Medically reviewed content. Last updated: April 2026.
Medically reviewed content. Last updated: April 2026.
IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is the most well-known fertility treatment, and for many people it represents their best chance of having a baby. This guide explains how IVF works step by step, who is eligible for NHS-funded treatment, and what to expect emotionally and physically.
IVF stands for in vitro fertilisation, meaning fertilisation that takes place outside the body. Eggs are collected from the ovaries and combined with sperm in a laboratory. If fertilisation is successful, one or sometimes two embryos are transferred back into the uterus. The entire process takes around four to six weeks per cycle.
IVF may be recommended if your fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, you have severe endometriosis, ovulation induction and IUI have not been successful, there is a significant male factor, the cause of infertility is unexplained, you are using donor eggs or sperm, or you want pre-implantation genetic testing.
IVF is not usually the first treatment offered. NICE recommends a stepped approach, starting with simpler options.
You take daily hormone injections (usually FSH) for 8 to 14 days to encourage multiple eggs. Regular blood tests and ultrasound scans monitor your response.
When follicles reach the right size, a trigger injection of hCG or GnRH agonist is given. Egg collection follows 34 to 36 hours later.
A minor procedure under sedation where a thin needle passes through the vaginal wall into each ovary, guided by ultrasound. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You may feel crampy afterwards.
Eggs are combined with sperm on the same day. This happens either through conventional IVF (eggs and sperm placed together) or ICSI (a single sperm injected directly into each egg), used when sperm quality is low.
Fertilised eggs are cultured for two to six days. Most clinics grow embryos to the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6) for better selection.
One embryo is transferred into your uterus using a thin catheter. It takes just a few minutes and does not usually require sedation. Remaining good-quality embryos can be frozen.
You wait approximately two weeks before taking a pregnancy test. Continue taking any prescribed medication (usually progesterone) and try to carry on with normal activities.
The HFEA publishes national success rates by age:
After three full cycles, around 45 to 55% of people under 40 will have had a live birth. The HFEA website allows you to compare individual clinic rates.
Yes, but access varies significantly by location.
NICE recommends the NHS offer up to three full cycles for eligible people under 40 who have not conceived after two years, and one cycle for people aged 40 to 42 meeting specific criteria.
Individual Integrated Care Boards set their own eligibility criteria, and many do not follow NICE recommendations fully. Common additional criteria include BMI limits (often 19 to 30), neither partner having existing children, being a non-smoker, and age limits. This postcode lottery means access depends partly on where you live.
Scotland offers up to three cycles for under 40s. Wales typically offers two. Northern Ireland currently offers one.
Private IVF costs vary. A single cycle typically costs between £3,000 and £5,000 for basic treatment. ICSI adds approximately £1,000 to £1,500. Medication costs an additional £500 to £1,500. A full cycle with medication and ICSI can total £5,000 to £8,000 or more. Some clinics offer multi-cycle packages.
The most significant risk is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Mild symptoms (bloating, discomfort) are common. Severe OHSS is rare but requires hospital treatment. Modern protocols have significantly reduced the risk.
Multiple pregnancy is possible when two embryos are transferred. The HFEA's single embryo transfer policy has reduced multiple births from IVF to around 6%.
There is a small ectopic pregnancy risk of around 2 to 3%.
The emotional and psychological impact should not be underestimated. The uncertainty, hormone medication, procedures, and two-week wait can all take a toll. Support from your clinic's counselling service, your partner, or organisations like Fertility Network UK makes a real difference.
IVF stands for in vitro fertilisation, meaning fertilisation that takes place outside the body. Eggs are collected from the ovaries and combined with sperm in a laboratory. If fertilisation is successful, one or sometimes two embryos are transferred back into the uterus. The entire process takes around four to six weeks per cycle.
IVF may be recommended if your fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, you have severe endometriosis, ovulation induction and IUI have not been successful, there is a significant male factor, the cause of infertility is unexplained, you are using donor eggs or sperm, or you want pre-implantation genetic testing.
### Step 1: Ovarian stimulation
The HFEA publishes national success rates by age:
Yes, but access varies significantly by location.
Private IVF costs vary. A single cycle typically costs between £3,000 and £5,000 for basic treatment. ICSI adds approximately £1,000 to £1,500. Medication costs an additional £500 to £1,500. A full cycle with medication and ICSI can total £5,000 to £8,000 or more. Some clinics offer multi-cycle packages.
The most significant risk is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Mild symptoms (bloating, discomfort) are common. Severe OHSS is rare but requires hospital treatment. Modern protocols have significantly reduced the risk.
Optimise your general health: healthy diet, exercise, stop smoking, limit alcohol and caffeine Take folic acid (400mcg daily) and vitamin D (10mcg daily) Attend your clinic's information session Plan time off work around egg collection Consider counselling, offered free at most licensed clinics Build a support network
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