Top Questions to Ask Your Clinic: A Checklist for Successful Reciprocal IVF

Embarking on Reciprocal IVF is such an exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) step! For us, it was one of the biggest decisions we’ve ever made, and trust me, we had a ton of questions along the way. Finding the right clinic is about so much more than ticking boxes, it’s about feeling supported, listened to, and getting the vibes that they’re genuinely rooting for you. To make your clinic search a little less overwhelming, we’ve pulled together some key questions to ask so you can feel confident you’re in the right place!

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How Experienced Are They With Reciprocal IVF?

Not all clinics are created equal when it comes to Reciprocal IVF. Some might have loads of experience, while others might barely know where to start. You want a team that’s done this before and knows the ins and outs of working with same-sex couples.

Here’s what to ask:

• How many Reciprocal IVF cycles have you done recently?

• What’s your success rate with Reciprocal IVF?

• Have you worked with many same-sex female couples?

Just a heads up: We went with British Cyprus IVF Hospital, and they were brilliant; super inclusive, supportive, and made us feel totally at ease!

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Do They Feel Like a Good Fit?

Here’s the thing, clinics might have all the experience in the world, but if they don’t make you feel comfortable, what’s the point? This is a physical and emotional journey, and you want a clinic that makes you feel good, not one that makes you feel like you’re just another number.

Ask yourself:

• Are the staff friendly, approachable, and patient?

• Do they take the time to explain things properly without rushing you?

• Do you feel like they genuinely care about your journey?

Trust your gut on this one. If something feels off, keep looking. You deserve a clinic that feels like the right match for you.

What About Success Rates?

Success rates are a biggie, but they’re not the whole story. While it’s nice to see high numbers, it’s important to understand what’s behind them.

Factors like egg quality, sperm, and age all play a role, so make sure you ask the right questions:

• What’s your success rate with Reciprocal IVF by age group?

• Do your rates reflect pregnancies or live births?

• Are there any factors that might impact our chances?

Remember, success rates are helpful, but they’re not a guarantee. A good clinic will be upfront about what they can offer and what you can expect.

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What Are the Legalities?

Let’s not sugarcoat it, this part isn’t fun, but it’s so important. Making sure both of you are legally recognised as parents is absolutely essential. You don’t want any nasty surprises further down the line, so tackle this head on.

Questions to ask:

• What legal paperwork do we need to ensure we’re both recognised as parents?

• Are there any specific legal hoops to jump through in our country?

• Do you provide legal advice or know any LGBTQ+ family lawyers?

We’d also recommend finding a lawyer who specialises in LGBTQ+ families, it’s worth every penny for peace of mind.

How Much Is This Going to Cost?

We all know IVF isn’t cheap, and Reciprocal IVF often comes with a few added costs. Get a clear breakdown of what’s included so you’re not caught off guard.

Ask these questions:

• What’s the total cost for a Reciprocal IVF cycle?

• Are medications, storage, or donor sperm extra?

• Do you offer payment plans or financing options?

Also, check if your clinic does package deals for multiple cycles or offers discounts for paying upfront, it never hurts to ask! And if you’re lucky enough to have insurance that covers part of it, make sure to get all the details sorted.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, choosing a clinic isn’t just about stats and costs, it’s about finding a team you trust, who truly understand your journey, and who feels like a good fit for you! We can’t stress this enough, trust your gut! If the vibes are off, move on.

If you’re considering Reciprocal IVF, we hope these questions help make things a little easier. And honestly? Don’t overthink it too much, take your time, ask loads of questions, and go with the place that makes you feel supported and excited about what’s ahead.

Good luck on your journey, you’ve got this! And remember, we’re always here to share advice, a bit of our experience, or just a virtual cheer if you need it!