving us such support towards creating our family.’
Lucy Richards
2 November 2026, LWC Tunbridge Wells
‘Myself and my husband owe it all to london womens clinic, they were amazing from start to finish. We previously were under another clinic and decided to make the change due to many reasons and we are so glad we did. They treat everyone as individuals, not everyones fertility journeys are the same. The small team at Colchester make it so personable not to mention how amazing all 4 women are that work here, their knowledge empathy and listening skills simply cannot be found at any other clinic. The list goes on as to why I would recommend LWC but everyone likes a to the point review. They genuinely care they dont treat you like a number and they help you through every hurdle that occurs. Our little boy wouldn't be possible without these 4, each of them play a bigger part than they realise. 💙’
Ellen Turrell
2 November 2026, LWC Colchester
‘Wonderful punch of people, caring, competent, and efficient in all they do. It feels we are all in a mission together and they are invested in the success of our pregnancy. Thank k you 🙏’
Yasmine Mora
30 October 2026, LWC London Bridge
‘I couldn’t speak more highly of the London Women’s Clinic Oxford! From the moment you walk in you are greeted with such a warm welcome. The reception area is bright and welcoming and the receptionist is lovely. All of the staff are so friendly, helpful and polite.<br><br>Going through this journey can be emotional, so having such a wonderful supportive, caring clinic to visit makes all the difference. Everyone goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and looked after.<br><br>I feel so lucky to have such a lovely team supporting me along the way. Thank you all! 🍀💗’
Louise
30 October 2026, LWC Oxford
‘Incredible service and professionals. They made me feel comfortable and safe the entire journey. Thank you!’
Luciana Lombardi
30 October 2026, LWC Cambridge
‘I had an absolutely amazing experience at LWC from start to finish! There are literally no wait times so we were able to get started pretty much straight away after consultation. The process was seamless, with a lot of flexibility if you need to change appt time. Nurses are amazing and so supportive. Special shout out to Kate and Chris who were so kind and made the whole experience so much better. Also the nurses on the ward were absolutely amazing but I can’t remember their names. I’m now discharged as I’m pregnant from my first try! However I will look forward to returning in the future for my second embryo which is currently frozen 😊’
Kathryn Jessica
27 October 2026, LWC Bromley
‘We we under the care of Canterbury LWC for all scans and blood tests and Bromley for egg collection and transfers. The team and Canterbury were particularly amazing, so supportive and reassuring throughout. No question was ever too much, they treated you as individuals and were caring and compassionate throughout the process. The receptionist were lovely, knew you from the offset by name, remembered you which makes a difficult process so much easier when you are treated as an individual.<br>We were NHS funded and I never felt we were treated any different to private patients.<br>The nursing staff at Bromley were also brilliant, I always felt so looked after through some really tough and emotional procedures. We were under the care of Dr Uppal who was excellent, explained everything clearly, gave us options and listened to our concerns.<br>Would highly recommend. Currently 26 weeks pregnant ☺️’
Rose S
25 October 2026, LWC Canterbury
‘We are incredibly grateful to London Women’s Clinic, Harrow, for helping make our dream of becoming parents come true. We are now blessed with a beautiful baby!<br><br>A special thank you to Dr Gill for the care, guidance and support throughout our IVF journey, and to Carla and Maria for making the entire process smooth and reassuring.<br><br>We had a wonderful experience and will always be thankful to the whole team. Highly recommend! ❤️’
P S
23 October 2026, LWC Harrow
‘LWC are fantastically supportive at every stage of your journey. They try to be as flexible as possible with appointments, giving good advice about supporting yourself (and partners) as you prepare for different procedures. It is a tough journey but Louise, Rute, Dr Arthi, Trianni, Dr Bishista and Ashley are incredibly supportive. Highly recommend them to anyone considering or needing fertility support.’
S W
23 October 2026, LWC Cambridge
‘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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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. ❤️<br><br>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
IVF may be recommended depending on your personal circumstances, such as your age and medical history. It’s often considered after a period of trying to conceive naturally, following unsuccessful IUI cycles, or when there are known fertility challenges such as endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes or reduced sperm quality.
Yes, but eligibility depends on local NHS IVF criteria such as age, BMI and number of previous children. Many patients also choose private IVF to avoid waiting lists.
Same-sex couples can undergo IVF using donor sperm. Some also choose “shared motherhood” (one partner provides the eggs, the other carries the pregnancy).
Donor egg IVF is an effective option for women with low ovarian reserve, age-related fertility decline or genetic conditions. Donor eggs are fertilised with sperm and embryos are transferred into the womb.
Choosing the right fertility clinic to have IVF is a big decision. Here’s why so many families trust us.
Every journey starts with a Fertility Health Assessment. This includes ultrasound scans, AMH testing and a consultation with one of our fertility specialists.
Contact us
Stay informed about the latest seminars, webinars and workshops on fertility and IVF.
Explore expert insights, personal stories and the latest research to guide you through every step of your IVF journey.
PGT-A is an optional test that may help some people having IVF understand more about the chromosomal status of their embryos before deciding which to transfer. It can be useful in certain circumstances, and has been shown to reduce the risk of miscarriage, but it isn’t suitable or necessary for everyone.
There isn't one route to building a family as a trans or non-binary person and you don't need to have it all figured out before you start. From egg, sperm and embryo freezing to IVF, donor options and surrogacy, here's a clear guide to what may be possible for you, before or after gender-affirming care.
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