No journey is straight forward, but the CREATE team were there for us each step of the way
In Jan 2024, we started our journey with CREATE Fertility. The staff were really kind and enthusiastic about the start of our journey. The baseline scan was easy and the staff explained every step of the way during the scan. We really liked how the nurse explained what she was seeing on the scan.
We decided on 3 rounds of IUI as I was young and had good ovarian reserves. We ordered sperm from an external sperm bank to create but the instructions create sent us, were clear and helpful. We had our first IUI in April 2024, which sadly didn’t work. We did a back to back cycle so another IUI in May 2024 which ended in a chemical pregnancy. When I rang the helpline when my bleed started, she was calm and kind. She gave me advice to look after myself and then booked our follow up consultation with the doctor to discuss next steps.
We decided to do one more IUI as we had a third vial of sperm left. After the 2 week wait, we found out I was pregnant. My hCG was low but the nurse in Hertfordshire gave me confidence and strength to take each day as it comes. Sadly at 6 weeks pregnant, I miscarried in August 2024.
"It felt like the world had ended but the CREATE team were there for us each step of the way"
The kindness and empathy we received at the follow up consultation, over email with our coordinator, and with the counsellor was so helpful for us.
"Even in our hardest times, knowing that we could have counselling when we needed or we could book in for our consultations ASAP meant we could enjoy the journey and feel in control."
We dealt with grief by diving straight into planning our next treatments. Following advice with the consultant, we agreed to move to Mild IVF rather than do more IUI with the hope of a fresh transfer. The daily injections were manageable and the team helped us learn how to do them so we felt confident. The egg collection went well and lots of eggs were collected as my ovaries overreacted to the medication which meant we needed a freeze all cycle. Although disappointed, the team at CREATE helped us understand how this is best for my health and waiting a couple of months was the best thing. It meant my body was in top health for the frozen transfer.
We had our first frozen embryo transfer on 27th December 2024 which a Grade 5AA embryo. We were so lucky to fall pregnant which this embryo who was rapidly growing and my hCG numbers were really high which was great. At 6 weeks 5 days, we had our final scan with create in St Paul’s which was very thorough. We left excited and bittersweet knowing our journey with create was done for now!
"I remember waiting at reception for my paperwork and the receptionist gave me the biggest smile and said congratulations and keep in touch with us."
A small gesture on a busy morning at the clinic but one that stayed with us. That Grade 5AA embryo grew beautifully and became our son who was born in September 2025.
The Hertfordshire team were absolutely phenomenal. Their knowledge about the process and talking us through every step of the way, helped us understand fully what my body was going through. Every staff member we dealt with was kind and caring, especially when we had tough times on the journey.
"As a same sex couple, my wife was treated like an equal and never dismissed even though I was having the actual treatment. We really valued this as not all organisations made us feel safe and supported."
Katie and I love being mummies to our little boy. He is growing so quickly but is our whole world. He’s got the most gorgeous smile and is such a happy baby. We are sleep deprived but the joy Theo has brought to our lives and our families is immense.
"The level of service and value for money at CREATE Fertility cannot be beaten"
If we were to give advice to other couples considering fertility treatment, we would tell them to share your experience with loved ones around you where you can. Having someone to celebrate and also be there on the hard days, is the best thing you can do. No journey is straight forward. The twists and turns are a lot, so it’s ok to feel sad or frustrated at times but it’s all meant to be. You will get your miracle when the time is right.
