In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) – Guide, Costs & Success Rates

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written by Philomena Marx•27 May 2025
Embryologist monitoring embryo culture in an IVF lab under a microscope

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the standard high-performance procedure in reproductive medicine when simpler methods are insufficient. This guide explains all the steps, costs, success rates, risks and the latest trends—thoroughly and clearly.

Costs & Organisation of IVF

A cycle of IVF in the UK costs on average £5,000 (range £4,000–£8,000) privately.

NHS funding: Depending on where you live, the NHS may fund up to three cycles of IVF for women under 40 and one cycle for women aged 40–42. Provision varies by Integrated Care Board, resulting in a postcode lottery.

Step by Step: How IVF Works

  1. Ovarian Stimulation: 8–12 days of gonadotrophins with regular ultrasound and blood tests.
  2. Ovulation Trigger: hCG or GnRH-agonist 34–36 hours before egg retrieval.
  3. Egg Retrieval: Short outpatient procedure under sedation.
  4. Sperm Preparation: Concentration of motile sperm.
  5. Fertilisation: Conventional IVF or ICSI if sperm quality is compromised.
  6. Embryo Culture: Time-lapse incubator until Day 3 (8-cell) or Day 5 (blastocyst).
  7. Embryo Transfer: Usually a single embryo transfer (SET) to minimise multiple pregnancy risk.
  8. Luteal Support: Vaginal progesterone until around 10 weeks’ gestation.
  9. Pregnancy Test: Serum β-hCG 12–14 days after transfer; first ultrasound about 10 days later.
  10. Freeze-All & Cryo-Transfer (optional): If there’s OHSS risk or suboptimal endometrium, freeze all embryos for transfer in a later HRT cycle.

Success Rates of IVF

UK IVF success rates per fresh embryo transfer (2022).

  • 18–34 years: 42% pregnancy rate per embryo transferred
  • 35–37 years: 34%
  • 38–39 years: 26%
  • 40–42 years: 16%
  • 43–44 years: 9%

Preliminary birth rates were 35% per embryo transferred for patients aged 18–34 and 10% for those aged 40–42.

Who May Not Be Suitable?

  • Very low ovarian reserve (e.g. AMH < 0.5 ng/ml) and age over 45.
  • Uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g. poorly managed diabetes, thyroid disorders).
  • Serious clotting disorders without haematology consultation.

In such cases, pre-conception optimisation is often recommended first.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

  • Maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, limit alcohol, and take daily folic acid and vitamin D.
  • Engage in moderate exercise and stress reduction (yoga, CBT).
  • For male factor infertility, a 90-day lifestyle optimisation can improve sperm DNA integrity.
  • Consider DHEA or CoQ10 supplements if you’re a low responder (limited evidence—consult your doctor).

Latest Advances & Trends

  • AI-Assisted Embryo Selection: Based on morphokinetic data.
  • Time-Lapse Incubators: Continuous monitoring without temperature fluctuations.
  • Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A/PGT-M): Reduces miscarriage rates for high-risk couples.
  • Natural-Cycle IVF (“Gentle IVF”): With lower hormone doses.
  • Social Egg Freezing: Preserving eggs up to around age 35–37 to maintain success rates.

Risks & Side Effects

  • OHSS: Mitigated by “freeze-all” protocols in high responders.
  • Multiple Pregnancy: Minimized by single embryo transfer.
  • Long-Term: Slightly increased risk of pre-eclampsia and preterm birth.
  • Psychological: High stress—consider counselling and support groups.
  • Financial: Out-of-pocket costs for medication, PGT, and additional cryo-transfers.

Legal Aspects in the UK

  • Regulation: All fertility clinics and human embryo research centres are licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Acts 1990 and 2008.
  • NHS Eligibility: Up to three cycles for women under 40 and one cycle for women aged 40–42 may be funded by the NHS, but availability varies by Integrated Care Board.
  • Access for All: Single individuals and same-sex couples have the right to access IVF, with both partners recognised as legal parents under the HFE Acts.
  • Embryo Research: Permitted up to 14 days under strict licensing, inspections, and standards set by the HFEA.

Fertilisation Methods at a Glance

  • ICI / IVI – Home Insemination
    Sperm is placed near the cervix via syringe or cup. Suited to mild fertility issues or donor sperm; lowest cost and maximum privacy.
  • IUI – Intrauterine Insemination
    Prepared sperm is introduced directly into the uterus via catheter. Suitable for moderate male-factor issues or cervical barriers; moderate cost.
  • IVF – In Vitro Fertilisation
    Multiple stimulated eggs are fertilised in the lab. Standard for tubal block, endometriosis or failed IUI; higher success rates at higher cost.
  • ICSI – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
    A single sperm is injected into an egg. Precision method for severe male infertility or TESE samples; highest cost but best chance for poor-quality sperm.

Scientific Sources & Guidelines

Conclusion: IVF – High-Tech Option with Realistic Chances

Thanks to modern lab techniques, personalised stimulation protocols and AI-assisted embryo selection, In Vitro Fertilisation now achieves pregnancy rates over 40% per transfer in younger age groups and cumulative birth rates above 60%. Honest information on costs, risks and emotional impact—combined with professional support—lays the foundation for a successful journey to parenthood.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)