In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a fertility treatment where eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos, which are then transferred into the uterus.
Essential IVF by Manchester Fertility offers patients a low-cost treatment package, which provides everything you will need for a single IVF cycle. Our expert nurse-led team will provide compassion and support throughout your treatment with us.
Are You Eligible for Essential IVF?
Before starting treatment, it’s important to understand that Essential Fertility operates under strict eligibility criteria. These are in place to ensure the safest treatment.
To qualify for Essential IVF, you must:
- Be aged 37 or under
- Have an AMH level between 10 and 35
- Have a BMI between 18 – 32
- Have regular menstrual cycles
- Have no underlying health conditions
- Selected semen parameter (see below)
NO surgically retrieved sperm (PESA/TESE)
Sperm count 2 million/ml or above
Motility >0% progressive
Normal forms >0%.
Semen analysis is performed either at Manchester Fertility or a suitable accredited UK laboratory.
If you don’t meet these criteria, alternative treatment pathways may still be available at Manchester Fertility.
What to Expect During Your First IVF Cycle
Your IVF journey will follow a treatment pathway, supported by a specialist nurse-led team and overseen by one of our fertility consultants.
1. Check Eligibility Criteria
To begin your Essential IVF journey, you can check your eligibility online or by calling our New Patient Team. If you need tests to determine whether you meet our eligibility criteria, your New Patient Coordinator will arrange them. Female tests include an AMH blood test and a pelvic ultrasound; for males, this includes a semen analysis.
2. Consultation with a Senior Fertility Nurse
Our senior fertility nurses will take a full medical history, discuss the results of your tests and plan your IVF cycle.
3. Ovarian Stimulation
The first stage of IVF is ovarian stimulation. This involves using tailored doses of fertility drugs to help produce mature eggs.
4. Egg Maturation
An” injection of fertility medication is given to help support the final maturation of the eggs and encourage their release from the follicle walls.
5. Egg Collection
Egg collection takes place in our clinic theatre under ultrasound guidance. Before the egg collection, our anaesthetists will give you some light sedation and monitor you throughout your egg collection. The eggs are retrieved from the follicles where they have been growing.
6. Insemination of Eggs
The sperm sample is prepared and added to your eggs in our state-of-the-art laboratory.
7. Fertilisation
Our embryologists will then monitor your eggs for signs of fertilisation. This usually occurs 16-18 hours after insemination.
8. Embryo Culture
The created embryos are placed in an incubator where they grow in the lab for the next two to five days. Our embryologists keep you updated on the progress of your embryos and advise when your embryo transfer will take place.
9. Embryo Transfer
Our embryologists will select an embryo, which is transferred under ultrasound guidance into your uterus by one of our fertility consultants. Embryo replacement will take place in our specially-designed transfer room.
10. Vitrification
Any remaining good-quality embryos that are not transferred are frozen and stored. Frozen embryos can be used in subsequent cycles if the first cycle is not successful or for a sibling pregnancy.
11. Pregnancy Test
You can take a home pregnancy test around two weeks after your embryo transfer. During this time, you will be supported by our clinic midwife. If your test is positive, you will be booked in for your early pregnancy scan about three weeks later.
How to Prepare for Your First IVF Cycle
Preparation is key to feeling physically and emotionally ready.
Get Your Body Ready
- Maintain a healthy BMI within the required 18 – 32 range
- Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake
These steps help align with the clinic’s eligibility requirements and optimise your chances of success.
Understand Your Treatment Plan
Essential Fertility follows a protocol-driven approach, meaning your treatment is carefully standardised for safety and effectiveness.
Make sure you:
- Understand your medication schedule
- Attend all monitoring appointments
- Ask questions if anything is unclear
Prepare Emotionally
IVF can be a demanding process. Consider:
- Talking openly with your partner or support network
- Accessing counselling if needed (available as part of your treatment package)
- Planning ways to manage stress during your IVF cycle
Plan Practically
- Arrange time off work for key appointments
- Organise transport for egg collection day
- Budget for any additional costs (e.g. donor sperm if required)
One benefit of Essential Fertility is our transparent pricing, which helps reduce unexpected expenses.
Your first IVF cycle is a major milestone, and being informed can make all the difference. Treatment at Essential Fertility, for those who meet the eligibility criteria, is designed to be robust, supportive and centred on the needs of the patient.
By understanding the process and preparing both physically and emotionally, you’ll be in the best possible position to begin your IVF journey with confidence.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or next steps, the Essential Fertility team is always here to guide you.
You can check your eligibility online, call our New Patient Team for a chat on 0345 305 2706 or request a call back via our online form.
