Fertility in Focus
Fertility in Focus: meet London’s top-rated pregnancy clinic
In this edition of Fertility in Focus, Femtech World speaks to London Pregnancy Clinic (LPC), an innovative diagnostic centre dedicated to providing care for expectant mothers.
How would you describe the impact and importance of your work in the lives of fertility patients?
Dr Fred Ushakov, medical director at LPC
The dream of parenthood shouldn’t feel out of reach for anyone. At London Pregnancy Clinic (LPC), we understand the immense emotional and physical toll that fertility challenges can take in the lives of couples and individuals. That’s why we’re dedicated to supporting your journey, every step of the way.
Our specialists use advanced ultrasound technology to provide precise and timely information, crucial in diagnosing and monitoring fertility issues. Ultrasounds can pinpoint ovulation, assess uterine lining thickness, and detect potential blockages – all factors that can impact natural conception.
We recognise that every journey is unique – so we collaborate with an extensive network of trusted IVF clinics and a wide range of treatment options. This collaborative approach ensures patients make informed decisions that best suit their specific pregnancy goals.
Many of our patients return to us during their pregnancy, as we aim to build trusting relationships. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the changes we make, helping patients move from hope to the reality of parenthood. In fact, that’s why we opened LPC –– to offer consistent, holistic support makes a real difference from fertility to birth.
Are there any standout elements of your approach that are perhaps unusual or set you apart from the general ‘norm’?
Shaz Khojasteh, clinical lead
Our holistic approach to fertility care extends beyond just medical treatments. We prioritise the emotional and psychological wellbeing of our patients.
Our team of fertility specialists, gynaecologists, obstetricians, midwives, counsellors, women’s health GPs and support staff work together to create a nurturing and empowering environment. You’ll feel heard, understood, and supported throughout your journey.
One key element that sets us apart is our expertise in ultrasound technology. Our advanced ultrasound scans are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring fertility issues. We offer a wide range of these specialised scans, including endometrial lining scans (polyps, fibroids, adhesions), follicle tracking, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, Saline Infusions Sonograms(SIS) and Hysterosalpingo-Contrast-Sonography (HyCoSy) scans.
Dr Prashant Purohit, London’s leading specialist in HyCoSy with 22 years of experience, leads our team in utilising this technology.
These detailed scans provide invaluable information that we share with our patients’ IVF clinics, ensuring a seamless and integrated approach. This goes hand in hand with our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement ensures we remain at the forefront of fertility care.
We constantly explore new technologies, techniques, and research to provide you with the most advanced and effective treatments, giving you the ability to make informed decisions and plan your journey towards pregnancy with greater confidence and peace of mind.
How do you approach new patients in terms of assessing their needs and planning their treatment journey?
Diane Nzelu, obstetrician and maternal health expert
When a new patient comes to LPC, we start with a comprehensive assessment of their medical history, lifestyle factors, and personal goals. This detailed evaluation allows us to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, optimising their chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy.
A critical part of our assessment includes a pre-pregnancy scan to check for any existing conditions. We perform a baseline pelvic ultrasound scan that examines the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and other surrounding structures. This scan is essential during the investigation of infertility and when considering IVF or other assisted reproductive therapies, including egg freezing, egg donation, and surrogacy.
As part of this assessment, we may recommend carrier genetic screening. This can help patients plan their pregnancy further down the line by identifying potential genetic risks and understanding what to look out for.
Another important aspect for individuals starting their fertility journey is optimisation of their general health and preexisting medical conditions. These things can have a profound impact on outcomes of fertility treatments and pregnancy outcomes. This is something we take seriously but would do a deep dive into during your initial workup.
Throughout the treatment process, we closely monitor our patients’ progress, adjusting the plan as necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing ongoing support and guidance, ensuring that each patient feels informed, empowered and supported every step of the way.
What steps are you taking to keep fertility treatments affordable while giving the patients the best chance of having a successful pregnancy?
Dr Prashant Purohit, gynaecologist, fertility and reproductive medicine expert
Fertility treatments can be financially burdensome. But, we are committed to making our services as accessible and affordable as possible. We work closely with our patients to explore all available options, including insurance coverage, payment plans, and financial assistance programmes.
Additionally, we are constantly exploring ways to streamline our processes and optimise our treatments to reduce costs without compromising the quality of care. This includes investing in cutting-edge technologies, implementing efficient workflows, and leveraging our expertise to provide the most effective treatments possible.
We offer various investigative packages tailored to your needs, aiming to reduce costs and optimise the information obtained. At every step, we prioritise helping you understand the rationale behind each investigation and management recommendation. This approach empowers you to make informed choices and engage in shared decision-making.
The fertility sector has changed drastically in the last decade. What has changed in your approach since 10 years ago?
Dr Prashant Purohit, gynaecologist, fertility and reproductive medicine expert
The fertility sector has indeed undergone significant changes in the past decade, and we have adapted our approach accordingly. A key shift has been the embrace of advanced technologies like genetic testing, embryo screening, and AI-powered support tools. These innovations allow us to provide more accurate diagnoses, patient-centric treatment plans, and improved success rates.
One specific area of advancement is ultrasound imaging. We’ve invested in the two newest ultrasound machines, the GE Voluson E10 and the Expert 22, alongside the best probes. These machines enable sophisticated 3D scans, including HyCoSy and 3D Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (SIS).
This advanced technique uses sterile saline solution to enhance visualisation of the uterine cavity, offering unparalleled detail for identifying abnormalities. We are proud about the expertise we have in this field which also reduces the need for have operative investigations under anesthesia for our patients to get the same level of information.
By incorporating these advancements, we can offer more precise assessments, crucial for diagnosing and planning effective treatments. This technological edge would be nothing without our commitment to expert holistic, personalised care which ensure our patients receive the best possible support throughout their fertility journey.
Are there any new or emerging technologies/innovations in the fertility space that you use or are particularly excited about?
Dr Prashant Purohit, gynaecologist, fertility and reproductive medicine expert
At London Pregnancy Clinic, we are at the forefront of integrating new and emerging technologies into our practice, enhancing both fertility and prenatal care.
Advanced ultrasound technology: We use the most advanced GE Healthcare ultrasound systems, including the latest AI-enhanced Voluson Expert 22 and Signature scanners, as well as Voluson E10. These high-tech scanners are exclusively designed for women’s health and pregnancy applications.
Carrier genetic screening: We offer Beacon 787, an advanced screening that tests for over 700 mutations. By identifying potential genetic risks early, patients can plan their pregnancies with greater confidence.
SMART test: Fortunately, many of our fertility patients are getting pregnant and would like to know about the health of the baby as soon as possible. In our clinic, we recommend a SMART test for 10 weeks of comprehensive fetal assessment. It’s our groundbreaking innovation, combining advanced ultrasound technology with sophisticated Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT). This comprehensive screening includes tests for Down syndrome and many severe rare genetic diseases and structural anomalies. It allows us to provide more accurate and detailed assessments, ensuring better outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Genetic screenings: We use KNOVA – a novel and the most advanced extended NIPT panel in the world. It screens for many de novo genetic conditions which can affect every pregnancy and are especially associated with advanced paternal and maternal age. We also offer AI- assisted genetic screenings, such as Panorama AI.
Digital health innovations: We embrace digital health start-ups and at-home testing kits, allowing patients to monitor their fertility at home and share this information with specialists. This approach empowers patients and enables more personalised care.
At London Pregnancy Clinic, we are committed to incorporating these innovative technologies into our practice to provide the highest level of care. By staying at the cutting edge of fertility and prenatal advancements, we ensure that our patients have access to the best possible resources and support on their journey to parenthood.
What is your ultimate mission at London Pregnancy Clinic?
Dr Fred Ushakov, medical director at LPC
Our vision at London Pregnancy Clinic is to be a trustworthy companion for individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood. We are committed to making the dream of parenthood a reality for everyone who walks through our doors by providing exceptional, compassionate, and personalised fertility care that transforms lives.
The LPC team is full of leading specialists who embrace a holistic approach, ensuring a seamless transition from fertility treatments to prenatal care. This allows us to offer comprehensive fertility screenings, predominantly for women, but also for men, to identify potential issues early and develop treatment plans.
Additionally, we aim to educate patients on the importance of genetic tests and ultrasound scans during their fertility journey. These examinations provide accurate and timely information, essential for successful treatment outcomes.
Our commitment goes beyond achieving pregnancies; it’s about building families and transforming lives. Every success story, every positive outcome, and every new family brings immense joy and fulfilment to our team. We are honoured to be a part of your journeys and remain dedicated to providing unparalleled care and support. Our team is here to listen and guide you.
To find out more, please visit londonpregnancy.com.
Femtech World explores the latest business developments in the world of women’s health.
NHS platform Evaro partners with period tracking app Clue in UK-first integration
Evaro, the NHS-licensed embedded healthcare platform, has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with the period tracking app Clue.
The partnership will provide seamless access to NHS-funded contraception directly through Clue’s app.
This marks the first time a major cycle-tracking platform has integrated prescription healthcare services in the UK, creating a critical solution as the country grapples with an emergency contraception crisis.
2023 data shows the UK had the highest global search volume for emergency contraception and nearly half of UK women face contraception access barriers, with one in 20 patients having to wait at least four weeks to see a GP.
The partnership launches as women’s health takes center stage in the government’s NHS modernisation agenda, with digital medicine transformation identified as a key priority.
The integration brings together Clue’s UK user base with Evaro’s healthcare delivery platform.
Users can transition directly from tracking their cycle in Clue to ordering contraception through Evaro’s embedded pharmacy infrastructure – accessing free NHS-funded contraception with free delivery nationwide.
The service demonstrates how asynchronous healthcare – where consultations happen online at the patient’s convenience rather than requiring real-time appointments – can solve the UK’s healthcare accessibility challenge.
The partnership pioneers embedded healthcare – where consumer brands become healthcare access points by integrating Evaro’s full-stack solution with a single line of code.
The service is available immediately to Clue users in the UK.
US$5m to transform and scale menopause education and training worldwide
A US$5m grant from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, led by philanthropist and New York Mets Owner Alex Cohen, will support the digital-innovation phase of the Menopause Society’s NextGen Now initiative.
The grant will create a comprehensive digital ecosystem to leverage cutting-edge digital technologies, ensuring seamless access and consistent updates of educational content.
The initiative supports comprehensive training programmes for current and next generation healthcare professionals to improve the care of midlife women.
Through the NextGen Now initiative, The Menopause Society has said it is committed to reaching 25,000 healthcare professionals within the next three years and ultimately improving the lives of millions of women navigating the complexities of menopause.
The donation will further support The Menopause Society’s vision for a digital strategy for NextGen Now, through an integrated digital-learning platform, advanced virtual- and augmented-reality modules, and a dynamic mobile app.
NextGen Now is a multiphase initiative spanning several years and many projects and programmes.
To continue its success, additional support is still needed. This includes funding for research and data collection.
Progyny expands to include pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause
Women’s health company Progyny has launched its pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause programmes for global employers, available starting January 1, 2026.
The company says that the offerings complement the availability of the company’s existing and marketing-leading global fertility and family building offering, providing multi-national employers with a continuum of integrated services.
The platform is purpose-built for global markets, supporting members in their country-specific environment, helping them with expert support through stages of pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, and midlife to optimise health, productivity, and retention.
Employees uniquely have access to personalised consultations and guided programmes with Global Care Advocates, with maternal health, menopause, and mental health expertise; a curated knowledge centre for evidence-based education on symptoms and more; a country-specific navigator support for local care, regulations, policies, and protections; and, a GDPR-compliant platform.
FDA approves first medical device for women with Asherman Syndrome
Uterine health company Womed has announced that the Food and Drug Administration approved the PreMarket Approval (PMA) application of the Womed Leaf for adult women undergoing hysteroscopic surgery for symptomatic moderate to severe intrauterine adhesions, also referred to as Asherman syndrome.
Womed Leaf is the first medical device to be approved for sale in the United States for that indication.
“This is the first FDA approved barrier for these patients and marks a significant improvement for their ultimate desired outcome.”
Intrauterine Adhesions (IUAs), which refer to the pathological binding of the uterine walls, are caused by scarring of the uterus after procedures such as dilation and curettage or fibroid removal, and can occur in 20 per cent to 45 per cent of those procedures.
IUAs are a major cause of infertility, recurrent miscarriages and pain. IUA treatment is plagued with a very high recurrence rate, leaving women unsure and very anxious about their chance to conceive.
Womed Leaf is intended to reduce the reoccurrence and severity of post-surgical adhesion formation inside the uterus. It consists of a soft thin film made from Womed’s innovative polymer, which is inserted like an IUD at the end of an adhesiolysis procedure.
It expands within the cavity, preventing contact between the uterine walls, and is then naturally and painlessly discharged.
The pivotal PREG2 randomised clinical study that enrolled 160 patients with severe or moderate IUA demonstrated that Womed Leaf significantly reduced the severity of intrauterine adhesion after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis compared with no prevention method and that Womed Leaf has an acceptable safety profile.
Prototype production begins on AI-enabled device for Vulvo-Vaginal Candidiasis
Femtech medical device company Zero Candida Technologies has commenced prototype production of ZC-001.
ZC-001 the first AI-enabled therapeutic device integrating blue light therapy, targeted drug delivery, and wireless diagnostics for the personalised treatment of Vulvo-Vaginal Candidiasis (VVC).
The company has initiated production of 50 prototype units, with completion expected by Q1 2026.
The ZC-001 device is designed to offer meaningful advantages for both physicians and patients by providing personalised, at-home treatment with real-time data transmission, reducing the need for frequent doctor visits while enabling individualised care protocols.
“Every design decision was made with patient comfort and usability in mind,” said Dr Asher Holzer, CTO of Zero Candida.
“It’s the foundation for our next phase of validation and defines the technical standards for how ZC-001 will be built and tested.”
Alife Health’s AI-powered embryo selection software has received CE Mark certification under the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR), allowing it to be used in fertility clinics across Europe.
The San Francisco-based company said its Embryo Predict system, which supports embryologists in selecting the best embryo for transfer, can now be marketed across EU countries following MDR approval.
The software uses deep learning – a type of artificial intelligence that mimics how the brain processes information – to help embryologists assess embryos during IVF.
It captures embryo images, generates an AI score and ranks them according to their likelihood of resulting in a clinical pregnancy.
Traditional embryo assessment relies on manual observation of embryo morphology – the study of its shape and structure – which can vary between embryologists.
The AI tool aims to standardise this process by analysing large datasets and detecting subtle patterns beyond what the human eye can identify.
Melissa Teran, CEO of Alife Health, said: “Achieving CE Mark approval is a significant step in our mission to improve patient outcomes and expand access to fertility care.
“With Embryo Predict now available to clinics across Europe, we have moved one step closer to our goal of achieving global impact in reproductive medicine.
“We look forward to partnering with leading IVF centres across Europe to bring the benefits of AI to more patients.”
With MDR clearance secured, Alife plans to roll out Embryo Predict to selected IVF clinics across the EU, building on its existing momentum in the US, where it operates a clinical decision support platform and partners with leading fertility networks.
Alife Health develops AI-driven tools to modernise and personalise IVF.
The company has not disclosed pricing for the European market or timelines for individual country launches.
Dr Marcos Meseguer is global director of embryology research at IVIRMA, who is collaborating with Alife on innovative embryo research sponsored by the European Council.
Meseguer said: “I was impressed not only by Embryo Predict’s precision in scoring embryos, but also by the simplicity of its integration with existing laboratory hardware.
“Alife brings a level of standardisation and objectivity to embryo selection that our field needs.
“By combining human expertise with AI-driven insight we will reduce subjectivity and improve decision-making.”
A Victorian woman undergoing IVF treatment received her own embryo instead of her partner’s, Monash IVF has confirmed—marking the second reported mix-up at the fertility company in recent months.
The error, which occurred in June, was revealed in a statement to the ASX on Tuesday.
Monash IVF said the patient’s embryo was transferred “contrary to the treatment plan”, which had specified the embryo of her partner.
It follows a separate incident announced in April, when a woman at a Queensland clinic gave birth to a child conceived with another couple’s embryo.
Monash IVF said it had extended “sincere apologies” to the latest affected couple and was continuing to support them.
The Victorian health regulator has launched an investigation. The state’s health minister, Mary-Anne Thomas, said the company would be required to cooperate fully.
Thomas said in a statement: “Families should have confidence that the treatment they are receiving is done to the highest standard.”
She later told reporters Monash IVF’s “clinical governance standards are not where they should be”.
She said: “This will be quite devastating for the couple at the heart of this.
“The IVF journey can be long, torturous and very expensive. To not be respected, to not have your treatment plan followed—I can’t even imagine how that couple are feeling right now.”
The first incident was attributed to human error.
Monash IVF appointed senior counsel Fiona McLeod to lead an independent investigation, which has now been extended to cover the second case.
The latest incident has renewed concerns about safety protocols in fertility clinics.
Dr Hilary Bowman-Smart is a bioethicist at the University of South Australia.
Bowman-Smart said: “In reproductive care, trust is everything.
“This mix-up – the second reported incident at Monash IVF – risks shaking confidence not just in one provider, but across the entire fertility sector.”
Dr Evie Kendal, senior lecturer in health promotion at Swinburne University of Technology, said the cases showed how human involvement in reproduction carried risks.
She said: “Previous safeguards are clearly not up to the challenge of protecting clients against such incidents, and urgent ethical and policy guidance is needed to prevent such mistakes from occurring again.”
Monash IVF said it was introducing additional verification processes and patient confirmation steps “over and above normal practice and electronic witness systems” to restore confidence in its procedures.
It noted that while electronic witness systems were being rolled out, there were still circumstances where manual checks were required.
Associate professor Alex Polyakov from the University of Melbourne and medical director at Genea Fertility described the events as “profoundly troubling”, but added they remained “extraordinarily uncommon”.
Monash IVF has notified assisted reproductive technology regulators and its insurers about the incident.
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