Treatment Spotlight:

• One partner’s egg is fertilised with donor sperm and transferred into the other partner’s uterus.
• It’s commonly chosen by same-sex female couples or couples where both partners have a uterus.
• The process involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, and embryo transfer.
• The average advertised price for reciprocal IVF in the UK is £5,945, excluding medication and donor sperm (according to our latest figures).
• Success rates depend mostly on the age and fertility health of the partner that provided the egg.

Reciprocal IVF is a fertility treatment that allows two people with ovaries to share the process of creating a baby — with one partner providing the egg and the other carrying the pregnancy. It’s sometimes called shared motherhood, Co-IVF, or partner IVF. The process is designed to involve both individuals physically in the journey to parenthood, but in distinct, complementary roles. [1]

How does it work?

First, the partner providing the egg undergoes a series of hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries and encourage the growth of multiple follicles. Once the follicles are mature, the eggs are collected through a minor surgical procedure known as egg retrieval. This involves using a thin needle, guided by ultrasound, to gently remove the eggs from the ovaries.

The collected eggs are then fertilised with donor sperm in a laboratory to create embryos. The embryos are carefully monitored for a few days to assess their development and quality. Once a viable embryo is ready, it is transferred into the uterus of the partner who will carry the pregnancy.

This process differs from traditional IVF because the roles are shared between two people rather than one. Instead of one person going through both egg retrieval and embryo transfer, reciprocal IVF allows both partners to take part — one as the egg provider, the other as the birth parent.

For many couples, this approach offers a meaningful way to share the experience of creating and carrying their baby. It’s often chosen by partners who both have a uterus and want to actively participate in building their family in a way that reflects their connection.

Using a sperm donor

Choosing a sperm donor is a significant part of the reciprocal IVF process. You’ll need to decide whether to use a known donor (like a friend or acquaintance) or an anonymous donor (usually sourced from a licensed sperm bank). Both options come with their own set of considerations, so it’s important to understand the differences before making your choice.

Known sperm donor

A known donor is someone you know personally — often a friend, relative, or someone within your community. This option can feel more personal and allow for a degree of involvement from the donor, but it’s essential to clearly establish boundaries and legal rights upfront.

Things to consider when using a known sperm donor for reciprocal IVF:

• Legal agreements: Even if the donor is someone you trust, it’s vital to formalise the arrangement legally. Without a written agreement, the donor might later seek parental rights or involvement.
• Genetic connection: Some couples prefer a known donor because it allows the child to have a sense of their biological heritage from the start.
• Emotional dynamics: Consider how the donor’s role will fit into your family structure, and whether their involvement will change over time.

Anonymous sperm donor

An anonymous donor is someone who has donated sperm through a licensed fertility clinic or sperm bank. In the UK, donors are not legally recognised as the child’s parent and do not have any rights or responsibilities.

Things to consider when using an anonymous sperm donor for reciprocal IVF:

• Screening and safety: Licensed clinics conduct thorough health and genetic screenings, reducing the risk of inherited conditions or infections.
• Anonymity and contact: Donors remain anonymous at the time of conception, but children born from donations made after 2005 have the right to access identifying information about the donor once they turn 18. [2]
• Emotional preparation: Consider how you will discuss the use of an anonymous donor with your child as they grow up. Fertility counselling can help with preparing for these conversations.

“… it was [my partner’s] egg… but my blood flowed through her.” — Audrey, genetic mother of reciprocal IVF [3]

Reciprocal IVF is an option for couples or partners in the UK where both people have a uterus and at least one produces eggs. It’s chosen for many reasons — emotional, physical, personal — and there’s no one-size-fits-all story. What matters most is informed choice and access to care that reflects who you are.

You might consider reciprocal IVF if:

• You’re in a same-sex female couple and want to share the experience of creating and carrying your baby
• One or both of you are non-binary and assigned female at birth, and want to be physically involved in the process
• You’re a trans man with ovaries and/or a uterus, and are exploring your options for family building with a partner
• You and your partner both have wombs and are looking for a fertility path where each of you has a distinct role

To be eligible, both people will need to undergo medical screening and fertility testing. Clinics will assess things like hormone levels, reproductive health, and BMI — particularly for the partner providing the eggs. Legal consent is also required for both parties before treatment begins, ensuring shared parental rights from the start.

Yes — reciprocal IVF is fully legal in the UK, and it’s a recognised and regulated form of fertility treatment. Clinics offering it must be licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the independent body that oversees fertility care and ensures it meets ethical and medical standards.

Before treatment begins, both partners need to give written consent to the process and to being the legal parents of the child. These consent forms are essential to establish parental rights from the outset.

According to the HFEA: “The person who gives birth to the child will always be the child’s legal mother (and their legal parent) when the child is born.” [4]

If the birth parent is married or in a civil partnership, their partner will automatically be recognised as the other legal parent at birth. If not, both partners must consent before treatment for both to be legally recognised.

When reciprocal IVF is done through a licensed clinic with the proper paperwork in place, both partners are recognised as legal parents at birth — with both names listed on the child’s birth certificate. There’s no need for further legal steps like adoption. It’s all designed to be clear, secure, and supportive of modern family structures.

To ensure everything is managed correctly, it’s a good idea to discuss your specific situation with your clinic. They can guide you through the necessary legal steps and paperwork to make sure your rights are secure.

Selecting the right clinic is an important part of starting reciprocal IVF. While many fertility clinics in the UK do offer this treatment, it’s not always listed on their website — which can make it harder to identify the right place to begin. If you don’t see reciprocal IVF named on a clinic’s treatment list, it’s still worth calling directly or checking independent reviews to find out more.

When exploring your options, you may want to consider:

• Experience with LGBTQIA+ family building: Does the clinic have a track record of working with people pursuing reciprocal IVF or similar treatments?
• Transparency around pricing: Are the costs clearly outlined, including medication, donor sperm, and additional services?
• Communication and care: Do you feel respected, informed, and involved in each stage of the process?
• Accessibility and location: Will appointments and procedures be manageable for both partners?

At Fertility Mapper, we’re here to make this part clearer. Our platform allows you to explore verified reviews from others who’ve undergone treatment — including reciprocal IVF — so you can get a real sense of what to expect.

Step 1: Choose a clinic

Not all fertility clinics offer reciprocal IVF, so it’s important to find one that does. Clinics with experience in LGBTQIA+ family building can provide more tailored care. Use the Fertility Mapper’s clinic match to explore your options and read reviews from others who’ve chosen this path.

Step 2: Confirm eligibility

Reciprocal IVF isn’t available to everyone. Clinics usually assess:

• Age and fertility health of both partners
• Body Mass Index (BMI), which may need to be within a specific range
• Health conditions that could impact egg quality or pregnancy
• Legal requirements, such as signing consent forms to establish parental rights
• Donor sperm – whether using a known or anonymous donor

Step 3: Fertility consultations and initial testing

Time: 2–4 weeks

Location: Clinic

Both partners will begin with fertility testing and consultations to assess reproductive health and identify the most suitable protocol for treatment. These tests are also essential for legal and medical approval to proceed.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests to measure hormone levels (like AMH and FSH) to assess ovarian reserve
• Pelvic ultrasound (Antral Follicle Count) to count developing follicles (where the eggs grow)
• General health screenings, including blood-borne virus tests (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B/C)
• Cervical swabs and STI checks for the partner who will carry the pregnancy
• Semen analysis, if using a known sperm donor

You’ll also meet with a doctor to go over your results and create a treatment plan. At this point, both partners must sign HFEA consent forms to confirm their legal roles in the process and establish parenthood rights from the start.

Some clinics may also track one or both partners’ natural cycles to determine the best timing for treatment, which can extend this phase slightly.

Step 4: Ovarian stimulation and monitoring

Time: 10–14 days (within one cycle)

Location: Mostly at home, with clinic visits

The egg-providing partner will take hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries and encourage the growth of multiple follicles. Follicles are small sacs that develop on the ovaries and contain the eggs. The aim is to safely mature several follicles, increasing the number of eggs that can be retrieved.

During this phase, the clinic will monitor follicle development through blood tests to check hormone levels, and ultrasound scans to measure follicle size (as eggs are too small to be seen directly)

Some clinics may recommend down-regulation beforehand — temporarily pausing the natural cycle with medication to better control stimulation. This can add a few weeks to the timeline.

Step 5: Trigger shot and egg retrieval

Time: Approx. 36 hours from trigger to retrieval

Location: Home (trigger), Clinic (retrieval)

When the follicles reach the ideal size, you’ll be instructed to take a “trigger shot” — an injection that prompts final egg maturation. Timing is key here: egg collection is scheduled exactly 36 hours later.

Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure performed under light sedation. It usually takes 15–30 minutes and is done transvaginally. The same day, donor sperm (either from a sperm bank or a known donor) is thawed or collected and prepared for fertilisation in the lab.

Step 6: Fertilisation, embryo development, and uterus preparation

Time: 3–5 days

Location: Clinic and home

The retrieved eggs are fertilised in the lab with the donor sperm. The resulting embryos are cultured over several days, during which embryologists monitor development and grade their quality.

While this is happening, the partner who will carry the pregnancy begins medication (usually progesterone, taken orally, vaginally, or via injection) to prepare the uterine lining for embryo implantation.

Depending on your treatment plan, you may have a fresh embryo transfer (within the same cycle), or your embryos may be frozen and transferred later once the uterus is optimally prepared.

Step 7: Embryo transfer

Time: 15–20 minutes

Location: Clinic

If your clinic and doctor recommend a fresh transfer, the embryo is placed into the uterus a few days after fertilisation. This is a quick and usually painless procedure, done without sedation. A thin catheter is used to gently guide the embryo through the cervix into the uterus.

For frozen transfers, the process is the same — just in a future cycle. This gives more time for the carrying partner’s body to be fully ready, and can sometimes increase success rates.

Step 8: The two-week wait

Time: Around 9–14 days

Location: Home

After the transfer, it’s a waiting game. You’ll continue taking progesterone to support implantation, and your clinic will let you know when to take a pregnancy test — usually 10–14 days later.

This part of the process can be emotionally intense. Some clinics offer early blood tests or additional scans if needed, but others recommend waiting until the official test date. Support (emotional and clinical) is available — and encouraged — during this time.

“I was really anxious about the injections, but after being advised to use an ice pack before jabbing — it really didn’t hurt at all!” — Emily Patrick, genetic and gestational mother of reciprocal IVF, TwoMumsTwoBuns

Typical timeline: 6-12 weeks

Reciprocal IVF can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks from your first consultation to embryo transfer, depending on your clinic’s approach, how your body responds to treatment, and whether you’re doing a fresh or frozen transfer. That said, the full process — including initial testing, counselling, legal consents, and recovery time — often spans a few months from start to finish.

Some people move through treatment in a single cycle, while others take it slower, especially if syncing cycles, freezing embryos, or addressing any health concerns first. Clinics will build a timeline around your specific needs, and your plan might shift along the way — which is completely normal. What matters most is that you feel informed, prepared, and supported at every stage.

In the UK, reciprocal IVF typically costs an average of £5,945 per cycle, according to data from our True Cost of Fertility Report, though the final price depends on your clinic, location, and the specific services included in your treatment package, ranging from £4,300 to £9,150). Some clinics offer bundled pricing, while others break each stage down — so it’s worth asking for a full cost breakdown upfront.

What’s often not included in the base fee?

• Fertility assessment (”Fertility MOT”), which, for same-sex female couples, needs to be carried out for both partners, and costs an average of £858
• Donor sperm, which usually comes from a registered sperm bank and can cost anywhere from £800 to £1,500 per vial, with an average of £1,230, from our data
• Medication for ovarian stimulation and uterine preparation, which can add approximately £1,500, depending on your protocol
• Embryo freezing and storage, if you’re not transferring straight away or want to keep extra embryos for future use, which can vary, depending on how long they’re stored
• Blood tests and genetic screening, which may be needed before treatment
• Counselling sessions, which are a legal requirement but not always covered in clinic packages

Some couples also explore payment plans, insurance options (if applicable), or NHS funding where eligible. Whatever your path, knowing what to expect financially can help you make empowered, informed choices.

Yes, reciprocal IVF is usually more expensive than traditional IVF or IUI, and here’s why.

While a standard IVF cycle involves one person undergoing treatment, reciprocal IVF involves both partners — one to provide the egg, and the other to carry the pregnancy. This means double the screenings, additional legal consents, and often two sets of medication protocols. On top of that, donor sperm is required, which comes at an extra cost.

Compared to IUI, which is less invasive and often under £2,000 per cycle, reciprocal IVF is a much more involved (and expensive) process. Even when compared to conventional IVF, the added layers of care and coordination mean reciprocal IVF can cost more overall — but for many, the shared experience is worth every step.

There’s no right or wrong way to decide — just what feels right for you, your bodies, and your future family. For many couples, choosing who provides the egg and who carries is a personal, emotional, and sometimes medical decision.

Here are some questions to help guide the conversation:

• Who is older, and how might age impact egg quality or pregnancy outcomes?
• Have either of you had previous reproductive health conditions or surgeries?
• What do your fertility test results show (like AMH levels or uterine health)?
• How do you both feel about pregnancy and the physical/emotional experience of carrying a child?
• Are there any medications, medical needs, or lifestyle factors to consider?

Often, the decision becomes clearer after your fertility assessments. In some cases, you may go in with one plan and end up switching roles based on the results — and that’s completely valid. What matters most is open communication between you, and a clinic that involves you equally in the decision-making process.

“We were trying to get the best chance, so we went for the egg that had the highest probability of success. That seemed to be mine. On reflection, that was probably a good idea, because [partner] suffers from endometriosis, which was later discovered, and would have made conceiving through IUI almost impossible. And I guess there wasn't a need to use a donor egg because my egg was good enough.” — Robyn, genetic mother of reciprocal IVF [5]

It’s not really possible to look at the data of how well reciprocal IVF works as a type of IVF, as there are fewer reciprocal IVF procedures carried out than there are “conventional” IVF procedures — primarily owing to the fact that the majority of people in the UK identify as heterosexual, according to recent figures. [6]

But we can look at the success rates of IVF as a whole to help determine the odds of reciprocal IVF working. The chances of success with reciprocal IVF depend mostly on the age and fertility health of the person providing the eggs. In the UK, data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) shows that for people under 35, the average success rate for IVF using their own eggs is around 42% per embryo transfer. This drops to about 34% for ages 35–37, and continues to decline with age. [7]

So, if the egg provider is in their early 30s or younger, the odds are generally higher — but everyone’s fertility story is different. Factors like egg quality, embryo development, and uterine health all play a role, and outcomes can vary even between cycles.

The number of reciprocal IVF cycles needed to achieve a successful pregnancy can vary significantly from person to person. It’s not uncommon for people to go through more than one cycle before having a baby.

According to the HFEA, most people who achieve a successful pregnancy through IVF do so within 3 cycles. However, this can vary widely, and some couples may need more attempts. Having realistic expectations and planning for multiple cycles can help you feel more prepared. [8]

Several factors can affect how many cycles you might need:

• Age of the egg provider: Success rates are generally higher for those under 35, with live birth rates around 42% per embryo transfer. This drops to around 34% for ages 35-37, 26% for ages 38-39, and 16% for ages 40-42, with just 9% for those aged 43-44.
• Quality of embryos: Not all embryos develop in the way needed for a successful transfer. Sometimes multiple cycles are needed to create a viable embryo.
• Uterine health of the carrying partner: If implantation issues occur, it may take several attempts to find the right conditions for success.
• Underlying fertility factors: Conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can impact success rates.
• Clinic success rates: Some clinics have higher success rates due to their protocols or lab practices, so choosing the right clinic can make a difference.

Reciprocal IVF can be a beautiful way to build a family — but like any fertility treatment, it comes with its own set of risks and realities. Being aware of these is part of making an informed, empowered decision.

Medical considerations

Reciprocal IVF involves medical procedures and hormone treatments that can have side effects and potential complications for both partners.

Egg provider risks:

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Rare but serious condition where ovaries swell and fluid builds up in the abdomen. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Medical attention is required.
• Hormonal side effects: Bloating, mood swings, headaches, and abdominal discomfort.
• Surgical risks from egg retrieval: Bleeding, infection, or injury during the procedure. Typically minor and managed with medical support. [9]
• Egg quality issues: Not every cycle will produce viable embryos, which can be emotionally challenging.

Carrying partner risks:

• Medication side effects: Hormones like progesterone can cause mood changes, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort.
• Pregnancy complications: There is a risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or implantation failure, even with healthy embryos.
• Multiple pregnancies: Transferring more than one embryo can increase the chance of twins or triplets, which carries higher health risks for both the parent and babies.
• Procedure discomfort: Mild cramping or spotting after embryo transfer.

While these medical risks are relatively rare, it’s crucial to discuss them with your clinic and ensure you’re fully informed. Regular monitoring during treatment helps manage and reduce these risks.

Emotional considerations

The emotional aspects of reciprocal IVF are often underestimated, but they are a significant part of the process.

• Decision challenges: Choosing who provides the egg and who carries the baby can feel emotionally complex. Personal preferences and medical factors may influence the decision, leading to mixed feelings.
• Emotional shifts: Both partners may experience a mix of excitement, anxiety, hope, and uncertainty. Emotional reactions can vary depending on treatment outcomes and personal expectations.
• Attachment concerns: The non-genetic parent may worry about feeling less connected to the baby. This can be heightened if the baby resembles the genetic parent more.
• Pressure and disappointment: Unsuccessful cycles can lead to feelings of guilt, frustration, or inadequacy. Repeated attempts may increase emotional strain on the relationship.
• Societal perceptions: Navigating public assumptions about family roles can be challenging. Some non-carrying parents worry about how others perceive their parental role.

Fertility counselling can be incredibly valuable at this stage, providing a safe space to explore and navigate these emotions.

Legal risks

Reciprocal IVF is legal in the UK, but it’s crucial to clearly understand the legal implications before starting treatment.

Parental rights:

• The person who gives birth is automatically the legal mother in the UK, regardless of who provided the egg. [10]
• If the birth parent is married or in a civil partnership, their partner automatically gains legal parenthood.
• If not married or in a civil partnership, the non-birth parent does not automatically have parental rights.
• Both partners must sign HFEA consent forms before treatment to secure legal parenthood for the non-birth parent.
• Missing or incorrectly completing these forms can result in legal complications after the baby is born.

Gender identity considerations:

• Regardless of gender identity, the person who gives birth is legally recorded as the “mother” on the birth certificate.
• This applies even if the birth parent is a trans man or non-binary person.
• While this may feel emotionally complex, it’s important to be prepared for these administrative realities.

Sperm donor legalities:

• A donor from a licensed clinic has no parental rights.
• If using a known donor, agreements made outside a clinic may not hold up legally.
• Clear, written agreements are essential to prevent disputes later.

Seeking legal advice from a fertility lawyer before beginning reciprocal IVF is recommended to ensure all consent forms are properly completed and filed, safeguarding parental rights from the start.

Sperm donor risks

If a sperm donor is involved in the process — whether known or anonymous — there are additional considerations to keep in mind.

• Genetic uncertainty: Even with thorough screening, there’s still a small chance that genetic conditions may not be detected, potentially impacting the health of the baby.
• Donor anonymity: While anonymous donors typically do not have parental rights, changes in laws or attitudes over time may affect anonymity status. In the UK, children born through donation after 2005 can access identifying information about the donor at age 18. [11]
• Donor identity and contact: If using a known donor, the dynamics can change over time, especially if the donor later wants more involvement. Having a clear, legally binding agreement before conception is crucial to set expectations and responsibilities.
• Donor withdrawal: In rare cases, a known donor might change their mind about participating before the IVF cycle starts, leaving the couple to find an alternative at short notice.
• Health updates: Donors are typically screened at the time of donation, but if using stored sperm, there’s no guarantee that the donor’s health remains unchanged. New medical conditions or genetic discoveries could arise after donation.
• Donor legalities: In some rare cases, especially when informal agreements are made without legal support, donors may later seek parental rights, which can lead to complex legal disputes.
• Siblings: Some donors may have donated to multiple families, which can raise questions about potential half-siblings in the future. This can be emotionally and legally complex, particularly if the child wishes to know more about their genetic background.
• Donor rights abroad: If the donor is from another country, legal rights might vary. It’s important to understand how international donor regulations may affect your family in the future, especially if travelling or moving abroad.

For those using an anonymous donor, it’s essential to consider how you will discuss biological origins with your child in the future. Early and open communication, guided by counselling, can help families prepare for these conversations as their child grows.

Reciprocal IVF can sometimes be funded by the NHS — but access varies significantly depending on where you live. In the UK, fertility treatment funding is managed by local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), which means each region has its own set of criteria.

Currently, NHS funding specifically for reciprocal IVF is not clearly outlined in most policies. In practice, many ICBs do not explicitly cover reciprocal IVF as a separate treatment, which can make it hard to navigate eligibility.

However, same-sex female couples seeking IVF through the NHS are usually required to demonstrate infertility first. This typically involves attempting conception through donor insemination (IUI) — often up to six unsuccessful cycles — before being considered eligible for NHS-funded IVF using donor sperm.

If reciprocal IVF is your goal, it’s crucial to check your local ICB’s fertility policy directly, as some areas may offer more flexibility or interpret the guidelines differently. In most cases, couples end up self-funding reciprocal IVF even if they are eligible for standard IVF through the NHS.

If NHS funding isn’t an option in your area, some clinics provide payment plans or packages to help make reciprocal IVF more accessible.

“It's… her bun in my oven, so we have been very open about it… it's important for people to know that the other person has had a role to play in creating the baby and actually in some ways a bigger role than the person who visibly looks pregnant.” — Meryl, gestational mother of reciprocal IVF [12]

Reciprocal IVF is just one of the many powerful, personal ways to build a family — and for those who choose it, it offers a uniquely shared experience that reflects love, connection, and intention. It’s not always simple, but it is deeply meaningful, and it’s absolutely valid to explore it at your own pace, with the right information and support by your side.

At Fertility Mapper, we’re here to help you feel informed, seen, and confident in whatever next step you take. Whether you’re ready to book a consultation, compare real clinic reviews, or hear from others who’ve been through it too — this is a space built for you.

Can two women’s eggs make a baby?

Right now, it’s not medically possible for two eggs to be combined to create a baby. For fertilisation to occur, one cell needs to act as the egg and the other as the sperm, and current technology doesn’t allow us to create sperm from an egg cell.

There is ongoing research into techniques like stem cell reprogramming and creating “synthetic” sperm or eggs, which could one day open the door to shared genetic embryos between two egg providers. But for now, these methods remain experimental and aren’t available in clinics. [13]

That said, reciprocal IVF offers a meaningful way for two people with eggs and wombs to both be physically involved in the process — with one providing the egg, and the other carrying the pregnancy. It may not involve shared DNA, but it can still be an incredibly shared beginning.

Can both partners carry the baby?

Yes — just not at the same time. In reciprocal IVF, it’s entirely possible for both partners to carry a baby at different points, either in future pregnancies or through multiple embryo transfers. Some couples choose to alternate roles in separate cycles, so one partner carries the first child and the other carries the next, using embryos created from the same egg provider (or switching roles if both are eligible).

Do reciprocal IVF babies look like both parents?

In reciprocal IVF, only one partner passes on their DNA — the one who provides the egg. So genetically, the baby will carry traits from that person and the sperm donor. But biology is only part of the story.

The partner who carries the pregnancy also plays a vital role in shaping the baby’s development. Through a process called epigenetics, the environment in the womb can influence how certain genes are expressed. This means the birth parent’s body has a direct impact on everything from growth to health — a kind of biological connection that goes beyond genetics. [14]

Can you have twins with reciprocal IVF?

Yes, twins can happen with reciprocal IVF — but it depends on how many embryos are transferred during treatment. If two embryos are transferred and both implant, a twin pregnancy can occur. That said, most UK clinics now follow HFEA and NHS guidance, which recommends single embryo transfer for most people, especially in the first cycle. [15]

Can you do a fresh transfer with reciprocal IVF?

Yes, a fresh embryo transfer is sometimes possible with reciprocal IVF — but it depends on timing. A fresh transfer means the embryo is placed into the uterus just a few days after fertilisation, within the same cycle as egg retrieval. For this to happen in reciprocal IVF, both partners’ cycles need to be closely aligned, and the partner carrying the pregnancy must be ready to receive the embryo at exactly the right time.

That level of coordination can be tricky, which is why many clinics recommend a frozen embryo transfer instead. This gives more control over timing, allows the carrying partner’s body to recover fully from any hormone medication, and may even improve outcomes in some cases.

Frozen transfers also offer flexibility — your embryos are safely stored until your body (and life) are ready. So while a fresh transfer might sound more immediate, it’s not always the most practical or effective route. Your clinic will talk you through what’s possible based on your shared treatment plan.

IVF is one of the most popular and effective forms of assisted reproductive treatment. It's allowed many people to become parents who might not have been able to otherwise.

But it's also important to remember that IVF doesn't work for everyone, and that factors like our age can significantly affect the outcome. There are risks involved, and IVF isn't easy, either, for many people to access. From the NHS Postcode Lottery to the high costs of private treatment, it pays to do your research - and that's what Fertility Mapper is here to help you with.