It is so important to choose the right clinic and, where possible, imperative to know that it is a clinic that is registered with your country’s IVF regulatory body
The UK and US have these with HFEA and SART, however other countries do not have the same governance.
For instance, fertility treatment in Europe is governed by the standards set out in the EU Tissues and Cells Directive
Although this establishes set standards for quality and safety that should be met in all EU infertility clinics, not all countries within the EU have accepted or implemented these standards. For this reason, do not assume your chosen clinic will follow these rules without making further checks.
ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology), the primary European body for infertility clinics, held a study in 2010 and found then that a third of countries across the world had unregulated fertility clinics.
The impact of going to the wrong clinic could be costly financially and emotionally
It is essential to ensure you have researched any clinic you are considering.
The first query to be made should be written evidence of the clinics success of ‘live’ birth rates, this should be listed on their websites.
The second should be what pre treatment tests they will be carrying out before going ahead. If you have an underlying issue, this needs to be assessed and treated before embarking on IVF, why spend money unnecessarily when all along it couldn’t work because of an unresolved issue. There are a few clinics in the world who may not assess their patients correctly. So buyer beware.
Listed below are links to registered clinics near you for those living in the UK and US
The HFEA is the UK’s independent regulator of treatment using eggs and sperm, and of treatment and research involving human embryos. They set standards for, and issue licenses to fertility clinics. Dedicated to licensing and monitoring UK fertility clinics and all UK research involving human embryos, and providing impartial and authoritative information to the public.
SART is the USA’s primary organization of professionals dedicated to the practice of IVF, or assisted reproductive technology (ART). The organization represents the majority of the ART clinics in the country. The mission of SART is to establish and maintain standards for ART so that you receive the highest possible level of care. SART clinics meet the highest standards for quality, safety and patient care.
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