There are so many ways to start and grow a family and for many their journey involves exploring fertility treatment options, like IVF. Here Carli shares her IVF journey and why she chose the Access Fertility IVF Refund Programme.
Navigating the emotional and financial challenges of IVF
Both Carli and her husband Aaron work in mental health roles for the NHS, helping others navigate emotional challenges is part of their everyday role, and when they decided to start a family, they faced their own emotional and financial challenges.
Today, the South Wales couple are proud parents to Blake, aged four, and Ellis, aged one, both born through IVF. Carli and Aaron’s journey to parenthood has highlighted both the emotional and financial realities many people experience when undergoing fertility treatment; something that Carli feels should be spoken about more.
Facing fertility challenges
Carli and Aaron began trying for a baby when Carli turned 30, but the couple soon experienced fertility difficulties.
“At that time, it felt like everyone around me was falling pregnant, friends and colleagues, and when you’re struggling to conceive, it can be a very difficult time,” says Carli.
Like many people experiencing fertility issues, they were faced with important decisions about treatment options and timelines. They were particularly concerned about potential delays via the NHS route, and as such chose to pursue private IVF treatment.
Managing the financial impact of IVF
Carli and Aaron were aware of the cost implications of IVF treatment right from the start. “IVF is a huge financial commitment and there’s no guarantee it will work. That uncertainty can create a significant amount of stress before treatment even begins,” says Carli.
To help reduce some of the financial risk, the couple joined Access Fertility’s multi-cycle IVF refund programme. The programme provides access to up to two treatment cycles, alongside the reassurance of a partial refund should treatment prove unsuccessful.
For Carli and Aaron, this provided much-needed peace of mind during an already stressful period.
“We didn’t know how my body would respond to treatment or whether it would work,” Carli explains. “Knowing there was a financial safety net helped reduce some of the pressure. It meant that if the treatment wasn’t successful, we would have options moving forward.”
The emotional side
As both a fertility patient and a mental health professional, Carli experienced first-hand the complex emotions that can accompany IVF treatment.
She believes that while discussions about the financial cost of IVF are becoming more common, the emotional impact often remains overlooked. “People are often reluctant to talk about IVF. It can still feel very hush-hush, but having support from people who understand what you’re going through can make a huge difference to your mental wellbeing,” she says.
“Not enough attention is given to the emotional impact, and yet it can be a rollercoaster of hope, anxiety, disappointment and uncertainty. There were times when I really had to draw on the coping techniques I encourage others to use in my professional role.”
Throughout treatment, Carli made self-care a priority. One of the tools that helped her process her emotions was keeping a journal and documenting her experiences in an IVF positivity planner; a coping technique which she feels was invaluable.
Life as a parent
Since becoming a parent, Carli has noticed more people opening up to her about their own fertility journeys. She believes that sharing experiences can help reduce feelings of isolation and encourage people to seek the support they need.
As a result, she is keen to encourage more open and honest conversations about fertility struggles, IVF, the costs and emotional impact, and the wider impact treatment can have on couples and families.
“My advice is to be kind to yourself,” she says. “IVF can affect every aspect of your life, emotionally, physically and financially. Don’t be afraid to ask for support and talk about how you’re feeling.”
Encouraging more conversations
By sharing her story, Carli hopes to normalise conversations around infertility and IVF, while raising awareness of both the emotional and financial challenges many people face on the path to parenthood.
Carli’s view is that no one should feel they have to go through fertility treatment alone. Open conversations, access to support and understanding the available options can make a significant difference to both emotional wellbeing and decision-making during what can be one of life’s most challenging journeys.
Our Multi-Cycle Programme is available to patients under 45 using their own eggs. It offers the same discounted treatment as our IVF Refund Programme but is for up to two cycles (up to four cycles at selected clinics). This programme does not require a medical review. The Multi-Cycle Programme does not include a refund if you complete your treatment and unfortunately do not have a baby.
Either 2, 3 or 4 cycles of IVF or ICSI treatment (or a fixed two year period of IVF or ICSI treatment for patients on the Unlimited Programme)
Unlimited Frozen Embryo Transfers (FETs)
In-cycle bloods, scans and cycle monitoring
Mild sedation (for egg collection only)
Blastocyst Culture & Transfer
Freezing and one year of storage (per egg collection)
HFEA fee
Other additions are often included but these vary between clinics.
Solo parenthood ,essentially, means raising a child without a partner. It includes single parents through life events and solo parents by choice who plan their family independently. While demanding, it offers unique rewards, deep bonds, and resilient family rhythms.