To help potential patients compare the performance of fertility clinics the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority (HFEA) compiles data in a standard format.

To interpret the data, you need to select the options that are right for you – ie your age (success rates are highest for those under 35) and treatment (fresh or frozen embryos, own or donated eggs etc.)

The results are given as Live Birth Rate (LBR) – a baby. Sadly, the clinical pregnancy rate is higher than the LBR as some pregnancies don’t go full term.

Another important element is the reliability range: if the clinic treats many patients a year then the accuracy of success rate is greater than if it has fewer patients.

It is also recommended to have a look at the number of patients treated, as this gives an indication of the experience of the consultants. It is better that they treat many patients as they will have knowledge of the rarer types of infertility and plenty of practice of egg collection and embryo transfer, which are skilled procedures.