Start with transparency, not the advert

The loudest clinic is not always the best one. A useful first filter is how openly a clinic shares information you would need to make a decision: its prices, the names and posts of the specialists who will see you, and how it talks about success. A clinic confident in its care tends to put these in plain sight rather than behind a booked appointment.

Adverts promising guaranteed outcomes or unusually low prices deserve caution rather than excitement. In fertility care, certainty is rarely honest, and a price far below everyone else often means something important has been left out of the quote.

Ask who will actually treat you

Fertility care is delivered by people, not brochures. Ask which specialist will lead your care, what their qualifications and posts are, and who you will see at each stage. A clinic that names its consultants, embryologists and nurses is easier to trust than one that stays anonymous.

In Lagos, it is reasonable to ask whether the specialists hold recognised posts and where the laboratory work is performed, since embryology quality matters as much as the consultation.

Read success rates the right way

A single large percentage tells you very little on its own. Before you are impressed by a number, ask what it actually measures.

  • Is it a pregnancy rate or a live birth rate? These are different.
  • Is it per cycle started, per egg collection, or per embryo transfer?
  • What is the figure for your own age group?
  • Over how many cycles and what period was it measured?
  • Does it include donor eggs, which can raise the headline?

Get the whole cost in writing

Ask for a written estimate that separates the core treatment from tests, medication, anaesthesia, laboratory techniques, freezing and storage. A low headline price can become the most expensive option once the excluded items are added. Clear policies on cancellation, refunds and repeat cycles are part of fair financial consent.

Trust how a clinic makes you feel

Beyond the clinical detail, notice whether you are listened to, whether questions are welcomed, and whether you feel pressured to decide or pay quickly. Pressure is a warning sign. The right clinic gives you room to think, understand and choose.

Common questions

How do I know if a fertility clinic is reputable?

Look for transparency on prices, named specialists with recognised posts, honest success figures with context, and a willingness to answer questions without pressure. Reluctance on any of these is worth noting.

Is the cheapest clinic a good idea?

Not necessarily. A low headline price often excludes medication, tests, laboratory techniques or storage. Compare written, itemised estimates rather than adverts.

Should I visit more than one clinic?

A first consultation is a conversation, and it is reasonable to speak with more than one clinic before deciding. Our own cost planner is written to be taken to any clinic, including ours.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed July 2026. This article is educational and does not diagnose or replace individual medical advice.