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The IVF
process
Hormones, eggs
and embryos
Myths
and facts
Coping
Private and
NHS treatment
Sperm swimming towards egg

Everything you need to know about UK IVF, explained in plain English

Sperm swimming towards egg

The Duff will help you get to grips with your treatment, understand your options, and feel completely in control of the IVF process.

Free downloadable guide

"Questions to ask your doctor at every stage of IVF treatment"

IVF isn’t just overwhelming; it can also be a mind-boggling and sometimes terrifying experience because there’s so much to learn and so many rules to follow.

Problem is, doctors are busy – and they often don’t have the time to anticipate your concerns and provide all the information you might need.

This downloadable guide contains questions that will help you understand the process better, get the answers you deserve, and feel more in control of the situation (and your rights as a patient).

Enter your email address to receive it right away.

I won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

As seen in...

The Duff promise

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In-depth articles about all aspects of the IVF process, explained in plain English

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Everything fact-checked by top UK IVF specialists.

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Thorough scientific research into procedures, add-ons and supplements.

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Unbiased, objective opinions on the best UK IVF clinics.

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Zero scare-mongering about food, exercise, and anything else you’ve been told to do or avoid during IVF.

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Real facts about “fertility foods” (pineapple, pomegranate, etc.).

Get started with these popular articles

Or read all articles here.

See the full list of articles here.

Testimonials

" Just a quick note to say a heartfelt thank you for your website: it’s been a lifesaver for me the last couple of weeks. My head was about to explode with all the crap I was Googling!!! And then I found The Duff, and I’ve barely touched Google! "
– Natalie
" Thanks for your website. It’s written in a clear and comprehensive way. I finally understand the relationship between all the different hormones! "
– Jean
" What a fantastic website; all the information I was hoping for in one place! It’s been difficult to find research sources that aren’t overly technical or overly emotional (both are overwhelming when you’re first looking into the options). Yours strikes the perfect balance. "
– Becky
" I must say, I have spent FAR too much time on your articles, and I thank you for detailing the information so well – even my husband has been reading all about his fun time to come in the little wanky room! Please keep writing and being such an amazing resource for us girls. It's so nice to read something with a little bit of humour for a change, and lord knows we all need that! "
– Jenny
" After the six-millionth Googling session of ‘how to cope with IVF’, I stumbled across your website and the last hour of binge-reading everything on there has entirely changed my perspective and feelings towards the process. I even snorted with laughter twice (my husband was looking at me in alarm – I have never, ever laughed when reading articles on fertility treatment). It has been such a relief to find a website that cuts out the self-indulgent bullshit that I have to constantly wade through on forums. "
– Joy
" It has been a breath of fresh air to find someone who has managed to eloquently write out the entire process warts and all, debunk all the gobbledegook and inject some humour into what is essentially a humourless process from start to finish. I just wanted to thank you, thank you, thank you. I have no idea what lies ahead but I promise you that my experience of finding The Duff is going to stay with me through every grotty appointment with the dildo-cam. "
– Jo

Testimonials

"Just a quick note to say a heartfelt thank you for your website: it’s been a lifesaver for me the last couple of weeks. My head was about to explode with all the crap I was Googling!!! And then I found The Duff, and I’ve barely touched Google!"
– Natalie
" Thanks for your website. It’s written in a clear and comprehensive way. I finally understand the relationship between all the different hormones! "
– Jean
" What a fantastic website; all the information I was hoping for in one place! It’s been difficult to find research sources that aren’t overly technical or overly emotional (both are overwhelming when you’re first looking into the options). Yours strikes the perfect balance. "
– Becky
" I must say, I have spent FAR too much time on your articles, and I thank you for detailing the information so well – even my husband has been reading all about his fun time to come in the little wanky room! Please keep writing and being such an amazing resource for us girls. It's so nice to read something with a little bit of humour for a change, and lord knows we all need that! "
– Jenny
" After the six-millionth Googling session of ‘how to cope with IVF’, I stumbled across your website and the last hour of binge-reading everything on there has entirely changed my perspective and feelings towards the process. I even snorted with laughter twice (my husband was looking at me in alarm – I have never, ever laughed when reading articles on fertility treatment). It has been such a relief to find a website that cuts out the self-indulgent bullshit that I have to constantly wade through on forums. "
– Joy
" It has been a breath of fresh air to find someone who has managed to eloquently write out the entire process warts and all, debunk all the gobbledegook and inject some humour into what is essentially a humourless process from start to finish. I just wanted to thank you, thank you, thank you. I have no idea what lies ahead but I promise you that my experience of finding The Duff is going to stay with me through every grotty appointment with the dildo-cam. "
– Jo
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Who’s behind The Duff?

Mish – The Duff

Me! (Mish)

You’re probably all too familiar with the crazy, panic-driven research cycle I found myself in while doing IVF a couple of years ago.

I was desperate to get to grips with the whys, whats, hows, whens and wheres of the IVF process: I wanted to understand what was going on and confidently challenge doctors if I felt unsure about any treatment they were proposing.

But every time I visited an IVF forum, Facebook group or website for information, I’d come away feeling even more confused and emotional.

So in my spare time, I decided to do the research myself. I scoured medical journals, cobbled together incomplete information from various websites, spoke to doctors and specialists (to make sure I had my facts straight) and published my findings here, on The Duff.

Find out more about me.

Free downloadable guide

"Questions to ask your doctor at every stage of IVF treatment"

IVF isn’t just overwhelming; it can also be a mind-boggling and sometimes terrifying experience because there’s so much to learn and so many rules to follow.

Problem is, doctors are busy – and they often don’t have the time to anticipate your concerns and provide all the information you might need.

This downloadable guide contains questions that will help you understand the process better, get the answers you deserve, and feel more in control of the situation (and your rights as a patient).

Enter your email address to receive it right away.

I won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.