IVF second opinions: How to navigate

When undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF), the journey can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve experienced failed cycles or have unanswered questions about your treatment plan. Sometimes, it comes down to just a feeling – an instinct that something in the process needs a fresh pair of eyes. 

If you’re navigating the complexities of fertility treatment, seeking a second opinion can be an empowering step. TFP Fertility, our go-to for easily accessible UK-wide clinical care – with over 35 years’ combined expertise in assisted conception – offers a trusted platform for exploring alternative perspectives. 

With insight from Dr Justin Chu, TFP Fertility Medical Director and an expert in embryo implantation, miscarriage, and maternal health, keep reading for today’s deep-dive – what to know and prep for, when getting a second opinion in IVF.

When might you consider a second opinion?

Not every patient will need a second opinion, but there are situations where it becomes particularly valuable. Dr Chu explains, “Patients should try and clarify all clinical decisions from day one and then through every step of the journey. If something feels unclear, it’s essential to feel comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns with your clinician.”

Here are some key milestones when a second opinion might be a good idea:

• After multiple failed cycles: If you’ve undergone repeated rounds of IVF without success, a fresh perspective can identify alternative approaches or overlooked issues.
• Loss of trust: If the level of trust that you have in your clinic has reduced, it may be the right time to seek advice elsewhere.

Keep these watch points in mind

Quite often, there will be one or two key signs that a second opinion is warranted. According to Dr Chu, common indicators include:

• Understanding clinical decisions: If you don’t fully understand the rationale behind your treatment plan, seeking clarity is crucial.
• Conflicting advice: Sometimes the level of trust that you have in a clinic can decrease due to receiving conflicting advice from different members of staff. Seeking clarity and understanding the clinical decisions and management is key.
• Gut instinct: Trusting your intuition is essential. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth investigating further.

Equally, Dr Chu adds that “really good clinicians will proactively initiate difficult conversations as soon as they have the necessary information. These discussions should be empathetic and compassionate, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation while fostering your confidence, and outlining clear next steps. 

As a patient, you should feel supported, informed, and able to maintain trust in the clinic you’ve chosen. If not, this is a watch point in itself.

At TFP Fertility, we often seek second opinions internally – within the unit or even seek opinions from other clinicians from other TFP Fertility units. A multidisciplinary approach to difficult cases is very valuable, as is obtaining the views of the embryologists and nurses.”  

Preparation tips

If you’re going for a second opinion, proper preparation is key to making the most of your consultation. Dr Chu advises patients to:

1. Bring all relevant records: Include test results, previous treatment plans, and cycle details. Having these documents readily available helps the new clinician assess your case thoroughly.
2. Be open-minded: “You may hear things that are difficult to digest, such as the need to consider donor gametes,” Dr Chu explains. “But keeping an open mind is essential for exploring new possibilities.”
3. Write a full history: Documenting your fertility journey to date can help the clinician quickly understand your situation.
4. Prepare a list of questions: Make sure to cover everything you’re unsure about, from test results to alternative treatments.
5. Prepare to adjust your mindset: Approach the second opinion with a collaborative attitude, seeking to understand the reasoning behind any new recommendations.

IVF second opinion – key questions to ask

When preparing for your second opinion consultation, these questions can guide the discussion:

• Why have previous cycles failed, and what could we do differently?
• Are there alternative treatments or protocols that might improve my/our chances?
• Should we try additional tests, to identify potential issues?
• What are the success rates for patients in my/our situation at your clinic?
• How does age or specific diagnosis affect my/our treatment options?

Presenting the second opinion to your current doctor

It’s natural to feel apprehensive about sharing a second opinion with your current clinic, but honesty is the best approach. Dr Chu reassures patients, “A good clinician will listen to you and focus on your care rather than be defensive that you have sought a second opinion. Often, there isn’t a single ‘best’ answer for how treatment should proceed, so open dialogue is crucial.”

If you decide to switch clinics, the process should be straightforward. Many clinics, including TFP Fertility, support patients through transitions. Clinics will typically transfer your medical records and, in most cases, gametes or embryos if necessary (although this may incur additional costs).

What happens if I decide to switch clinics?

Moving clinics can feel like a big process (in what’s already a complex journey), but a supportive team will prioritise your needs. Dr Chu notes, “If the clinic you’re leaving is committed to patient care, they’ll want to understand your reasons for moving and use your feedback to improve their services. Ultimately, their focus should be on your journey, and continual improvement.”

Good to know

At TFP Fertility, patients benefit from a network-wide approach, meaning you can seek a second opinion from another clinician within the group or at a different TFP site. This flexibility ensures you receive expert care, where the request for a second opinion is respected, and actioned quickly.

Addressing concerns after failed cycles

After experiencing one or more failed cycles, it’s natural to question whether a second opinion is necessary. We’ve been there. 

Dr Chu emphasises that it’s contextual: “Expectation management is a key part of what we do. For example, if you’re over 40 or have certain medical conditions, understanding how these factors influence success rates is critical.”

A second opinion can provide:

• A new perspective on your treatment plan
• Alternative options or advanced techniques
• Improved confidence in your next steps

Exploring your options (without overwhelm)

TFP Fertility’s UK-wide network offers patients access to leading clinicians, cutting-edge technology, and comprehensive support services. With specialists like Dr Justin Chu, patients can feel confident they’re receiving world-class care. TFP’s commitment to transparency, communication, and patient advocacy ensures that even those facing challenges feel supported and informed.

Dr Chu explains, “Our measure of success extends beyond live birth rates. We strive to ensure that every patient feels they’ve received the best possible care, even if their journey doesn’t result in a live birth. Clarity and contentment are integral outcomes of a well-supported fertility journey.”

If you’d like advice about your fertility options or a second opinion, reach out to TFP Fertility today for a free, confidential chat. Simply fill out their online form, and the support team will get back to you within 48 hours.

On your to-do list

All caught up? Get these 5 resources on your list for next steps in 2025. For more pointers, DM team TRB for personal, community-led fertility support. 

• Connect with TFP Fertility for patient-first, exceptional care
• Read more about Dr Justin Chu, at TFP Oxford Fertility
• Listen to our super-popular fertility preservation podcast episode with TFP Fertility
• Read up on sperm donation in the UK
• Get guidance from the HFEA: The UK Fertility Regulator before switching things up