How do you decide where to go next?

[Buildingamystery]

Hi, can anyone advise on how you make a decision as to where you go next after dealing with your NHS doctor? Been TTC for two years now and have been advised by doctor that because we already have one child (and so lucky to have) that he cannot help. If we go decide to go private then how do you decide where to go and how to choose? It is a minefield and am not sure what to so next.
Thanks for reading.

[HoopHopes]

Hi. If going for private fertility treatment I would consider where you live and whether having a clinic near to you is important or whether you are willing to travel (depending on clinic and treatment it can be a lot over 2 weeks or so). Then I would look up clinics. Many have free open evenings once a month and worth a visit.

Each clinic works differently. Most have a group of staff so who you see at a consultation is not necessarily the dr who does any egg collection etc. so think about what your fertility issue is and if a particular clinic or dr deals with it. For instance we found out I had immune issues so went to a clinic that had a renowned dr at treating reproductive immune issues after our first failed attempts

[Dannygirl]

Hi building I am really sorry to hear of your situation. I have been in a similar situation for the last few years (one gorgeous DS aged 6, trying for DC2 for 4 years). At the start I just went to my local IVF clinic without giving it much thought but after around 18 months they said they couldn't help me and I ended up at ARGC, and now luckily am 12 weeks pregnant.

I really agree with Hoop. Apart from the financial considerations there are 3 things I would advise you to think about.

1. Distance. As Hoop says, when you are in treatment (depending on the clinic and protocol you are on) it can be quite intense and you can be in there daily / every other day for a few weeks. This is a real practical consideration re work/childcare/Travel costs etc.
   
   
2. Success rates. I didn't consider this when I chose my first clinic and I wish I had! There is lots of information on the hfea website as well as this article by a statistician which I found useful
   
   understandinguncertainty.org/fertility
   
   
3. Specialism. Similarly to Hoop in the end ARGC diagnosed immune issues with me, which my previous clinic didn't even test for or consider. If you do have any insight into your issues, it's worth considering different clinics specialisms when choosing
   
   You can probably get a sense of different clinics on the Fertility Friends website or from visiting of course
   
   I hope this helps and wish you all the very best of luck xxxx

[sideshowbob2]

hi dannygirl, thats very interesting, are you talking about the ARGC in london?? as i'm currently looking at having stimulated IUI treatment there as my gp recommends this hospital above any in harley street, can i be really nosey and ask which treatment you had?? as all help and advise is very welcome!!

[Dannygirl]

Yes of course not nosey at all! Yes it's the ARGC on Upper Wimpole Street in London. We did a frozen IVF cycle (with embryos made at Hammersmith hospital IVF unit!) but ARGC did lots of immune tests and treatment with me too (I was treated with Humira, Intrallipids, Prednisolone and even Viagra to thicken my womb lining!). Most of which is fairly controversial and not considered by many clinics (including Hammersmith). It really depends on the underlying issue. In our case there was a problem on my husband's side which meant we had to have ICSI but it turns out that was the straightforward part for us as I had repeat implantation failure. That's where ARGC and their immune tests and treatment made the difference for us. I would highly recommend them, it's organised chaos in there but they are extremely dedicated and specialist at what they do, and their success rates are incredible. Hope this helps, feel free to ask any more questions or PM me. Best of luck to you both xx

[Buildingamystery]

I only saw these replies now. Thanks for all responses. Wimpole St very handy for me. So so hard to know where to start and how to know where to go!