Fertility services explained: IVF, IUI, FET, ICSI and counselling

• Fertility treatment can be emotionally, socially, and legally complex.
• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) considers counselling an essential part of fertility services.
• Our partner clinics offer counselling before, during, and after treatment in a safe, supportive environment.

• Therapeutic counselling — helps clients explore feelings, coping strategies, treatment options, and relationship concerns throughout their fertility journey.
• Implications counselling — required when using donor sperm or eggs; focuses on the emotional and legal aspects of donor conception for both recipients and donors.
• Genetic counselling — sometimes advised depending on family or medical history; specialist genetic counsellors are available when needed.

• Counsellors are specifically trained in the challenges of assisted conception.
• Support is available at any stage — not only during active treatment cycles.
• Specialist clinicians, embryologists, and coordinating staff also provide guidance and reassurance.

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a fertility treatment in which eggs are fertilised with sperm in a specialist laboratory to create embryos. The embryos are cultured outside the body for a short period before one is transferred into the womb, giving it the opportunity to implant and grow into a pregnancy.

IVF can be suitable for a wide range of fertility challenges, including:

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
• Unexplained infertility.
• Cases where sperm parameters are within the normal range but conception has not occurred naturally.
• Age-related decline in fertility, or when other treatments have not been successful.

IUI is a fertility treatment in which prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus at the optimal time in the menstrual cycle. For IUI to be effective, at least one fallopian tube must be open and healthy.

IUI may be recommended for:

• Couples who have been trying to conceive for some time and wish to try a less invasive option before IVF.
• Couples experiencing difficulty with intercourse.
• Mild sperm issues, where sperm preparation helps select the healthiest sperm.
• Women with ovulation difficulties.

• Ultrasound scans identify the best time for insemination.
• Treatment may follow a natural cycle or use medication to support ovulation.

• The partner provides a fresh sample, or frozen donor sperm is thawed.
• The sample is processed in the laboratory to isolate the healthiest, most motile sperm.

• A speculum is gently inserted to view the cervix.
• A thin, soft catheter is passed through the cervix into the womb.
• Prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus.

• Medication may be prescribed to support the womb lining.
• A pregnancy test is taken approximately two weeks after the procedure.
• If positive, an early ultrasound scan is arranged to confirm the pregnancy is viable.
• If negative, medication is stopped and a period will start.

• Low-risk and minimally invasive.
• Less expensive than IVF.
• A sensible first step for many couples before considering more advanced treatment.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a fertility treatment for clients who already have embryos frozen from a previous IVF or ICSI cycle. This may be because:

• There were additional good-quality embryos after a fresh transfer.
• All embryos were frozen during the original cycle for medical or timing reasons.

• The frozen embryos are carefully thawed in the laboratory by an experienced embryologist.

• The transfer is scheduled at the optimal time in the client's cycle to maximise the chance of pregnancy.
• This may follow a natural cycle or be part of a medicated cycle for greater control over timing.

• Ultrasound scans are performed at key points in the cycle to determine the precise moment for embryo transfer.

• Medications may be prescribed to prepare and support the uterine lining, making it more receptive to the embryo.

• About two weeks after transfer, a pregnancy test is carried out.
• If positive, an early ultrasound scan confirms the pregnancy is viable.
• If negative, medication is stopped and a period will occur.

• Allows further attempts at conception without repeating a full IVF or ICSI cycle.
• Reduces medical interventions, appointments, and overall cost.
• Makes use of embryos that have already been created and safely stored.

FET success rates are comparable to those of fresh embryo transfers. As with all IVF treatments, outcomes depend on factors such as:

• The client's age.
• Embryo quality.
• Uterine and hormonal health.
• Any underlying medical conditions.

ICSI is a specialised fertilisation method used mainly for:

• Male-factor infertility (low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal shape).
• Previous failed or poor fertilisation with standard IVF.

• Egg collection follows the same process as IVF, but the cumulus cells surrounding the egg are gently removed to assess maturity.

• A single healthy sperm is carefully chosen under a high-powered microscope.

• The selected sperm is injected directly into the egg using a very fine glass needle.

• Fertilised eggs are cultured in the laboratory and then transferred to the womb, as with standard IVF.

• Enables clients with reduced sperm parameters to have biological children where it was previously not possible.
• Can achieve fertilisation when previous IVF cycles have been unsuccessful.
• Is often necessary when using frozen sperm whose quality has declined after thawing.

Our dedicated coordinators are here to guide you through every step — from initial enquiry and clinic selection to travel, treatment, and follow-up care. Every enquiry is treated with the discretion, empathy, and clinical rigour our clients rightly expect from RightChoice Home & Away.