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Fertility treatment guide

Our guide to fertility treatment and IVF: your options, each step of the journey, how long it takes, and common questions.

Published: Last reviewed:
A cell under the microscope in blue light
A cell under the microscope in blue light

What counts as trouble conceiving?

It's when there is no pregnancy after a year of trying regularly, or after six months if the woman is over 35.

The cause can lie with the woman, the man or both, and sometimes tests don't show a clear cause. That's why diagnosis always starts with both partners together.

Most couples don't need IVF straight away. We choose the simplest treatment that suits the cause.

When should you see a doctor?

  • After a year of trying: if the woman is under 35.
  • After six months: if the woman is 35 or older.
  • Straight away: if there is a known problem, such as irregular periods, or if previous attempts haven't worked.

How diagnosis works

It starts with a consultation for you both, which takes about 45 minutes. After that:

  • For her: hormone tests and an ultrasound to check ovulation and the uterus.
  • For him: a semen analysis.
  • Your results: we explain the cause and your options, and you decide.

Treatment options

Listed here from simplest to most advanced. Your doctor will recommend what suits you after diagnosis.

Simpler treatments

  • Ovulation induction: medication that helps an egg grow and release on time, monitored by ultrasound.
  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI): sperm is prepared in the lab and placed in the uterus when you ovulate. A quick procedure in the clinic.

Assisted reproduction

  • IVF: eggs are collected and fertilised in our embryology lab, then the best embryo is placed back in the uterus.
  • ICSI: a form of IVF where a single sperm is injected into each egg under a microscope.

Other services

  • Freezing: storing eggs, sperm or embryos for future use.
  • Genetic testing of embryos (PGD / PGS): testing embryos for genetic conditions before they are transferred to the uterus.
  • Plasma therapy (PRP): made from your own blood. More about PRP
  • Male Infertility: advanced testing, then medical or surgical treatment depending on the cause. Male Infertility department

The IVF journey

4–6 weeks for a full cycle5–7 visits in total

  1. Ovarian stimulation: medication to grow several eggs, with an ultrasound scan every few days.
  2. Egg collection: done under anaesthesia and takes 15 to 20 minutes. You go home the same day. Your husband needs to come in on this day too.
  3. Fertilisation in the lab: by IVF or ICSI. Our embryologist monitors how the embryos develop.
  4. Embryo transfer: 3 to 5 days after egg collection. No anaesthesia needed.
  5. Once you're pregnant: an obstetrics and gynecology consultant here at the hospital looks after your pregnancy.

Success rates depend on age and on the cause of the fertility problem. Your doctor will explain what to expect once your test results are back.

Frequently asked questions

Does my husband need to come?

Yes, to the first consultation and on the day of egg collection. Testing the man is a key part of the diagnosis.

Is treatment painful?

Most steps are straightforward. Egg collection is done under anaesthesia, and embryo transfer doesn't need any.

Is our information kept private?

Yes. Only the team treating you can see your information and results.

What if it doesn't work?

We go through every stage with you honestly and explain what could be changed before you try again.

Does insurance cover treatment?

It depends on your insurer. Call us with your insurance details and we'll check before your visit.

Related topics

Sources

This guide draws on our website, including our Fertility & IVF department.

This guide is for general information only. It is not a substitute for seeing a doctor.
Last updated: September 2026

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