Marketa Häkkinen*

Medi-Gyn Fertility S.R.O., Czech Republic

*Corresponding Author: Häkkinen, Medi-Gyn Fertility S.R.O., Czech Republic.

Received: September 19, 2025; Published: October 24, 2025

Abstract

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is among the most expensive and emotionally demanding treatments in modern medicine.

Couples may spend €12,000–15,000 per cycle once hidden costs such as medications, cryopreservation, and genetic testing are included [1,2]. Yet despite this investment, patients rarely receive dedicated genetic counseling, structured education, or holistic lifestyle support. Instead, embryologists and coordinators are overstretched into roles far beyond their training, leading to fragmented care and increased risk of laboratory errors [3,4].

Clinics advertise packages that appear comprehensive but exclude essential services, while simultaneously charging extra for lifestyle guidance and advanced technologies. This article examines the reality “behind the doors” of IVF clinics — where the money goes, how employment structures affect care, and what gaps leave patients unsupported.

It proposes the introduction of a new role, the IGLC (IVF, Genetic, Lifestyle Counselor), to deliver personalized guidance, reduce repeated failed cycles, and restore the human dimension of fertility care.

Keywords: IVF; Genetic Counseling; Embryology; Patient Experience; Fertility Care; Lifestyle

References

1. Bayoumi R., et al. “The cost of IVF in Europe and its consequences for patients”. Reproductive BioMedicine Online6 (2020): 1085-1096.
2. Chambers GM., et al. “The economic impact of assisted reproductive technology: a review of selected developed countries”. Human Reproduction2 (2009): 451-459.
3. Maggiulli R., et al. “Impact of human errors in an IVF laboratory: a multicentre study”. Human Reproduction5 (2020): 1167-1175.
4. Sfontouris IA., et al. “Electronic witnessing in assisted reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis”. Reproductive BioMedicine Online2 (2018): 149-165.
5. Armstrong S., et al. “Time-lapse systems for embryo incubation and assessment in assisted reproduction”. Cochrane Database System Review 5 (2019): CD011320.
6. Gameiro S., et al. “ESHRE guideline: routine psychosocial care in infertility and medically assisted reproduction”. Human Reproduction11 (2011): 2476-2485.
7. Boivin J., et al. “Psychological interventions in infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis”. Human Reproduction Update3 (2011): 297-314.
8. De Rycke M., et al. “ESHRE recommendations for genetic counselling in ART”. Human Reproduction8 (2017): 1617-1629.
9. Chavarro JE., et al. “Diet and lifestyle in the prevention of infertility”. Obstetrics and Gynecology5 (2007): 1050-1058.

Citation

Citation: Marketa Häkkinen. “Behind the IVF Clinic Doors: Employment Structure, Patient Experience, and Hidden Gaps in Fertility Care". Acta Scientific Women's Health 7.11 (2025): 11-13.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2025 Marketa Häkkinen. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.