The Fertility Treatment Patient Journey
The patient journey for infertility patients is anything but straightforward. Here, we’ve aimed to break down the pathway so that you can better know what to expect
Scan and blood test for baseline assessment
When: Scheduled between Day 1 and 3 of the preparatory month of IVF treatment.
All patients need an assessment of the ovarian reserves before starting IVF treatment. This involves a blood test (AMH and FSH) and ultrasound scan (antral follicle count or AFC). If you have had these recently, then we will not repeat these tests unless indicated.
Co-ordination Appointment
When: Before starting IVF treatment. Scheduled between day 8 and 12 of the preparatory month of IVF treatment.
Patients usually attend the Co-ordination Appointment before starting treatment. This includes doing specific preparatory tests such as the trial embryo transfer, taking you through the treatment protocol, teaching you how to do IVF injections or fertility drugs and completing the treatment specific consent forms.
Downregulation Scan and Blood Test
The first step of IVF treatment is to downregulate the ovaries. You will require an ultrasound scan and blood test to confirm this has been achieved.
Monitoring Scan and/or Blood Tests
When: As advised at Day 6 of stimulation drugs. More appointments may be required for some patients.
Once you are downregulated, you will start the stimulation injections or fertility drugs. It is important that you are carefully monitored. You will visit the clinic for around 3-4 ultrasound scans and/or blood test appointments. The exact number of these appointments depends on each individual patient’s medical history and response to fertility drugs.
Egg Collection
When: Once your follicles have grown to the size at which the eggs are considered mature, your London IVF and Genetics Centre consultant will do the egg collection under sedation at CARE London.
This is a minor day surgical procedure. Your partner will accompany you and produce a semen sample.
Embryo Transfer
When: Between day 2 and day 6 after egg collection
The eggs are inseminated and the embryos are carefully monitored. The best embryos will be transferred by your London IVF and Genetics Centre consultant at CARE London.
The eggs are inseminated and the embryos are carefully cultured or incubated. This appointment will involve the replacement of the best embryos between day 2 to day 5 (Blastocyst).
Pregnancy Scan
If the treatment is successful and you are pregnant, then an early pregnancy scan will be arranged. In some patients where the treatment has unfortunately not been successful, they will be offered a free review or follow-up appointment.
