Patients often choose IVF centers based on proximity, cost, or anecdotal success stories. However, these factors can be misleading. A high-quality IVF center with proven pregnancy rates might offer more value, even if it’s farther or slightly costlier. Your “cost per baby” should be the focus—not the cost per cycle.
Some IVF “superstars” operate multiple clinics but rarely attend procedures themselves. Choose clinics where the fertility specialist is present throughout your cycle and personally supervises care.
Some clinics bring in part-time embryologists and batch procedures within 2–3 days, regardless of individual patient readiness. This compromises timing, air quality in labs, and ultimately, success rates.
Foreign associations or big names mean little if the core team and technology aren’t sound. Quality control takes years, and new clinics often charge more for branding without better outcomes.
Many centers claim 40–45% success rates but have no audit or regulation. True figures are often closer to 15–20%. Always ask for audited results.
Some clinics administer hCG before the test, causing false positives. This creates false hope and emotional trauma. Luteal support should be ethical and evidence-based.
If the woman is fertile, IUI with donor sperm is significantly cheaper (15–20x less than IVF) and equally effective. IVF shouldn’t be used when not needed.
Some clinics may “share” your eggs with other patients without your knowledge to earn more money. This practice is unethical and reduces your success rate.
Be cautious with “money back guarantee” schemes. Some may use leftover embryos from other patients in subsequent cycles. This compromises the integrity of your treatment.
A good clinic should offer ovulation induction, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, IUI, and IVF. This ensures you get the right treatment—not just expensive IVF every time.
Clinics without embryo freezing may donate spare embryos without consent. They may also lack ICU backup in rare complications like OHSS. Choose centers that offer comprehensive care.
Good clinics provide treatment details including egg/sperm quality, fertilization stats, and complications. This transparency is essential, especially if treatment fails.
Books, verified testimonials, patient forums, and independent audits are invaluable. Knowledge is your most powerful tool.
Ask for independently audited data, not just marketing claims. Look for transparency in patient reports.
It’s often worth traveling if the distant clinic has a significantly better success rate and expertise.
Full diagnostic tools, in-house embryology, emergency care, embryo freezing, and ethical treatment plans.
Look for clinics with audited success rates, in-house embryologists, comprehensive fertility services, and transparent treatment protocols. Avoid centers that rely on part-time staff or batch IVF cycles.
Red flags include: exaggerated success rates, missing discharge reports, overuse of hCG injections, poor lab facilities, and lack of emergency care. Ethical concerns like egg-sharing without consent are also warning signs.
No. Clinics differ in quality of care, technology, success rates, and staff availability. Not all clinics follow best practices. A high-quality IVF clinic takes years to develop and maintain consistent outcomes.
New clinics may lack quality control, experienced staff, or adequate lab infrastructure. It’s safer to choose a well-established clinic with a proven track record, especially for complex cases.
Be cautious. Many clinics inflate numbers without proper auditing. Ask for their independent success rate audits and patient statistics, especially for your age group and condition.
A reliable clinic should provide:
Embryo freezing lets you preserve extra embryos for future use, saving cost and effort. Clinics that lack this feature may discard or misuse embryos without consent—this is a serious ethical concern.
Administering hCG too close to testing can give false-positive results. This leads to emotional trauma and loss of trust in IVF. Ethical clinics avoid this practice and rely on accurate testing timelines.
Not necessarily. If the female partner is fertile, IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) using donor sperm is a more cost-effective and less invasive option than IVF.
A proper discharge summary should include:
Embryo transfer info
This document is critical, especially if treatment fails or you seek a second opinion.
