How to Choose an IVF Clinic

A great fertility clinic isn’t just one that can offer effective treatment — it’s also compassionate staff, clear pricing and seamless administrative processes. This guide can help you choose the right clinic and prepare for your first appointment.

IVF is a process that takes time, so it’s important to set realistic expectations when choosing a clinic. Depending on your situation, you may need multiple cycles before you become pregnant. That’s why some clinics offer shared risk programs that bundle several cycles into a flat fee for qualifying patients.

Before you start your cycle, your doctor will review your medical history and recommend a treatment plan. Typically, you’ll take medicines that spur the growth of sacs in your ovaries that each contain an egg. Once the follicles are mature, your doctor will inject them with sperm through a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). About 70% of mature eggs will fertilize. Any that don’t will be frozen for future use.

Your doctor will monitor you through blood and urine tests. You’ll also have ultrasound exams to check your ovaries. During this time, you may experience cramping and fullness.

When your follicles are ready, you’ll receive a trigger shot. Then, about 36 hours later, your doctor will insert a needle into your vagina through an ultrasound-guided needle to retrieve the eggs. If you’re using your partner’s sperm, your doctor will also collect a sample of semen on the same day as the egg collection.