4.5

Fertility Treatments

IVF

IVF is a safe and effective treatment that has helped millions of people worldwide build their families since the first baby was born in 1978, through the pioneering science of one of our founders, Sir Robert Edwards. Discover how we can help you move forward.

What is IVF?

IVF, or in vitro fertilisation, is a fertility treatment where eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the womb, with the aim of achieving pregnancy.

IVF was originally developed to help women with damaged fallopian tubes, but it is now used to support a wide range of fertility challenges.

Who is IVF suitable for?

You may be recommended IVF if:

  • You’re under 35 and you’ve been trying to conceive for 12+ months without success
  • You’re over 35 and haven’t been able to conceive for 6 months
  • Other fertility treatments, such as IUI, have not worked
  • You wish to start your family sooner
  • You or your partner have reproductive health issues, such as endometriosis
  • You are a same-sex couple or a single woman planning a family
Mother holding child

How does IVF work?

From starting IVF to completion usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks, with a series of key steps guiding you through each stage of the journey.

Hormone medication injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

Ultrasound scans track your follicle growth. When the time comes to collect the eggs, you administer a shot to  trigger final maturation and allow your ovaries to release the mature eggs. These are then collected under light sedation in the clinic. 

Eggs are fertilised with sperm in the laboratory by the embryologists. In some male infertility cases, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is used to increase success.

Embryos grow in the lab for 5–6 days until reaching the blastocyst stage. At London Women’s Clinic we use time-lapse imaging and AI-assisted embryo selection.

Once embryos have developed in the laboratory, one is selected for transfer into the uterus, typically on day 3 or day 5 of development. In some cases, all embryos are frozen first for transfer at a later date (Frozen Embryo Transfer), and any remaining suitable embryos may also be frozen for future use.

Around 12–14 days later, a pregnancy test confirms whether IVF has been successful. This is known as the two week wait.

Fresh vs Frozen Embryo Transfers

Once your embryos have developed in the laboratory, you and your doctor will decide the best way to transfer them into the womb. There are two main options: fresh transfer or frozen embryo transfer (FET).

This happens in the same cycle as your egg collection. After fertilisation, one embryo is transferred into the womb around 5–6 days later, while it is still developing in the lab.

FET involves transferring a previously frozen embryo into the uterus, usually in a subsequent cycle after egg collection. It may be recommended when a fresh transfer isn't suitable. Thanks to advances in freezing technology, frozen transfers now achieve success rates comparable to fresh transfers, and are in fact the more common approach at most clinics today.

Thanks to advances in freezing, frozen transfers are now as successful as fresh transfers, offering flexibility and peace of mind.

Our IVF Success in Numbers

57% of IVF patients under 38 had a baby

Behind every number is a family. Our IVF success rates reflect decades of expertise, innovation and compassionate care.

Since 2004, we have performed over 13,000 fresh IVF cycles, helping countless people on their journey to parenthood. 

Between 2022–2024, outcomes for patients under 38 were particularly strong, with 57% welcoming a baby after three embryo transfers from a single egg collection.

During this period, our patients’ average age was 36, and most underwent one egg collection and one embryo transfer on average.

Who our IVF patients are

  • 41% of our IVF patients used donor sperm
  • 23% were for same-sex couples
  • 18% were for single women

To explore our success rates in more detail, visit our Success Rates page.

IVF vs IUI - which is right for you?

Many patients ask whether to try IUI or IVF. IUI (intrauterine insemination) is less invasive and lower-cost, but success rates per cycle are typically lower than IVF. A course of several IUI cycles is usually recommended and your specialist will guide you on what to expect at each stage. IVF may be recommended sooner if there are underlying fertility issues or if time is an important factor.

FeatureIUI (Intrauterine Insemination)IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
Procedure typeSperm is placed directly into the womb around ovulation.Eggs are collected, fertilised in a lab, and embryos are transferred into the womb.
Treatment approachMinimally intervention-based; no surgical procedure required.More involved; includes hormone stimulation, egg collection, and embryo transfer.
CostLower cost per cycle.Higher cost per cycle due to lab work and medications.
Success ratesGenerally lower than IVF, especially for women over 35 or with underlying fertility issues.Higher success rates, particularly for women with certain fertility challenges or after failed IUI.
Best forCouples with mild fertility issues or unexplained infertility.Couples with more complex fertility problems, failed IUI, low ovarian reserve, or older age.
Time to pregnancyMay require multiple cycles.Typically faster results per cycle due to higher success rates per attempt.

How much does IVF cost in the UK?

The cost of IVF can vary depending on whether donor eggs or sperm are used, how many cycles are required, and your personal treatment plan. Understanding the costs and what’s included can help you plan your IVF treatment journey.

For a detailed breakdown of IVF costs, including multi-cycle, Reciprocal IVF or donor egg treatments, please contact our team. They will also explain what’s not included so you feel confident and clear about every aspect of your treatment plan.

IVF Prices

Costs start from

Included in the fee:

  • Monitoring scans, clinical advice, single egg collection
  • Preparation and culture of eggs and sperm
  • One Fresh Embryo transfer
  • One βhCG pregnancy blood test, one viability pregnancy scan or review consultation in the event of a negative outcome
  • Embryo Glue

In addition to your main procedure fee, there are some additional costs you will need to be aware of when planning your treatment. Additonal costs may include:

  • Medication
  • Sedation
  • Monitoring blood tests
  • HFEA licence fees
  • ICSI
  • Extended embryo culture to blastocyst stage and time lapse monitoring
  • Embryo freezing
  • Embryo storage

Exact costs will be discussed after your consultation and once a treatment plan has been confirmed for you. For Single Cycle IVF the average total treatment cost is £9,140 - £10,640

Included in the fee:

  • Clinical management of donor and recipient, monitoring scans for both patients, clinical advice
  • Egg collection
  • Preparation and culture of eggs and sperm
  • EmbryoGlue
  • One embryo transfer
  • One βhCG pregnancy blood test, one viability pregnancy scan or review consultation in the event of a negative outcome

In addition to your main procedure fee, there are some additional costs you will need to be aware of when planning your treatment. Additonal costs may include:

  • Donor eggs
  • Medication
  • Monitoring blood tests
  • HFEA licence fees
  • Extended embryo culture to blastocyst stage and time lapse monitoring
  • Embryo freezing
  • Embryo storage

Exact costs will be discussed after your consultation and once a treatment plan has been confirmed for you. For IVF with Known Egg Donor the average total treatment cost is £10,695 - £12,095

Included in the fee:

  • Monitoring scans, clinical advice
  • Up to three egg collections
  • Preparation and culture of eggs and sperm
  • Unlimited embryo transfers
  • Embryo Glue
  • One βhCG pregnancy blood test per transfer, one viability pregnancy scan per transfer or review consultation in the event of a negative outcome

In addition to your main procedure fee, there are some additional costs you will need to be aware of when planning your treatment. Additonal costs may include:

  • Medication
  • Sedation
  • Monitoring blood tests
  • HFEA licence fees
  • Extended embryo culture to blastocyst stage and time lapse monitoring
  • Embryo freezing
  • Embryo storage

The Multi-Cycle package is complete after a 20 week pregnancy has been achieved or all three egg collections and subsequent embryo transfers have been completed. All treatments must be completed within 12 months of the first baseline scan. Please note that all embryos must be transferred before moving on to the next egg collection

If you undergo all three egg collection cycles is £15,195 - £16,695. If you undergo only one or two egg collections, your average treatment cost will be less as you will not require three rounds of stimulatory medication.

We started our IVF process with LWC around a year ago. It felt very daunting and a long road ahead, and the entire team were so supportive and explained everything so clearly. When we were undergoing the egg retreival and transfer, the team were so kind and we felt really looked after. We have now welcomed our little girl and after years of trying, we wouldn't have gotten here without the support and guidance given by LWC. Thank you all!

Alice Maker

22 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

Dr Suraya made our appointment a really enjoyable experience. She made us both feel at ease and was so knowledgeable throughout the scan. Dr Suraya is a real asset to LWC

Liz Troup

22 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

I received excellent care from all the staff at London Women's Clinic, we felt very welcomed as a same sex couple. We are so grateful to have been able to have our wonderful daughter. I would definitely recommend the clinic to anyone starting fertility treatment!

Megan Knox

21 January 2026, LWC Canterbury

I've recently completed a round of egg freezing with London Women's Clinic harrow and I couldn't recommend them as a clinic more. Carla and Ana-Maria quite literally held my hand throughout the entire process, making me feel really relaxed and supported. It's made such a stressful experience super positive and if anyone is thinking of using them, I'd absolutely recommend them!

Brooke Day

19 January 2026, LWC Harrow

I undertook Kind IVF, which even though is nurse led as opposed to consultant led, the care, professionalism and knowledge is there. The nurses consult with consultants during your protocol, so the difference really is you see the nurses instead. The medication doses are less and less medication, but this doesn't mean it will be less effective, it is an option worth exploring, as the cost is less and can open the door when more traditional ivf is out of reach. I am currently pregnant having gone through the kind ivf protocol one time.

APINTOF MEGAN

19 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

Exceptional service from start to finish. Highly recommend Harley street team for looking after us. Absolutely loved your service and care. Thank you London woman's clinic :)

Anh Nguyen

19 January 2026, LWC Harley Street

The team at the Cambridge LWC branch have been incredibly supportive, encouraging and helpful throughout our journey, and have been with us through the ups and downs. It's a very safe and inclusive space, and we feel very well cared for. We can't recommend them enough! Sarah and Jacqui

Sarah Peace

16 January 2026, LWC Cambridge

We will be forever grateful to London Women's Clinic Bromley for helping us achieve what once felt impossible -- welcoming our beautiful, healthy baby boy in November 2025. Our IVF journey was emotional, overwhelming at times, and deeply personal, but from the very first appointment we were met with nothing but kindness, compassion, and unwavering support. Every step was clearly explained, we were kept fully informed throughout, and there was always someone available to answer our questions or simply reassure us when we needed it most. We never once felt like just another patient -- we felt truly cared for. Dr Malini, Sarah, Nicky (Nikita) and Dom were exceptional and will always hold a very special place in our hearts. Their warmth, patience, and genuine kindness made the process so much easier to cope with. They made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported during some of the most vulnerable moments of our lives. Every nurse, embryologist, and member of staff we encountered was wonderful. We honestly cannot recommend London Women's Clinic Bromley enough to anyone struggling with fertility or facing similar challenges. The dedication, empathy, and expertise of this team has changed our lives forever. We hope to take the clinic up on their offer to visit with our little miracle, who we are endlessly thankful they helped bring into this world. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Lucy & Sayed

Lucy morgan

16 January 2026, LWC Bromley

My journey with egg freezing in the LWC has been amazing. I had started consultations with another provider before but didn't feel comfortable there, and I'm SO GLAD I listened to my instinct and went to this clinic! The whole team was so knowledgeable and supportive throughout, but also just lovely. I would recommend the clinic, ESPECIALLY if you are worried about the process and feel emotional, the understanding and support here is way beyond what I was hoping for!!!

Charlotte M

15 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

My journey with the LWC in London Bridge + Harley Street has been outstanding. The team is so lovely, I felt welcomed and understood from the first to the last call and through every appointment in between. I would recommend it to every friend!

Charlotte M

15 January 2026, LWC Harley Street

Nicki has a beautiful and excellent personality, she was so kind, polite and sweet. I felt so happy after the scan . Bless her. Right woman for the job.

Steave Oyinloye

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

Nikita was fab - really put me at ease with my scan and able to relax. Feel very supported

S S

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

Just had my scan with Nikki and she was very informative and made me feel very comfortable.

Lisa

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

Nikita was excellent and mindful during our initial scan/consultation explained everything well.

james harris

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

Myself and partner have had a lovely experience with LWC Canterbury they are thoughtful and caring. Always made us feel comfort and welcome even through the difficulties that we have faced on our journey, however we will be forever grateful for all they have done and are contiuing to do.

Natasha Elliott

14 January 2026, LWC Canterbury

This was my first fertility treatment, and I cannot express enough how thankful I am to have chosen LWC and to have been treated at the Harrow clinic. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering starting their fertility journey! From the start, I appreciated how transparent the admin team was about all the costs involved at every stage, giving clear ranges when the decision depended on how the treatment would go. I am also extremely grateful for their support in helping with securing financing, even when I decided to move forward at short notice. They took the time to schedule calls to answer my questions, and I truly felt listened to and cared for as a patient. At the Harrow clinic, I experienced an exceptionally caring and positive environment. All the nurses were highly professional while also being incredibly comforting and supportive. I would especially like to thank Ana Maria, who was there throughout the process, offering practical advice based on her own experience, a hug when needed, and making the entire journey feel much more like home. I would also like to thank Carla for her positivity, high energy, and encouragement during difficult moments, and Laura for her empowering and reassuring approach to the injections. Dr Goswami was also outstanding--extremely professional and clear in her advice. She carefully adjusted the treatment to aim for the best possible outcome while prioritising safety and minimising risks. I am also very grateful for the support groups organised by the clinic. Through these, I met incredibly brave and empowered women and couples. Sharing this journey with some of them made the experience far more bearable and positive. Thank you to everyone at the Harrow clinic and LWC for your incredible support!!

Marina Riabiz

14 January 2026, LWC Harrow

We had a very positive experience at this IVF clinic and would highly recommend it. From the very beginning, we felt well supported and looked after throughout the entire journey. A special thank you to Safak, our patient coordinator, who was incredibly helpful and always very quick to respond. We would also like to thank Princess, the receptionist, as well as the Italian receptionist whose name we unfortunately don't remember, for always being kind and welcoming. We are extremely grateful to Dr Suraya, who performed many of our scans and was exceptional throughout the process, and to Dr Rao, who followed our journey step by step with great care, professionalism and attention. Finally, a big thank you to all the nurses, especially Hannah,Ella and Paige, for their support, kindness and professionalism. Overall, we felt very well cared for and supported, and we truly recommend this clinic to anyone considering IVF!

Alicia Gioia

12 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

The reception staff are amazing nothing is to much trouble. Always answered any queries we had. The whole team were brilliant from our first initial appointment too our very last. They made us feel so comfortable.

Rachel Powell

12 January 2026, LWC Bristol

We don't know where to begin, this place truly is wonderful. So so comforting and welcoming. Every single staff member went above and beyond and really felt like family. We couldn't be more appreciative of everyone who helped us on our way to creat our little one, who is cooking away nicely at 20 weeks. From choosing a sperm donor to my egg collection and then to getting my wife pregnant with the embryos a few months later, it was so stress free and we felt supported every single step of the way. We can't thank all the lovely wonderful ladies at the Brentwood clinic enough for what they have helped us achieve- and of course the amazing people at the Harley street clinic for doing the procedures who were just as welcoming! Thank you all so so much, we can't wait to bring our little man to meet you all when we are ready to try for baby number 2 xxxxx

molly bannister

9 January 2026, LWC Brentwood

Following a seminar I attended at LWC, I arranged a consultation with Dr. Naware who specialises in fertility for women over 40. It was a refreshing experience. Dr. Naware is empathetic, kind and thorough. The follow up from the clinic was excellent, with Safak, Patient Coordinator, providing regular updates.

A Patel

9 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

4.5

FAQs about IVF

IVF may be recommended depending on your personal circumstances, such as your age and medical history. It’s often considered after a period of trying to conceive naturally, following unsuccessful IUI cycles, or when there are known fertility challenges such as endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes or reduced sperm quality.

Yes, but eligibility depends on local NHS IVF criteria such as age, BMI and number of previous children. Many patients also choose private IVF to avoid waiting lists.

Same-sex couples can undergo IVF using donor sperm. Some also choose “shared motherhood” (one partner provides the eggs, the other carries the pregnancy).

Donor egg IVF is an effective option for women with low ovarian reserve, age-related fertility decline or genetic conditions. Donor eggs are fertilised with sperm and embryos are transferred into the womb.

Ready to take the first step?

Every journey starts with a Fertility Health Assessment. This includes ultrasound scans, AMH testing and a consultation with one of our fertility specialists.