Hoping to start your own fertility journey? Read on…
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Running since 1985, LWC is one of the UK’s most trusted and experienced private fertility clinics. With a focus on inclusive and patient-centred care from the beginning, LWC has always championed LGBTQIA+ parents and solo mothers, even at a time when it was common to decline these applications. Care comes first, not prejudice. Under the leadership of Dr Kamal Ahuja and Professor Nick Macklon, LWC has helped over 40,000 families. Alongside familymaking, LWC has been at the forefront of fertility care research, publishing over 100 papers and contributing to national fertility laws and clinical guidelines.
What are the first steps if I want to start my fertility journey at LWC?
That first phone call can feel daunting. But LWC has a dedicated and empathetic team to help you arrange your first step: a Fertility Health Assessment. This will include a pelvic ultrasound scan and blood test to measure your Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), which will give LWC an idea about your ovarian reserve. Following this, you will have your initial consultation with a fertility specialist who will help you understand your best treatment options.
I will need donor sperm for my fertility journey. How do I organise that with LWC?
LWC collaborates closely with London Sperm Bank, the UK’s leading provider of donor sperm. It has an extensive online donor database which allows you to find your perfect donor. London Sperm Bank focuses on high-quality samples and has over 30,000 vials of donor sperm in storage. London Sperm Bank has supported LGBTQIA+ patients and families for many years. If you choose London Women’s Clinic, their connection with London Sperm Bank means donor sperm can be seamlessly incorporated into your treatment plan.
What options are open to me as an LGBTQIA+ patient?
From donor programmes to surrogacy, LWC provides inclusive, affirming care for every path to parenthood. Some fertility treatment options include:
IVF: a well-established treatment that can help you build your family using your own eggs and sperm.
IVF with Donor Egg or Sperm: for when growing your family with your own eggs or sperm isn’t possible.
Egg freezing: to preserve your eggs now for possible use in the future, giving you more options at a time that feels right for you.
Surrogacy: a trusted path for those unable to carry a pregnancy.
Reciprocal IVF: allows both partners to share in the biological journey and celebrate a shared connection.
IUI with Donor Sperm: a safe, minimally invasive treatment for single women, lesbian couples, trans and non-binary people, and others for starting their family.
I’m concerned about financing my fertility journey. How can LWC help?
London Women’s Clinic understands that fertility treatment is a significant investment, and that thinking about the cost can feel overwhelming. To help make treatment more manageable, LWC has partnered with Humm to offer flexible financing options, allowing eligible patients to spread the cost of their treatment over time. Patients can explore the available options and get an idea of potential repayments using LWC’s online payment calculator.
I’m not ready to start my fertility journey yet, but I’m worried about my eggs. What can I do?
Egg freezing can help you preserve your fertility and plan your family-building journey on your own timeline, giving you more flexibility and options for the future. For trans+ people, it can also provide an opportunity to preserve fertility before starting hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgery. Since 2008, LWC has frozen more than 58,000 eggs and its research shows that outcomes from frozen-thawed eggs are comparable to those using fresh eggs in IVF.
I want to speak to someone in person. Is there an event I can attend?
Yes! LWC puts on a range of events across its 19+ fertility clinics, giving you the opportunity to meet specialists, ask questions and explore your options in person. There are also events specifically focused on LGBTQIA+ fertility and family building, including The Familymakers Show, held in partnership with DIVA.
I’m nervous that my LGBTQIA+ identity won’t be understood. How do I know LWC will provide inclusive care?
Safety and inclusivity are at the heart of LWC’s mission. From using inclusive language to policies designed around diverse families, LWC has helped LGBTQIA+ parents feel welcomed since its inception. LWC understands that this process can be emotionally difficult, which is why counselling is available with professionals experienced in LGBTQIA+ family building.
Find out more at londonwomensclinic.com
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