UCL Institute for Women's Health (IfWH)

Assisted Conception Unit

The Assisted Conception Unit is centrally situated at the Eastman Dental Hospital at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), allowing easy access by road, train and underground.

The Unit has been offering a comprehensive range of successful assisted conception treatments, including IVF, ICSI, PESA , MESA and GIFT, since 1990. The Unit is licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and all services are provided in accordance with the HFEA Code of Good Practice.

The Unit is also one of the very few centres which has been licensed to perform Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis. Our collaboration with the Genetic Team as University College London (UCL) has led us to being World-Class leaders in the pioneering of new techniques for Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis.

Patients can be seen for initial consultation within a short period of being referred, usually within not more than ten days, following which treatment can commence. Staff will, where possible, arrange treatment programmes to suit patient's individual requirements. In addition, the fact that patients will always see the same team is very reassuring for them at a time when stress is obviously heightened. We have our own independent counsellor whose services are available to all patients prior to undergoing treatment and at any time during or following treatment.

We are proud of our continued success in the field of assisted conception and our dedicated team work hard to ensure continuity of care for patients whilst giving each individual the maximum chance of achieving a pregnancy.

Our Facilities

The laboratory within the Unit has been set up to include the most up-to-date equipment for handling gametes, freezing sperm, eggs and embryos and sperm microinjection. We have highly accomplished embryologists and a considerable amount of time and effort has been invested in our Laboratory in order to maintain the highest possible standards. We now have one of the most sophisticated air filtration systems in the country and our recent good success rates reflect this. The operating theatres have been designed to the highest standard and now boost the most up-to-date facilities.

Further Information

A comprehensive Information Pack, containing full written explanations of the various treatments available together with the various drug regimes, is issued to all potential patients and they are actively encouraged to telephone the Unit for any additional help or advice they may require.

The Unit holds an Open Evening on the first Wednesday of each month from 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm. which is proving very popular. Prospective patients are able to meet members of staff and look around the Unit. A slide show is given by one of our doctors and information is provided about the various treatments and services available.