Fertility in Focus
How Harley Street Fertility Clinic helps couples achieve their dream of parenthood
In our brand-new series, Fertility in Focus, we speak to Harley Street Fertility Clinic to learn more about how they help couples and individuals achieve their dream of parenthood.
How would you describe the impact and importance of your work in the lives of fertility patients?
At the Harley Street Fertility Clinic, we are acutely aware of the profound effect our work has on the lives of individuals and couples who aspire to conceive.
We provide a comprehensive spectrum of cutting-edge fertility treatments and exceptional care, which are accessible to all, irrespective of the complexities of their medical profiles. Our unwavering commitment to achieving fertility success ensures that we are equipped with a diverse range of treatments to address the unique needs of our patients.
The impact and importance of this work in the lives of our patients is extraordinary, helping our patients to build the family they want, no matter how challenging the circumstances.
Are there any standout elements of your approach that are perhaps unusual or set you apart from the general “norm”?
The Harley Street Fertility Clinic is distinguished by a collective fertility expertise exceeding 150 years, shared among our four eminent fertility consultants.
This wealth of knowledge facilitates a collaborative and progressive approach to fertility care, underscored by a personalised touch that is fundamental to our philosophy.
We excel in managing complex fertility cases and converting seemingly insurmountable challenges into tangible possibilities for all our patients.
Our preliminary approach entails an exhaustive understanding of you and your fertility health. By conducting thorough examinations and diagnostic screenings from the outset, we leave no aspect unexamined to unearth the underlying causes of recurrent miscarriages or infertility.
We then devise a bespoke therapeutic treatment strategy that is optimised to your individual needs. This approach maximises the chance of success for each attempt at a pregnancy. Thereby reducing the overall time to pregnancy.
Our clinic boasts the highest conception rates for individuals over the age of 40 within the UK, a testament to our expertise and dedication.
Particularly noteworthy is our work in the field of reproductive immunology, an area that holds promise for those experiencing recurrent miscarriages with indeterminate etiology. Our esteemed fertility consultant, Dr George Ndukwe, with a venerable 38 years of IVF experience, specialises in this domain.
Dr Ndukwe utilises a battery of tests to detect the presence of hyperactive Natural Killer (NK) cells within the uterine lining. Through a regimen of immunosuppressive therapies, medications, and intralipids, we are adept at cultivating an optimal uterine environment conducive to a successful pregnancy.
How do you approach new patients in terms of assessing their needs and planning their treatment journey?
Each new patient embarks on their fertility journey at the Harley Street Fertility Clinic with an initial consultation conducted by one of our esteemed consultants. During this consultation, a comprehensive review of the patient’s history is undertaken, which may lead to recommendations for additional diagnostic tests.
Dr Geetha Venkat of Harley Street Fertility Clinic talking to a patient
After the completion of any necessary testing, our consultant will craft a bespoke treatment plan, tailored specifically to the patient’s individual needs.
The entire treatment process will be meticulously overseen by the same consultant, thus ensuring a seamless and continuous patient experience from start to finish.
What steps are you taking to keep fertility treatments affordable while giving the patients the best chance of having a successful pregnancy?
Harley Street Fertility Clinic recognises the financial considerations that accompany fertility treatments. To this end, we aim to deliver value for money in the care we offer by maximising the chances of success of each pregnancy attempt and minimising the time and cost to achieving a pregnancy.
Further, our treatment cycles include many state-of-the-art adjunct treatments that we believe improve clinical outcomes.
In terms of assisting with financial options, we have established partnerships with select financing entities to offer a variety of funding options for our patients.
Gaia provides a unique funding plan resembling an “insurance” model, which encompasses all essential treatment and medications but excludes adjuncts such as genetic testing or immune treatments.
Assured Fertility offers both a 100 per cent refund plan and a multi-cycle plan, with terms and conditions applied. Kandoo extends low-interest loans to facilitate the spreading of treatment costs over a manageable period.
Through these initiatives, we strive to make fertility treatments more accessible while maintaining the highest standards of care to maximise the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
The fertility sector has changed drastically in the last decade. What has changed in your approach since 10 years ago?
While our mission has steadfastly remained to offer a personalised approach to each patient, the past decade has witnessed the advent of new and sophisticated treatments and diagnostic tools. These advancements have enabled us to significantly enhance our success rates, particularly noteworthy being our leading success rates in pregnancies for patients over 40 years of age.
Innovations such as PGT-A, CHLOE-EQ, EMMA and advanced immunology tests have been integrated into our practice, further solidifying our position at the forefront of fertility treatment.
Similarly, artificial intelligence based egg grading (CHLOE-OQ) allows our embryology lab to usefully determine egg quality before use. Hence, for patients undertaking egg freezing, we can now provide patients with vital information on the chances of success when returning to use the frozen eggs in due course.
Are there any new or emerging technologies / innovations in the fertility space that you use or are particularly excited about?
We are always exploring the very latest in technologies and innovations in our space, to ensure that we’re able to deliver the most likely circumstances for a successful pregnancy first time around.
Notable current technologies that we value, and use are:
- Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), allows us to screen embryos for euploidy (normal number of chromosomes). Studies definitively show that aneuploid (abnormal number of chromosomes) embryos do not achieve a pregnancy. Thus, we can avoid transferring embryos that have no chance of achieving a pregnancy. Most UK clinics only perform PGT-A in select cases. However, we feel strongly that it should become routine as it reduces the overall number of attempts to achieve a positive outcome.
- AI-based embryo grading (CHLOE-EQ) allows our embryology laboratory to provide more objective embryo grading. Further, it allows our highly skilled embryologists focus on what they do best rather than time spent on data entry and analysis.
- The role of the Microbiome on implantation: using conventional (microbial culture) and molecular methods (EMMA/ALICE), we can interrogate a patient’s vaginal and endometrial microbiome. Studies show that having healthy microbiomes increase the chances of a positive outcome.
Technologies that we anticipate eagerly:
- AI-assisted ovarian stimulation protocols. Ovarian stimulation (stimulating a woman’s ovaries to produce eggs) remains an art form and is dependent upon the clinicians’ experience. We expect machine learning and AI algorithms to leverage the vast amount of clinical data that is now available to provide improved ovarian stimulation protocols and decisions to support clinicians.
- Continuous hormone monitoring. Blood tests and ultrasound scans are used to monitor a patient’s response to ovarian stimulation or endometrial preparation. However, these are snapshots. We hope continuous hormone monitoring, similar to continuous glucose monitoring will become reality soon. This will be a game changer in monitoring patients and should yield significantly improved results.
- Computer assisted semen assessments: surprisingly, nearly all semen assessments are still performed manually. Unfortunately, technology has yet to deliver a device that is as reliable in performing this investigation. However, we are confident that one will be delivered in the near future.
- Robotic assisted embryology laboratory procedures, including ICSI, oocyte/embryo vitrification. As with robotic assisted surgery, there will come a time when laboratory procedures can be performed with less human involvement and thereby improve the consistency of our results.
What is your ultimate mission with Harley Street Fertility Clinic?
Our ultimate mission is to enable each individual and couple who desires to start or grow their family to realise that dream, regardless of the complexity of their case.
We are dedicated to breaking barriers and providing solutions that make parenthood achievable for all who seek our expertise.
To find out more, please visit hsfc.org.uk.
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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