If you are just starting out on your IVF journey, then you will certainly have many questions and concerns regarding the right clinic. Here’s our handy guide to help you decide what to ask.
- Is the clinic well established? ✔️ Many patients are apprehensive about using a new clinic, check how long it has been operating for. You might also want to find out the number of years experience each doctor has.
- Does the clinic have the appropriate registration/ accreditation? ✔️If you are considering a clinic outside of the EU, it will most likely be regulated in a different manner than those say in Spain or even have different standards compared to the UK.
- Is there a traceability system in place? ✔️ This closely monitored system normally involves barcodes and QR codes . Some clinics use the witness system, which involves double checking everything in the lab. It is known as the witness system, as the checks are carried out by 2 embryologists.
- Do they have an in-house lab with the latest technology? ✔️ If you are having genetic testing, then you might want to check where the biopsies will be sent. A number of clinic use outside labs. This means that the time it takes to get your results may vary.
- What are the success rates (clinical pregnancy and live birth) ? ✔️ This is highly important, you want to know that the clinic is performing well. If they are unable to provide success rates, you may want to reconsider your choice.
- Are there recent positive reviews? ✔️As with anything, reviews are key, but also be aware they can be manipulated. The best place to look is social media, sites like Fertility Friends are particularly useful. Our recommendation is to consider those from the past year. But remember, everyone has a different journey. If you are unsure, organise a consultation with the clinic and see if it feels right.
- Is the clinic open at the weekend? ✔️Believe it or not, there are some clinics that close at the weekend, so please check the opening hours before you commit.
- Are the staff multilingual? ✔️ If the staff aren’t multilingual, you may need a translator. Check to see if they have a coordinator who speaks your language.
- Can the clinic help with travel? ✔️ Some clinics may offer full packages, including flights; others will offer just hotel discounts and taxi travel.
- Is 24/7 support available? ✔️ Will your coordinator or doctor be within easy reach, WhatsApp support is very popular.
- Is there a charge for consultations? ✔️ It may well be that only your initial consultation is free of charge. Ask this at the outset so there aren’t any hidden charges.
- Can medication be shipped/posted ? ✔️If this is not possible, you will need to find out how to buy your medication. Many clinics will work with pharmacies in the UK or you could fly out in person to collect.
We hope this article has given you an insight into what to consider. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Have a quick question? You can send a message on WhatsApp.
Tel: + 90 533 882 4736
