IVF Treatment

IVF Treatment in London

IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) is a fertility treatment where eggs are fertilised with sperm in a specialist laboratory before an embryo is carefully transferred into the womb. While the term ‘in vitro’ means ‘in glass’ (and inspired the phrase “test tube baby”), modern IVF is a highly advanced process, supported by expert embryologists and closely controlled laboratory conditions.

At Concept Fertility, we understand that IVF is about far more than science – it’s a personal journey. From your first consultation to embryo transfer and beyond, our team is here to guide you through each stage with clarity, compassion, and the highest standards of care.

What is IVF, and who is it for?

IVF is a fertility treatment that can help when pregnancy has not happened naturally, or when other treatments have not been successful. By fertilising eggs with sperm in a specialist laboratory and transferring an embryo into the womb, IVF can overcome certain medical barriers to conception.

IVF may be recommended for a range of fertility conditions, including:

Advanced Maternal Age – It becomes progressively more difficult to conceive after the age of 35.
Fallopian Tube – Damaged or blocked tubes prevent fertilisation.
Male factor infertility – including low sperm count or reduced motility, sometimes using ICSI alongside IVF.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – where irregular or absent ovulation makes conception more difficult.
Endometriosis – which can affect egg quality, the fallopian tubes, or the pelvic environment.
Unexplained infertility – when standard tests do not identify a clear cause.
Male factor infertility – including low sperm count or reduced motility, sometimes using ICSI alongside IVF.

Your suitability for IVF will depend on your individual diagnosis, medical history, and personal circumstances. A detailed consultation allows us to recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment pathway for you.

Am I eligible for IVF in the UK?

Eligibility for IVF in the UK depends on factors such as your age, BMI, medical history, and whether you are seeking NHS-funded or private treatment. While criteria can vary, general guidelines include:

Age

Restricted NHS funding is usually available for women under 40 (with some regional variation). But this is subject to strict financial constraints and usually involves long delays before diagnosis and before treatment.
Private IVF is typically offered up to around 45, depending on individual assessment. At Concept Fertility we aim to offer treatment within two months of your initial consultation.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Many clinics recommend a BMI between 19 and 30 before starting treatment. NHS funding often requires you to fall within this range.
At Concept we will treat women with a BMI below 40.

Fertility history

It is usually recommended that you have been trying to conceive for 12 months or more (or 6 months if over 35) before seeking fertility assistance.
You have a diagnosed fertility condition or previous unsuccessful treatments.
You would like to start your family or preserve your fertility without further delay.

The best way to understand your eligibility options is through a personalised consultation, where your individual circumstances and test results can be reviewed in detail.

What is the IVF process?

IVF treatment takes place over a carefully monitored 4 – 6 week cycle, with each stage designed to support egg development, fertilisation, and embryo transfer. While every treatment plan is personalised, the treatment cycle typically follows these key steps:

Ovarian stimulation and monitoring

Treatment begins with hormone injections to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple follicles, rather than the single egg that develops in a natural cycle. These injections are self-administered using very fine needles, with the process closely monitored via scans and blood tests to ensure the ovaries respond safely and effectively.

Egg collection and fertilisation

When the follicles have reached the right size, a hormone injection (hCG) is given to trigger final egg maturation. Egg collection takes place approximately 36 hours later. This is a short, minimally invasive procedure performed under light sedation to keep you comfortable – general anaesthetic is rarely required. The collected eggs are then fertilised with sperm in our specialist laboratory.
Embryo development and blastocyst transfer
Skilled embryologists carefully monitor embryo development over several days. In most cases, embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage (around day 5) before transfer, although this may vary depending on your clinical circumstances.

A selected embryo is gently transferred into the uterus using a fine catheter. This is a straightforward procedure that does not require anaesthesia. If implantation occurs, pregnancy can begin.

Any additional high-quality embryos can be frozen, allowing for future transfer without repeating the stimulation phase.

Maximising success: wellbeing and the womb environment

IVF success depends on more than laboratory expertise alone. Age, diagnosis, and medical history all play a role – but so does the health of the womb and your overall wellbeing.

For implantation to happen, the uterus lining needs to be receptive. Factors such as hormone balance, inflammation, and blood flow can all influence this “womb environment”.

Nutrition and lifestyle

A balanced diet and healthy BMI can support hormone regulation and create the best possible conditions for treatment. Many patients also benefit from optimising key nutrients, such as folate and vitamin D, before starting IVF.

Stress and emotional wellbeing

IVF can be emotionally demanding, and stress may affect hormones involved in the reproductive cycle. While stress isn’t the cause of infertility, managing it can help support your body throughout treatment.

At Concept Fertility, our approach combines advanced fertility care with ongoing monitoring and a focus on whole-person wellbeing to support both your health and your chances of success.

IVF risks and regulatory standards
IVF is a well-established and closely regulated treatment, but like any medical procedure, it does carry some risks. At Concept Fertility, patient safety is central to every treatment plan, with careful monitoring throughout the cycle to minimise complications wherever possible.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a rare reaction to the fertility medications used during ovarian stimulation. However, severe OHSS is uncommon, and the risk is reduced through tailored medication doses, ultrasound scans, and hormone monitoring throughout treatment.

One of the most widely recognised risks of IVF is multiple pregnancy. This is why clinics typically recommend transferring a single embryo wherever appropriate, with any remaining suitable embryos frozen for future use. Single embryo transfer helps reduce the health risks associated with twins or higher-order pregnancies.

All IVF clinics in the UK, including Concept Fertility, are regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). The HFEA sets legal standards for fertility treatment, patient safety, and reporting, all of which help to ensure IVF is delivered ethically, transparently, and in line with strict clinical guidelines.

Your path to parenthood
Choosing IVF is a significant and deeply personal decision. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options or have been trying to conceive for some time, understanding your next step can bring clarity and confidence.

At Concept Fertility, we combine clinical expertise, advanced laboratory care, and a personalised approach to support you at every stage of your journey. From eligibility and treatment planning to embryo transfer and beyond, our team is here to guide you with compassion and transparency.

If you are considering IVF treatment in London, the best place to start is with a conversation. Book an Initial Consultation with one of our fertility specialists today, we have various packages available here to suit your circumstances. If you would prefer to have a quick chat before a consultation you can have a Book your free 15-minute consultation to discuss your circumstances, ask questions, and understand whether IVF could be the right pathway for you.