ARGC - 2026

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Does anyone have any recent experiences of ARGC for IVF and other fertility treatment? I have read very mixed reviews and their stats seem to be quite dated now.

They are deliberately dragging their heels in giving their most recent data to HEFA - other clinics submitted updated stats in 2025. All of their claims relate to manipulated data that's nearly 10 years old. There is no reason to do daily bloods I have discussed this with multiple consultants at different clinics, it is purely for £££ and the word of mouth rumour that this makes a difference.

That's really interesting @sirensong. Do you think their current stats look worse? If you don't mind me asking, did you have treatment there? I have heard both very positive and very negative things.

Hello, I am having treatment there at the moment. Happy to answer any questions.
I think they have a generally worse cohort as most people I have met have had multiple failed cycles elsewhere and the average age is quite a bit older.

They do more add ons than other clinics but they are all optional. Overall base prices are comparable and they tailor things much more than other clinics. For some patients this makes no difference but for people who have had issues with ivf in the past there is some evidence it can improve outcomes.
You do need to be available to come back for additional things at short notice. I think this is where some patients get upset. But it's part of their process.

@TheFanciestPantsHi! Thanks for your reply. May I ask whether this is your first cycle and if you are at the older end of the spectrum (I am)? I had read that it can be difficult to manage alongside work - is that accurate? I hope that your treatment is going well so far :)

First cycle at ARGC.
Did 3 at King's, NHS first round got cancelled early due to a dominant follicle, so I had another cycle there (NHS) which resulted in my son and then one before Christmas which was a disaster (I think a trigger timing issue, but you never really know!).
I am 38, most people in the clinic are a similar age or a bit older (lots in early 40s). Haven't met anyone born in the 90s there yet.
Yes second week is very intense, most people are either working on laptops in the clinic/cafes around or on sick/annual leave. That was only 3 days for me, but still quite draining.
Thank you for your well wishes!

Thanks for sharing. It sounds like you have been through the mill. That’s good to know re. age. Coincidentally I’m also looking at Kings (private) - did you have an ok experience there (cancellation and trigger timing issue aside)?

Thank you. In IVF terms I would actually say my journey hasn't been too bad having had a live birth with my first proper cycle. I think that perspective is really important as it can be a long and difficult process for many.

I think King's are great for simpler cases but don't be surprised with rigidity and linear thinking. We are MFI so their lab is world leading and hence why we did our NHS round there. If you haven't done a round before and you could be a lucky median type patient I think they are a good shout (pricing is competitive and clinical standards are high).

Having been around IVF for a few years (friends etc) I would say try one cycle with King's and then see where you get to. If that approach makes you feel like you'd be wasting time I would suggest ARGC in the first instance.

@TheFanciestPantsSuch helpful insight - thank you. I don’t expect to be a median type patient due to age and low-ish AMH but also trying not to be pessimistic. I guess we’ll see.

Can anyone share how long one cycle tends to take (from start to finish)? I’m awaiting an initial appointment so I’m yet to learn all of this. Family have suggested to me that I should quit work for a while to get through it which feels extreme but I understand the suggestion as my job involves quite extreme and unpredictable hours in client service. Has anyone else considered doing or done this?

I think that you don't really know if you are median until you try! Low-ish AMH isn't necessarily an issue (obviously it may be fewer eggs but that's not necessarily an issue as egg quality is more important than quantity).
Sure, if it's a normal short cycle, it's around 2 weeks of stimulation and then hopefully an embryo transfer 5 days after egg collection. If you need to down reg then it could be an additional 2 weeks but that doesn't require as many appointments.

A lot of people get signed off sick for a while normally a few weeks to a month so depending on sick pay may be an option.

@TheFanciestPantsOk, that’s potentially not as bad as I feared in terms of length (though I’m sure it is very challenging). I’m guessing that people who get signed off work do so on non-specific medical grounds.

Wishing you all the best for remainder of your treatment.