Top Questions to Ask Before Choosing an IVF Clinic

IVF clinic selection is not an exercise of comparing costs or taking what is nearest. It is about the confidence to rely on a team to raise your family. With fertility treatments, a little bit of knowledge can go a long way and spare you time, money and emotional heartache.

At Maaeri, we are convinced that educated patients are empowered patients. Whether you are starting the journey of IVF or just thinking of what treatment you should go forward with, here are some of the top questions that should be asked by a first-time parent before you say yes to that IVF facility.

Question 1: What Is Your Success Rate — And Can I See It By Age Group?

The very first and important factor that couples consider is the success rates of the treatment provider. However, success rate is not the only factor on which a successful IVF depends. 

Request information that is stratified by:

• Age bracket (e.g. under35, 3537, 38-40, 40+)
• Kind of cycle (fresh, frozen, donor)
• It is not a positive pregnancy test, but a live birth rate

Maaeri Tip: The high success rates among younger women do not mean the same level of success among the older age groups. It is essential to request age-specific statistics.

Question 2: Is Your Clinic Registered With ICMR?

IVF Clinics in India are registered clinics by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This will guarantee that the clinic does not act unethically, provide due treatment to the patients, and possesses an approved structure and personnel.

Check the ICMR site or request to see the registration certificate.

Question 3: Will I Have a Dedicated Doctor Throughout The Process?

In fertility treatment, continuity of care is desired. 

You’ll want:

• A single touchpoint with good knowledge of your case
• Frequent rechecks and accessibility by your doctor at those times
• Certainty about the role played by each doctor in the procedures.

Question 4: What Types of IVF Treatments Do You Offer?

Depending on your fertility status, a standard IVF cycle might not be the only option. 

Question about:

• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
• PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing)
• Donor egg sperm programs
• Embryo transfers of frozen embryos
• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
• Surrogacy (where needed)

Ensure that the clinic has the infrastructure to provide the advanced procedures, should they be required, amenities, and most importantly, that their lab is up to date.

Question 5: What Does The Cost Include, And What Are The Extras?

A lot of patients are taken by surprise in terms of concealed costs. 

What to ask when you compare prices of clinics:

• IVF? What comes with this package?
• Do they cover medications, blood testing, scans, embryo freezing or ICSI?
• What will it cost to get a second cycle?

Maaeri Insight: An average IVF cycle in India is between 1.5 lakhs and 2.5 lakhs. Add-ons and medicine may be another 80,000 to 120,000. You should always ask for a line-item cost sheet.

Question 6: What Support Do You Provide Beyond Medical Treatment?

Infertility may be stressful to both the mind and emotions. 

A healthy clinic offers:

• Counselling sessions
• Nutritional and life counselling
• Peer programs or support groups

Emotional and nutritional support in the course of IVF improves your experience as well as your rates. It is not just a case file that is you; it is you as a whole person.

Question 7: How Good Is Your Embryology Lab?

The real story of every success of IVF lies with a great embryology team, along with a laboratory. 

Ask:

• Does the laboratory have air purification and temperature equipment?
• What methods assess embryos (e.g., time-lapse imaging)?
• How many fertilisations form a blastocyst?

Lab infrastructure influences the quality of eggs, sperm, and embryos. There are no hesitations to ask about the experience of the team and the success rates of the lab.

Question 8: Can I Speak To A Past Patient Or Read Verified Reviews?

There is nothing more comforting than hearing the voice of someone who has travelled the same road. 

Ask:

• May I talk to an ex-patient?
• Do you show actual patient testimonials?
• Is there an independent review?

Internet reviews are fine, but testimonials provide unbeatable information on what you can anticipate in terms of your emotions and reality.

Question 9: How Many Embryos Do You Typically Transfer?

Implantation of more than one embryo might boost pregnancy probabilities, yet the possibility of twins or triplets which are not without problems. 

An ethical clinic will:

• Act in compliance with evidence-based guidelines
• When necessary, recommend SET (single embryo transfer)
• Talk about the dangers of multiple pregnancies

A clinic which shoves quantity over quality does not necessarily have your best health in mind.

Question 10: What Happens If The Cycle Fails?

The truth of the matter is that IVF is not always a success the first time around. 

It is therefore imperative to pose the question:

• Will there be a follow-up consultation to know what has been done wrong?
• Will I be provided a modified plan of treatment?
• What is the second attempt protocol at the clinic for frozen embryo transfers?

A kind clinic equips you against wins and losses.

Final Thoughts

It is okay to ask questions, because this is your experience, your body and your future family. Your concerns will never be dismissed or rushed by the right IVF clinic.

Spend some time. Compare clinics. Please write down the questions and carry them to your consultation. You should prefer the clinic where you feel secure, where you know what is happening, and where you can have some hope.