Changing IVF Clinics: Guide for a Safe, Fresh Start
Considering a second opinion?
Here’s why it matters:
Changing clinics or seeking a second opinion doesn’t mean you’ve failed. In fact, many patients find it helps them feel more informed, reassured and in control.
You might be thinking about a change if:
- Is my treatment plan right for me?
- Are there other options I haven’t explored?
- Could another clinic offer different support or expertise?
At City Fertility, we’ll meet you where you’re at and help you explore your options, with no pressure to commit.
Why choose City Fertility?
Book your appointment today to start the process of changing clinics today.
How to change IVF clinics
From 1 July 2025, we’re also offering free transport and 12 months of storage to make the transition even easier. See below for more detail.
Contact our Fertility Advice Centre or book online to connect with an experienced fertility specialist.
This allows access to Medicare rebates and provides your new specialist with important clinical background.
Our Patient Services team will liaise with your previous clinic to arrange safe transport of any frozen embryos, sperm or eggs, as well as your medical records.
Costs of changing IVF clinics
There are usually two main costs to consider:
- The initial consultation with your new fertility specialist
- Transport and storage of embryos, eggs or sperm, if applicable
To make this process more accessible, City Fertility is offering eligible patients:
- Free transfer of embryos, eggs or sperm
- 12 months of complimentary storage at your new City Fertility clinic
Our team will guide you through what’s covered and what to expect. You can also visit our IVF Costs page for more information.
Safe Transfer of Frozen Embryos, Eggs, and Sperm
Yes. The transportation of frozen gametes and embryos is a well-established medical process that is safe, secure and carefully regulated.
- Your embryos, eggs or sperm are placed in a specialist “dry shipper” that maintains deep freeze temperatures
- The courier service used is medical-grade and fully trained in handling cryogenic materials
- On arrival, the samples are transferred into long-term storage tanks at our lab
City Fertility has extensive experience with gamete and embryo transport across Australia and internationally, with all safety protocols carefully followed.
Next Steps
FAQs
01 Can you change IVF clinics?
Yes, changing IVF clinics is safe, common, and often empowering. Whether you’re early in treatment or already have embryos in storage, you have the right to choose care that feels right for you. With just a few steps, you can transfer your records and gametes (embryos, sperm, or eggs) to a new provider
02 Can you transfer frozen eggs from one clinic to another?
Absolutely. Frozen eggs, embryos, or sperm can be safely transported between fertility clinics using secure cryogenic tanks called “dry shippers.” These tanks keep the samples frozen and stable throughout the journey. At City Fertility, we work with a specialised medical transport company to ensure a seamless, monitored handover.
03 When is it time to move on from a fertility clinic?
If you’re feeling unheard, uncertain or you simply want a second opinion, it may be time to explore your options. Trust is essential, and if you’re questioning your current care, a fresh perspective could bring renewed hope, clarity, and better outcomes.
04 Is it safe to move my frozen embryos?
Yes, the transport of frozen embryos, eggs, or sperm is extremely safe. The process is standard practice across fertility clinics. Samples are placed in specialised “dry shippers” that maintain the correct temperature and are monitored before, during, and after transfer. The risk of damage or degradation is negligible.
05 Will switching IVF clinics delay my treatment?
Not necessarily. If you already have frozen embryos or eggs, the process of switching clinics is straightforward and often quicker than expected. Our Patient Services team will help coordinate the timing, ensuring your treatment plan stays on track. In some cases, switching clinics can even reduce delays or improve outcomes.
06 Do I need a new referral?
Yes, you’ll need to obtain a new referral from your GP before your first appointment with your new fertility specialist. This ensures you can claim your Medicare rebate and that your new clinic has access to your medical history for continuity of care
07 Are the medical transport options safe? How is it done?
Yes, it is exceptionally safe. Your embryos, eggs, or sperm are transported in a cryogenic “dry shipper” by a specialist medical courier. These tanks maintain ultra-low temperatures and are built for global transit. At City Fertility, we only work with experienced transport partners, and our team verifies every sample on arrival.
08 Is there a risk to the frozen embryo, eggs or sperm?
The embryo or gametes remain frozen during the entire transportation process in a specialised tank that can go around the world, maintaining the environment needed to sustain the frozen material. These tanks are prepared and monitored prior to/during shipping and upon receipt at the clinic.
Moreover, at City Fertility, all storage tanks are monitored regularly and confirmed for integrity and temperature maintenance before and after each and every use
09 Is there a risk of my frozen embryo or gametes being misplaced or mixed up with another?
The frozen embryos, eggs or sperm are clearly labelled and witnessed at the time of freezing. The labels used for this process are specialised and do not come off in liquid nitrogen storage.
Every IVF journey is different.
That’s why our team of specialists, scientists and nurses are here to provide personalised care and answer your questions at every stage.