Hi Reader,
I’ve been in the IVF space for 15 years, and here’s the truth: IVF clinics are failing women in ways that are completely avoidable. Bad systems, admin errors, gaslighting, and little mistakes that spark panic, these are the things I hear about every single day. And honestly? It’s unacceptable.
This might sound extreme, but these are the conversation I have with women constantly:
- “I feel like I’m just a number.”
- “I don’t know who to call or what to ask.”
- “Nurses call me all, and it never feels like they have read my file.”
IVF is already one of the most emotional, vulnerable journeys a woman can go through. And yet, instead of feeling supported, so many women feel dismissed, unseen, and completely lost in the system. It’s heartbreaking and it doesn’t have to be this way.
Here’s the thing: I don’t believe it has to be this way. The truth is I get really triggered by bad service, whether it’s at a restaurant or an IVF clinic. My husband jokes that I’m a nightmare when service is bad, but here’s the thing: IVF is a boutique private service. Women are paying tens of thousands of dollars for care, and they deserve better.
Part of the problem? They are run by doctors who are trained in medicine, not in running businesses. And while they’re brilliant at the medical side, the lack of systems, continuity of care, and focus on the whole person leaves so many women feeling unsupported. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Here’s how I believe we can fix it:
- A Dedicated Nurse: Imagine having one person who knows your story inside and out: your dedicated nurse. From the moment you sign up, they’re your go-to for every question, follow-up, and concern. No more repeating your history to a new person every time you call. Continuity of care isn’t just a luxury, it’s the gold standard.
- Clear Information Handouts: Imagine receiving a guide the moment you join, a roadmap of what to expect, side effects to watch for, and when to call for help. No more guessing or feeling lost.
- Trust-Building Systems: Mistakes happen far too often in IVF clinics, and once trust is broken, it’s hard to rebuild. Women start questioning everything: “What else has been missed?” Systems that prioritise accuracy and communication could change everything.
But it’s not just about logistics, it’s about the psychological impact, too. When women feel unsupported, dismissed, or like they’re constantly chasing answers, it creates a stress response in the body. We know from neuroscience that the brain is responsible for sending pain signals that makes endometriosis pain worse. What impact is the stress of bad systems of IVF clinics having on their implantation success?
What if these bad experiences are contributing and are a big part of the problem?
This is why so much of my work focuses on helping women feel safe and supported. When your brain sends signals to your body that say, “I am safe. I am supported. Now is a good time to conceive,” it can make all the difference. I truly believe we’re entering an era where nervous system regulation is just as important as the medical side of IVF. And when clinics start prioritising this - alongside better systems and continuity of care - I believe we’ll see better outcomes, fewer cycles, and a lot more women feeling empowered in their journey.
Feeling let down by your IVF clinic or wondering if you’re in the right hands? You’re not alone. In this week’s blog, I’m sharing the biggest red flags to watch for, how to advocate for yourself, and how to finally feel confident and supported in your IVF journey. [Read the blog here]
