# Care Fertility > Care Fertility is the UK's largest private fertility clinic group, with 24 locations across England, Wales, and Ireland. With over 25 years of experience, Care Fertility offers a comprehensive range of fertility treatments, preservation services, and donor programmes, all regulated by the HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority). The clinic is rated Excellent on Trustpilot and is committed to exceptional care, transparent pricing, and real patient support. ## Site Map (Summary) - [Fertility Treatment Costs & Funding](https://carefertility.com/costs/) - [Find a Clinic](https://carefertility.com/clinics/) - [IVF Success Rates](https://carefertility.com/success/success-rates) - [IVF Treatment](https://carefertility.com/treatments/ivf) - [Heterosexual Couples – Where to Start](https://carefertility.com/where-to-start/hetero) - [Same-Sex Female Couples – Where to Start](https://carefertility.com/where-to-start/same-sex-females) --- # Page: Fertility Treatment Costs & Funding Options > Source: https://carefertility.com/costs/ > Full detail: https://carefertility.com/costs/how-much-does-ivf-cost Care Fertility offers transparent pricing across all treatments, with a range of packages and funding options. Costs depend on treatment type, the individual's medical history, and any add-ons recommended by a specialist. ## How Much Does IVF Cost? Care Fertility provides a tailored treatment plan and full cost breakdown at the first consultation. Pricing varies by clinic; detailed fee schedules are available at: https://carefertility.com/costs/how-much-does-ivf-cost/fee-schedules ## Pre-Treatment Costs Before treatment begins, fertility tests are required to assess both partners and inform the personalised treatment plan. ### Pre-Treatment Bundle — £575 (saving 42%) For those planning to start treatment within the next six months. Includes: - Pelvic ultrasound scan with antral follicle count (AFC) - Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) blood test - Semen analysis (if applicable) - Full blood count (FBC), HbA1c, Vitamin D, and TSH blood tests - 45-minute consultation with a fertility doctor More info: https://carefertility.com/pre-treatment-bundle ### Female Fertility Assessment — £365 For those not yet ready for treatment but wanting to understand their fertility health. Includes: - Pelvic ultrasound scan with antral follicle count (AFC) - AMH blood test - Chlamydia antibody screening - 15-minute consultation with a fertility doctor More info: https://carefertility.com/costs/how-much-does-ivf-cost/fertility-assessment-bundle ### Male Fertility Assessment — £365 For men wanting to assess sperm health. Includes: - Semen analysis - 15-minute consultation with a fertility doctor ## Standard Pre-Treatment Tests Explained **Ovarian reserve testing** — AMH blood test and antral follicle count (AFC) via ultrasound to assess egg quantity and quality, and predict response to fertility medication. **Pelvic ultrasound** — Internal scan to assess the womb and ovaries; identifies conditions such as fibroids or other issues that may need addressing before treatment. **Semen analysis** — Assesses sperm concentration (count), motility (movement), morphology (shape and size), presence of white/red blood cells, and anti-sperm antibodies. Abstinence of 2–3 days required before the test. **Infectious disease screening** — UK law requires screening for HIV and hepatitis before treatment. Female patients are also screened for Rubella. Required every 2 years; previous results from other clinics may be accepted. ## Treatment Add-Ons (Optional, Additional Cost) Add-ons are only recommended based on individual medical and treatment history. **PGT-A** — Genetic screening of embryos for chromosomal health; helps select embryos with the best potential and can reduce time to pregnancy and risk of miscarriage. **Caremaps-AI** — Time-lapse AI imaging to select the best embryo without genetic testing. **ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis)** — Identifies the optimal window for embryo transfer by testing a sample of the womb lining and monitoring 248 genes. **EMMA** — Screens uterine bacteria to identify microbiome imbalances associated with implantation failure. **ALICE** — Screens for bacteria causing chronic low-grade infection (endometritis) of the womb lining. **SOS (Sperm Oxidative Stress)** — Tests for high oxidative stress in sperm, which can damage sperm DNA and reduce pregnancy rates. **ZyMot** — Chip-based sperm selection device for ICSI that selects motile sperm with lowest DNA fragmentation. **EmbryoGlue** — Transfer medium containing hyaluronan to improve embryo implantation. **EmbryoGen & BlastGen** — Culture media designed to mimic natural conditions and support embryo development. **CareUnity** — Screening for an Annexin A5 gene variant associated with recurrent miscarriage and implantation failure. ## Medication Medication is tailored to each patient and is not included in standard fee schedules. Exact costs are confirmed before treatment begins. ## Payment & Funding Options ### NHS-Funded IVF Some patients may be eligible for NHS-funded fertility treatment. Care Fertility can accept NHS-funded patients. More info: https://carefertility.com/costs/how-do-i-pay/ivf-nhs-funding ### Treatment Packages (via Access Fertility) Care Fertility offers four private treatment packages: - **Care Value** — Affordable, covers all essentials - **Care Classic** — Personalised IVF with optional enhancements - **Care Enhanced** — Advanced technology for complex needs - **Care Advanced** — Most comprehensive package with latest techniques All packages include expert guidance, counselling, and access to embryology technology. More info: https://carefertility.com/costs/how-do-i-pay/treatment-packages ### Payment Programmes (via Access Fertility) Options include Refund programmes, Multi-Cycle plans, and other arrangements to make treatment more affordable and predictable. More info: https://carefertility.com/costs/how-do-i-pay/payment-programmes ### Interest-Free Credit & Klarna Spread the cost with interest-free finance or pay later via Klarna for eligible services. More info: https://carefertility.com/costs/how-do-i-pay/interest-free-finance ### Private Health Insurance Some private insurers (including Bupa, AXA, and WPA) may cover fertility treatment costs. More info: https://carefertility.com/costs/how-do-i-pay/private-healthcare --- # Page: Find an IVF Clinic Near You > Source: https://carefertility.com/clinics/ Care Fertility is the largest fertility clinic group in the UK, with **24 locations** across England, Wales, and Ireland. ## Clinic Types **Main Clinics** — Full-service clinics offering all tests, monitoring, and treatments. **Satellite Clinics** — For testing and monitoring appointments only; not full treatment cycles. ## Find a Clinic Use the interactive clinic finder at https://carefertility.com/clinics/ to search by location. The map and list views display all current main and satellite clinic locations across the UK and Ireland. --- # Page: IVF Success Rates > Source: https://carefertility.com/success/success-rates ## Overview Care Fertility delivers IVF success rates consistently higher than the national average. Each of the group's 16 UK clinics reports outcomes individually to the HFEA; results are independently verified and publicly available. Care Fertility also aggregates verified clinic data to provide a group-wide metric for transparency. Success rate data is based on HFEA-validated figures published in 2026, covering cycles performed in 2022. ## How Success Rates Are Measured ### Live Birth Rate Per Egg Collection The primary measure used. This shows the proportion of egg collection cycles that result in a live birth, including outcomes from both fresh and frozen embryo transfers arising from that collection. It covers all cycles using the patient's own eggs (including PGT-A cycles), but excludes donor egg cycles. This metric reflects the full outcome of one complete stimulated cycle, not just a single transfer. ### PGT-A vs. Non-PGT-A Cycles Results are presented separately for cycles with and without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), so patients can clearly compare outcomes under each approach. ## What the Data Shows In 2022 HFEA-verified data: - Around **9% of patients** had an unsuccessful egg collection cycle (no eggs collected, fertilisation failed, or embryos did not develop to a suitable stage for transfer or freezing). - Among patients who had a successful egg collection with PGT-A: - **85.2% of patients under 38** had at least one euploid (chromosomally balanced) embryo available for transfer. - **58% of patients aged 38 and over** had at least one euploid embryo available for transfer. ## Why PGT-A Affects Results As maternal age increases, eggs are more likely to develop chromosomal differences (aneuploidy). Aneuploid embryos may fail to implant or stop developing early. PGT-A identifies chromosomally balanced (euploid) embryos before transfer, which can reduce miscarriage risk and failed implantation — particularly for patients aged 38 and over, or those with recurrent miscarriage or repeated implantation failure. ## Validation & Transparency All success rates are independently verified by the HFEA. Patients can compare Care Fertility's results with national averages using the HFEA's 'Choose a Fertility Clinic' tool at https://www.hfea.gov.uk/choose-a-clinic/clinic-search/ Note: Care Fertility does not publish success rates for clinics with very small cycle volumes, as these can produce statistically misleading figures. ## Personalised Success Prediction Care Fertility offers access to Univfy, a personalised IVF success rate prediction tool: https://carefertility.com/univfy --- # Page: IVF Treatment > Source: https://carefertility.com/treatments/ivf ## What is IVF? In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a fertility treatment where eggs are fertilised outside the body in a laboratory. It helps people who are struggling to conceive naturally. Care Fertility has been providing IVF for over 25 years. IVF is available to heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, single people, and those using donor eggs, sperm, or embryos. ## How IVF Works In natural conception, sperm must meet an egg in the fallopian tubes and the fertilised egg must implant in the womb. IVF bypasses obstacles in this process by handling fertilisation in a controlled laboratory environment. ## The IVF Process — Step by Step **Step 1: Initial conversation** A fertility specialist reviews the patient's health and medical history, discusses IVF as an option, and books a first consultation and fertility tests if needed. **Step 2: Fertility tests** Pre-treatment tests assess ovarian reserve and sperm quality, plus general health checks (BMI, blood pressure). Patients with recurrent miscarriage or prior unsuccessful IVF may require more in-depth investigations. **Step 3: Consultation** The fertility doctor reviews test results, explains the personalised treatment plan, and provides costings via the Salve treatment companion app. The patient services team follows up to answer remaining questions. **Step 4: Ovarian stimulation** The patient takes fertility drugs (specifically prescribed for their needs) to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Regular ultrasound and blood tests monitor the response and allow dosage adjustment. **Step 5: Ovarian monitoring** Over 3–7 days of monitoring, ultrasound scans and blood tests track follicle growth. When follicles reach the target size, a trigger injection is given to complete egg maturation. **Step 6: Egg and sperm collection** Egg collection takes approximately 30 minutes under sedation and pain relief. A needle guided by ultrasound passes through the vaginal wall to retrieve eggs from the follicles. Sperm is collected at the same time (abstinence of 2–3 days recommended beforehand). Where sperm cannot be obtained in the ejaculate, surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) may be performed. **Step 7: Fertilisation and embryo development** Eggs are placed in culture medium in an incubator. Prepared sperm is added, and fertilisation is monitored over several days. Embryologists use advanced technology to observe and support development. **Step 8: Embryo transfer** The selected embryo is transferred into the uterus via a fine catheter (guided by ultrasound). The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes and does not typically require sedation. Mild cramping may occur. **Step 9: The two-week wait** Following transfer, the patient takes progesterone to support the uterine lining. Results are checked approximately 12–14 days after transfer. **Step 10: Pregnancy test and scan** An at-home pregnancy test is taken around two weeks post-transfer. A positive result is followed by a clinic ultrasound to confirm a heartbeat. If the result is negative, support is available and a follow-up appointment is arranged to discuss next steps. ## Treatment Packages Care Fertility offers four IVF treatment packages: - **Care Value** — Affordable, covers all essentials - **Care Classic** — Personalised IVF with optional enhancements - **Care Enhanced** — Advanced technology and flexibility for complex needs - **Care Advanced** — Most comprehensive, with the latest techniques All packages include expert guidance, counselling, and embryology technology access. More info: https://carefertility.com/costs/how-do-i-pay/treatment-packages ## IVF with Donor Eggs Care Fertility operates one of the leading egg donation programmes in Europe. Donor egg IVF is available to: - Same-sex male couples - People with age-related reduced egg quality - People with early menopause - Those with genetic conditions affecting fertility (e.g. Turner syndrome) ### Options: **Frozen egg donation** — Choose a donor via the Care Fertility online egg bank. Select a standard set of 6 eggs or a large set of 9. Eggs are thawed, fertilised with partner or donor sperm, cultured, and transferred at the patient's convenience. - On average, 85% of frozen donor eggs survive thawing and are suitable for fertilisation - Around 70% of thawed eggs successfully fertilise **Fresh egg donation** — Care Fertility matches the patient to a suitable donor. Cycles are synchronised, eggs collected and fertilised on the same day, then cultured and transferred. - Approximately 75–80% of eggs collected in a fresh cycle are suitable for fertilisation ### Egg donor information: Donors are matched based on physical characteristics (hair, eye colour, height, weight, build, complexion). Donors provide a personal description, a goodwill message to any future children, and non-identifying information to aid selection. All donors are HFEA-registered. ### Benefits of frozen over fresh egg donation: - More flexible timing (no synchronisation with donor's cycle) - Reduced stress and anxiety - Competitively priced - No risk of last-minute cycle cancellation due to donor stimulation issues - Potentially quicker access to treatment ## IVF with Donor Embryos An option for patients who have had unsuccessful treatment using their own eggs and sperm, or who carry a serious heritable condition. Embryos are donated by couples who have completed IVF and wish their remaining frozen embryos to help another family. Matching is based on physical characteristics where possible. Contact the Care Fertility Donor team for more information. ## IVF with Donor Sperm Available to: - Same-sex female couples - Single women - Couples with male fertility problems ### Choosing a donor: Patients may use Care Fertility's own sperm bank or a partner sperm bank. All donors are HFEA-registered and screened for: - Good sperm counts - Age 18–45, good general health - No personal or family history of heritable conditions - No sexually transmitted infections Donors provide a pen portrait, goodwill message, and non-identifying personal information to aid the selection process. ### Treatment options with donor sperm: - **IUI (donor insemination)** — Sperm is inserted into the uterus at ovulation. A simpler, low-intervention first step where no female fertility issues are present. - **IVF with donor sperm** — Eggs are stimulated, collected, fertilised with donor sperm in the lab, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the womb. Recommended where female fertility issues are present or IUI has been unsuccessful. --- # Page: Heterosexual Couples — Where to Start > Source: https://carefertility.com/where-to-start/hetero ## Overview 1 in 7 couples experience fertility difficulties. Care Fertility provides tailored support and treatment plans for heterosexual couples based on individual circumstances and test results. ## Getting Started Recommended first steps: - Attend a free virtual fertility information event (https://carefertility.com/support/events) - Read patient stories and reviews (Trustpilot, Facebook, Google) - Explore the Care Fertility community forum - Research costs and funding options (including Access Fertility partnership programmes) - Contact the patient enquiry team: 0800 564 2270 ## Tests and Consultation ### Pre-Treatment Bundle — £575 (saving 42%) The recommended starting point for couples planning treatment within the next six months. **What's included:** - Pelvic ultrasound scan with antral follicle count (AFC) - AMH blood test - Semen analysis - Blood tests: FBC, HbA1c, Vitamin D, TSH - 45-minute consultation with a fertility doctor More info: https://carefertility.com/pre-treatment-bundle ### Key Tests Explained **Pelvic ultrasound** — Internal scan assessing the womb and ovaries, identifying potential issues such as fibroids that may need treatment before IVF. **Semen analysis** — Assesses: - Ejaculate volume - Sperm concentration (count) - Sperm motility (movement) - Sperm morphology (shape, size, appearance) - Presence of white or red blood cells Abstinence of 2–3 days is required before the test. **AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)** — Blood test indicating ovarian reserve; helps predict response to IVF stimulation. **Full Blood Count (FBC)** — Detects anaemia and assesses overall blood health; checks for infections and platelet levels. **Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)** — Checks thyroid function; important for hormone balance and fertility. **HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin)** — Screens for blood sugar issues (diabetes, pre-diabetes) that can affect fertility and pregnancy success, and increase miscarriage risk. **Vitamin D** — Checked as part of the pre-treatment bundle to support treatment success and healthy pregnancy. ### Consultation At the consultation, the fertility doctor: - Reviews the patient's medical questionnaire and history - Explains ultrasound and semen analysis results - Discusses personalised treatment options and answers questions - Arranges any further tests needed - Provides written information and cost estimates for treatment options via the Salve app ## Treatment Options for Heterosexual Couples - [IVF](https://carefertility.com/treatments/ivf) - [IUI](https://carefertility.com/treatments/iui) - [ICSI](https://carefertility.com/treatments/icsi) - [Surrogacy](https://carefertility.com/treatments/surrogacy) --- # Page: Same-Sex Female Couples — Where to Start > Source: https://carefertility.com/where-to-start/same-sex-females ## Overview Care Fertility provides inclusive, expert-led fertility care for lesbian couples, queer women, and non-binary people assigned female at birth. The clinic has supported thousands of LGBTQ+ families across the UK and builds inclusive care into its standard services — not as an add-on. ## Why Choose Care Fertility? - Inclusive care tailored to each couple's story - Treatment options for both partners (including Shared Motherhood / reciprocal IVF) - Fully screened, HFEA-approved sperm donor programme with expert matching support - Experienced medical teams with a track record supporting LGBTQ+ families - Support available from the first enquiry through to the pregnancy test ## Treatment Options ### Shared Motherhood (Reciprocal IVF) One partner provides the eggs; the other carries the baby. Both partners are physically involved in the pregnancy. This is the most popular treatment choice for same-sex female couples. More info: https://carefertility.com/treatments/shared-motherhood ### IUI with Donor Sperm Donor sperm is inserted into the womb around ovulation. A simple, low-intervention first step recommended where no fertility concerns have been identified. More info: https://carefertility.com/treatments/iui ### IVF with Donor Sperm IVF is recommended if IUI has not been successful or a fertility issue has been identified. Involves fertilising an egg with donor sperm in the lab and transferring an embryo into the womb. More info: https://carefertility.com/treatments/ivf ### Egg Donation Where donor eggs are needed (e.g. reduced ovarian reserve or other conditions), Care Fertility provides access to fully screened, HFEA-approved egg donors. More info: https://carefertility.com/donation/egg-donation ## Frequently Asked Questions **Can lesbian couples both be involved in the pregnancy?** Yes. Reciprocal IVF (Shared Motherhood) allows one partner to provide the eggs while the other carries the pregnancy. Both partners can take an active physical role. **What fertility options are available for LGBTQ+ couples?** Care Fertility offers: - IUI with donor sperm - IVF with donor sperm or donor eggs - Reciprocal IVF (Shared Motherhood) for same-sex female couples - Surrogacy for same-sex male couples or those who need it - Fertility preservation (egg and sperm freezing) Each pathway is tailored to the individual's needs. **How does reciprocal IVF work?** One partner undergoes hormone treatment and egg collection. Those eggs are fertilised with donor sperm in the lab. The resulting embryo is transferred to and carried by the other partner. A licensed, HFEA-approved sperm donor is chosen through Care Fertility's donor programme. **What is the best treatment for lesbian couples?** There is no universal answer — it depends on fertility health, age, and preferences. Many couples start with IUI as it is simple and non-invasive; others choose IVF or reciprocal IVF for higher involvement or improved success rates. The Pre-Treatment Bundle (£575, saving 42%) is recommended as the first step to assess options. **Is Care Fertility LGBTQ+ friendly?** Yes. Care Fertility is LGBTQ+ inclusive as a core part of how it operates, not just during Pride. Patients are treated with respect and without judgement, and the care provided reflects who they are. ## Starting Point Recommended first step for same-sex female couples: Pre-Treatment Bundle at £575. More info: https://carefertility.com/pre-treatment-bundle Contact: 0800 564 2270 | https://carefertility.com/contact