£100,000. Nine failed IVF cycles. An incredibly difficult decision.
Emma Kemsley’s story highlights the emotional, physical and financial toll that fertility treatment can take.
For six years, Emma and her husband pursued their dream of becoming parents. Along the way, she underwent multiple IVF cycles, surgeries and additional procedures, while navigating devastating loss.
As Emma explains:
“Doctors suggested plans and practices. Extra blood tests, more medications, surgery, further tests, acupuncture, vitamins, supplements.
Every fertility cycle with egg collection cost me an average of £10,000. Every frozen embryo transfer, an additional £3,000, plus several private surgeries I required to enhance my chance at success.
“I was a walking medical ATM.”
After nine failed IVF cycles, Emma and her husband made the decision to stop treatment and begin a different chapter of their lives.
Her story raises important questions about fertility treatment add-ons and the responsibility to ensure patients understand the evidence, costs, risks and potential benefits of the treatments they are offered.
When people are facing infertility, hope can be incredibly powerful. Patients deserve honest information, transparent costs and care that puts their wellbeing first.
Every fertility journey matters, including those that do not end with a baby.
Choosing to stop treatment is deeply personal. So is continuing. Nobody should feel pressured to keep going or made to feel they haven’t done enough.
We recognise that the impact of infertility can last long after treatment ends. Whatever your journey looks like, you deserve compassion, understanding and support.