Meet the Clinic: IVF London

By Sophie Sulehria

In today’s Meet the Clinic blog we meet Alpesh Doshi, the consultant Clinical Embryologist and a co-founder of IVF London. Alpesh is not only the founder of IVFLondon but also their lead clinical embryologist. His role primarily involves working behind the scenes in the embryology lab, where the “magic of creating life under the microscope" happens. Alpesh's passion lies in offering personalised care to patients, ensuring they don't feel like just another number in the fertility treatment process. As an embryologist, attention to detail is crucial, and Alpesh brings his skills to create a truly personalised journey for each patient.

Alpesh told me; ”I love the fact that I'm able to create life under the microscope and bring that happiness to patients."

IVF London: a “boutique” clinic

IVF London was formed in 2018, with the aim of providing comprehensive support and empowering patients in their fertility journey. In my experience, patients don’t want to feel as if they are on a "conveyor belt” for treatment. IVF London aims to change that, by offering a boutique clinic experience. It’s a small clinic in Borehamwood, located between Stanmore and Watford, with easy access to major road networks. On-site parking is available, making it convenient for patients to attend appointments without the hassle of finding parking in central London. Additionally, IVF London offers virtual consultations for those who are unable to visit the clinic in person.

"We want to make treatment as easy as possible” Alpesh told us. “So we offer a very personalised care regime, for them not to feel that they are one of the many in the number game and not to feel that they're on a conveyor belt.”.

Transparency and Empowerment

One of the unique aspects of IVF London is the transparency they provide. Patients have the opportunity to log in and observe the development of their embryos in real-time. This openness allows for better communication between the embryologist and the patient, as they can discuss the progress and quality of the embryos with visual evidence.

"We actually give them a link whereby they can log in and look at their embryos real-time as they are developing, so that when we're having those conversations with them about how many eggs fertilised, what does fertilisation look like? What does a two-cell and a four-cell embryo look like? How are my embryos doing at the blastocyst stage? All this is very easy to do when they have got these videos reeling in front of them” explained Alpesh.

Choosing IVF London Over Treatment Abroad

While the cost of IVF treatment can be a significant factor for couples, often leading them to go abroad for treatment, Alpesh emphasises the importance of considering the regulatory framework and safety measures in the UK. IVF London operates under the strict regulations of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), ensuring the highest standards of care. Alpesh explained; “The UK have very stringent regulations, which negate or minimise the risks a lot. Whereas when the treatment happens abroad, we do not know to what confinement and regulatory framework they are bound by."

The Fertility Experience at IVF London

IVF London offers a free, no-obligation consultation with one of their fertility consultants. This initial meeting allows patients to meet the core team members and get a sense of the clinic's approach. Following the consultation, a medical consultation takes place, where the couple's medical history is assessed, and a treatment plan is developed. IVF London offers a free pelvic scan for female patients and a free semen analysis for male patients as part of the initial consultation package.

"We want to make sure that the patients are fully informed right from the beginning of what this journey entails again, both financially and emotionally."Alpesh emphasises.

Seeking Treatment: Tips and Recommendations

Alpesh encourages individuals facing fertility issues not to suffer in silence. Seeking medical help for fertility treatment is no different from seeking help for any other medical condition. Infertility affects one in five couples, and there is no shame in reaching out for support.

Alpesh advises, "Please don't suffer in silence if you need to take any help when it comes to even finding out where you are in your fertility checkups. Nowadays, we are blessed to have home testing kits like MH testing for women and semen analysis test for men.” As we always say, knowledge is power.

Meet IVF London at the Fertility Show

If you are interested in learning more about IVF London, you can visit their website at IVF London. Additionally, IVF London will have a stand at the Fertility Show on May 18th and 19th. Alpesh will be giving a talk and will be available to answer any questions you may have. Get your tickets here now: The Fertility Show