You’ve had your fertility test results back and the results indicate that fertility treatment is looking like the way forward. Fertility treatment can trigger an unusual combination of emotions – from hope to apprehension and vulnerability. The last thing that anyone would want is to spend their hard-earned money and then face disappointment. Fertility depends on several factors such as health, age, and existing medical issues (whether known or unknown), and so it’s important to feel like you’ve found the best IVF clinic for you.
As we get older, age-related fertility decline can cause challenges when it comes to getting pregnant. IVF clinics with professional medical staff increase the odds of successful results. The provides customised treatment programs and modern technologies to fit the requirements of ageing patients to increase success rates with a healthy pregnancy.
A reputable and reliable IVF clinic will have open discussions and be transparent at every step of your treatment. If you want to start the IVF journey but are hesitant about where to start or how to look for the best IVF clinic in London for over 40 year olds, you are in the right place! Check out the guide below and start your journey.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best IVF Clinic
Choosing the best IVF clinic can be a daunting task; after all, you want your treatment with them to be a success. With some careful considerations, you’ll be able to find the right clinic for you; below are some factors that we suggest you consider when picking one:
Patient Types
It’s worth considering if the clinic specialises in treating older patients. There are many challenges that come with achieving conception after the age of 35 and so if your clinic specialises in this, they will have more targeted experience.
Success Rate
An important factor to bear in mind is the success rate. Although not the be-all-and-end-all, these figures can help you get an idea about the expertise of the doctors present in the clinic. So, remember to always look for facilities that have a good success rate (compared to other clinics who specialise in the same area) and also have a reputation for excellence in the fertility field.
Comprehensive Fertility Testing
Thorough fertility testing is crucial, especially for women who are over 40 or who have struggled to conceive for a long time. A clear diagnosis helps to identify the best route forward. The clinic will perform a thorough assessment of both partners and pinpoint the potential issues. A fertility clinic that places a priority on comprehensive fertility testing shows that it is committed to addressing the unique challenges posed by advanced maternal age.
Experience And Expertise
IVF is a complex procedure that requires detailed knowledge. It should be only administered under the care and supervision of a fertility doctor who has the necessary skills and certifications. Ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation – all these steps should be performed with utmost care. A minor error in timing can compromise the hard work and affect the chances of success. Your chosen fertility clinic should be happy to provide you with details about their team’s expertise.
Treatment Options Available
Despite appearances, IVF is not a standalone treatment but rather a series of smaller treatments and steps that are coordinated at every level. As every fertility case is different in nature, some people may need extra steps added into the IVF treatment procedure. For instance, in some cases, if sperm fails to fertilise the egg then Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be required.
As women age, they produce fewer eggs leading to reduced fertility, so doctors may use more individualised IVF therapy. Women after 40 should also enquire if the clinic has experience in dealing with women of similar ages. Certain IVF clinics specialise in IVF over 40 and may offer a greater chance of success with their unique experience.
Fully-Equipped Laboratory
If you are comparing IVF clinics, you may like to consider if it’s important to you to have the laboratory and lab team in-house. This allows the clinic to address all aspects of your care in one location without needing to rely on external facilities. The facility should have state-of-the-art equipment for embryo cultivation, storage, and more. If you ask the team, they will be able to talk you through the technology they use to carry out their services, from intrauterine insemination to advanced procedures such as PGD/PGS.
The Location Of The Clinic
When undergoing IVF treatment you’ll be back and forth to the clinic many times during the stimulation and monitoring procedures, so you need to think about the time and effort it will take to get there. Location can play a major role in your decision making process. You should see if travelling to the clinic is convenient for you. In addition to this, consider visiting the clinic to get a feel for it in person. Make sure that the clinic environment makes you feel safe, relaxed and comfortable.
Patient Reviews
Real-life reviews from other patients can give you an idea about their experience of the treatments, staff, and more. Look at online reviews and testimonials before making any decisions. While personal experiences can vary, positive and negative feedback can reveal the strengths and weaknesses of a clinic.
Transparency And Cost
There’s no doubt that IVF costs are high, but the clinic should give you a total estimate before signing up for the treatment. The cost should be transparent to make sure that there is no concern about what needs to be spent in the future. Thus, ensure that there is no ambiguity in the cost and that the clinic is very clear on its pricing structure. However, you should also keep in mind that some cost changes may occur as the treatment continues. If this is the case, your clinic should be open and upfront about this.
Conclusion
Dealing with fertility treatment can take its toll on a couple; it can be emotionally and physically draining. However, with the help of fertility clinics, women over 40 can achieve their dream of becoming parents. The majority of fertility issues can be overcome, but to ensure that, you must do your research and pick a reputable and experienced IVF clinic. They will ensure that no stone is left unturned.
