Most people walk into a fertility clinic consultation without knowing what to ask. They leave with a general sense of whether they liked the doctor and a stack of brochures. That's understandable — IVF is overwhelming, emotionally and informationally.
But the questions you ask before committing to a clinic can meaningfully change your experience and potentially your outcomes. Here are twelve questions worth bringing to every consultation.
What is your live birth rate per intended retrieval for patients my age, and how many patients did you treat in that group?
This is the most important question. The rate without the volume is meaningless — ask for both. Fewer than 50 cycles in your age group means high statistical uncertainty. Also clarify: is this per intended retrieval (most honest) or per transfer (most flattering)?
What percentage of your patients in my age group use PGT-A genetic testing?
Preimplantation genetic testing screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. High PGT-A usage generally reflects sophisticated protocols — particularly important for patients over 35. Low usage in older patients warrants a conversation about why.
What is your cancellation rate?
How often do cycles get cancelled before retrieval? A high cancellation rate (above 20%) can mask poor overall outcomes — if many of the hardest cases are excluded before retrieval, the reported success rates look better than they really are.
What is your single embryo transfer rate?
Elective single embryo transfer (eSET) is the responsible standard when a viable embryo is available. High SET rates indicate the clinic prioritizes reducing multiple pregnancy risk. Clinics that routinely transfer two embryos inflate success rates at the cost of higher twin pregnancy risk.
What does your quoted price actually include?
Base cycle quotes commonly exclude monitoring appointments, anesthesia, ICSI (sperm injection), embryo freezing, annual storage fees, and genetic testing. Ask for an itemized breakdown so you can compare clinics accurately.
Do you offer multi-cycle packages and what are the refund terms?
Some clinics offer 2–3 cycle packages with partial refunds if unsuccessful. These can reduce per-cycle cost significantly. Understand the exact terms before committing — what triggers a refund, what's excluded, and how refunds are calculated.
What is your embryo freezing protocol and long-term storage policy?
Frozen embryos can be stored for years. Ask about annual storage fees, what happens to embryos if the clinic closes or you stop paying, and what consent processes are required for future transfers or disposal.
How many retrievals does your embryology lab perform on a typical day?
Lab quality correlates strongly with focus and volume. Labs performing 5 or more retrievals daily have well-practiced teams and refined protocols. A lab doing one retrieval per week may lack the repetition that builds excellence in embryology.
Who will actually perform my retrieval and transfer?
Continuity of care matters. Some clinics have multiple physicians sharing cases — the doctor you consulted with may not be the one performing your procedures. Know in advance whether your primary physician will be present for key procedures.
What is your protocol if I respond poorly to stimulation medications?
Clinics vary significantly in how they handle poor responders. Some adjust protocols aggressively and try again; others cancel cycles quickly. Knowing their philosophy before you start helps you understand what you're signing up for.
Do you have a donor egg program, and what are those success rates?
Even if you're not considering donor eggs now, understanding this option is valuable — particularly for patients over 38. Ask about their donor pool, screening protocols, and whether they use fresh or frozen donor eggs.
What support services do you offer beyond the medical procedures?
IVF is emotionally demanding. Clinics with integrated mental health support, financial counselors, and accessible nursing teams tend to provide meaningfully better patient experiences. Ask what's available and whether it's included or billed separately.
What the answers tell you
A clinic that answers these questions directly, with specific numbers and clear explanations, is a clinic that's comfortable with transparency. Vague answers, deflection, or irritation at being asked are themselves informative.
You're not being difficult by asking these questions. You're being the kind of patient who is likely to make better decisions, which ultimately benefits everyone.