Just 101 questions you should ask a fertility clinic
It has a coffee machine and a fish tank – but how can you tell if a clinic will be any good at getting you pregnant?
Good morning,
My job is asking questions, but sometimes I feel stuck – especially when it comes to the part of a meeting or job interview when someone says “and do you have any questions?”. It’s the same when you go to see a fertility clinic: you have the tour and the sit-down chat, and then it’s your turn to speak – aaaand your mind goes blank. So I’ve compiled 101 questions you should consider asking before you choose a clinic. Even if you’re halfway through treatment, some of these are worth an ask, just to get a bit more clarity on the next steps.
Don’t forget that we have a referral scheme – three referrals get you three months of BFN for free. Click the button below to share with your friends.
Gabby will see you on Tuesday!
Emma xxx
Choosing an IVF clinic is one of the trickiest parts of infertility. Chances are, you’ve never done this before, so how do you know what you’re looking for? If a clinic has a fish tank and a coffee machine in the waiting area, that’s very nice – but does it mean it’s going to get you pregnant?
The best way to make the decision is to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. Organise meetings, walk around the clinics, get a feel for the place. But even then, it’s tricky to know what to say – what are the questions you should ask that will really help you get to the bottom of a clinic’s inner workings?
To help you prepare, I’ve come up with 101 questions you could (should!) ask. The first 50 are general questions; the next are related to some common conditions.
I’d love to hear, in the comments, the questions I’ve missed out. What are the best questions you asked before you chose your clinic – or perhaps, the questions you wish you had asked? Let me know below. In the meantime – happy hunting.
About the clinic
Can you give me an idea of the live birth rate for people in my age group and with my diagnosis?
How many IVF cycles do you perform each year?
What makes this clinic better than others? Why should I trust you?
What are your working hours?
Do you let people bring their kids into the waiting room? Are there separate waiting rooms for kids?
Do you do egg collections, embryo biopsies and embryo transfers at the weekend?
Can we tour the lab and facility?
How do you handle medical emergencies during treatment?
What is your policy on patient feedback or complaints?
What are your BMI limits for treatment?