FAQs about choosing a clinic

Will the NHS pay for my treatment?
Since April 2005, women between the ages of 23 and 39 are able to get one free IVF cycle on the NHS. However, there are eligibility criteria which are set by each of the Primary Care Trusts (PCT) and these can vary from region to region.  For more information about the costs of treatment, see Funding.

Your GP can give you the contact details for your local PCT, who will be able to advise you of their funding criteria, or you can contact the PCT direct.

 

When comparing fertility clinics, should I choose the one with the highest live birth rate?
When looking at live birth rates, or 'success rates' as they are sometimes called, it is important to look at the figures that are most relevant for your circumstances.  The HFEA website shows the live birth rates for women in different age groups, as this is one of the most important factors to consider.  Looking at the ´overall' or ´average' live birth rates will not tell you how likely you are to have a child.  For more information on how to read success rates, see Understanding clinic success rates.
 
There are also many other things to consider when choosing a clinic, such as the clinic's location, waiting times for treatment, their experience of particular treatments and their costs. Find out more about Choosing a Clinic.

 

I am over 42.  Which fertility clinics will treat me?
Fertility clinics are allowed to set their own criteria for whom they will treat and some will have an upper age limit, although none is set by law, or by the HFEA.  Upper age limits will also vary from clinic to clinic.  Your GP may be able to recommend a suitable clinic, or you can contact clinics yourself and ask about their eligibility criteria. 

We now publish clinic statistics for ages, 40-42, 43-44 and 44 and over,  find these in our Find a Clinic advanced search.

 

What information do I need to get from the clinics before I start my treatment?
Before starting fertility treatment you should receive the following information in writing from your clinic:

  • The services and treatment the clinic offers
  • Any risks involved
  • Any costs involved
  • The clinic's previous live birth rates
  •  The clinic's complaints procedure

This information should be comprehensive and easy to understand and staff at the clinic will be able to explain any points that are unclear.  For more information about the type of information that clinics should provide to their patients, see the HFEA Code of Practice.

 

Is counselling compulsory?
All clinics are required to offer you the opportunity for counselling before you have treatment, but you do not have to accept this offer.  Some clinics have their own policy of requiring all patients receiving donor sperm eggs or embryos to have implications counselling.  For more about counselling, download or order a copy of The HFEA Guide to Infertility.

 

What is the Welfare of the Child Assessment?
By law, before you start treatment, your clinic must consider both your potential baby's welfare (including "the need for a father" specifically mentioned in the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act). They must also consider how the birth may affect any other children you may have.

This is known as the ´Welfare of the Child' assessment.  It is designed to forsee any circumstances in which your potential baby might experience serious harm.  The clinic will ask you some questions about your medical and social history (for example, if you have had any contact with social services about the care of your existing children).

Cases in which serious harm is likely are very rare, so most people are able to start treatment without delay.  For more information see our publications for patients, including Welfare of the Child.

 

What consent will I be asked to give?
Before your treatment can start, you must give your written 'informed' consent to the clinic. This means that before you begin treatment you must have:

  • Been given information about the treatment and what it involves
  • Had the opportunity to talk about the treatment with the clinic's staff
  • Had the opportunity to have counselling and
  • Had time to think about your decision.

You can decide to change or withdraw your consent at any time until your gametes or embryos are used in treatment or research.

 

Will my fertility treatment remain confidential?
Yes, your doctor has to keep your medical record confidential.  It is illegal for clinics to disclose information about your treatment to anybody (even your GP) without getting your written consent first.

 

Where can I find information about travelling abroad for fertility treatment?
The HFEA licences and regulates clinics in the UK only. Clinics in other countries may, or may not, be regulated to local standards. These vary considerably from country to country. 

The recent EU Tissues and Cells Directive sets out standards of quality and safety that should be met within countries within the EU/EEA. However, we recommend that you find out as much as possible about any overseas clinic you are considering, and the standards of care you can expect. 

For more information, see Choosing a Clinic and Fertility treatments abroad.

 

My UK clinic has links with a clinic abroad and  suggested I go there  for treatment  - is that legal?
The HFEA regulates clinics in the UK only, where the treatments provided must be safe and in line with this country's laws.  Laws and protection for patients vary from one country to another. 

While the recent EU Tissues and Cells Directive sets out standards of quality and safety that should be met within countries within the EU/EEA,  you should not assume that the same standards and protection will apply at an overseas clinic  -  it would be very difficult for any UK clinic to guarantee this.  

Read more about going abroad for fertility treatment.

 

How can I complain?
If you would like to make a complaint about the service you have received at a treatment clinic you should complain to your clinic first. Each clinic has a written complaints procedure and a complaints officer. They will investigate your complaint and write back to you within four weeks. If you are unhappy with the response, there are a number of steps you can take.

More information about making a complaint about a licensed centre.

If you believe that a clinic has failed to comply with the Code of Practice, you can complain to the HFEA.  You can also complain to us if your clinic has not dealt with a complaint you have made to them in line with their complaints procedure.

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Last updated: 14 November 2007