PCOS - NHS vs Private Clinic

[DonnaP86]

Hi All,

I have recently been diagnosed with PCOS following years of problems and have been TTC for 9-10 months (not as long as most of you I know!) but am already getting frustrated with NHS waiting times. Been given my first gynae appointment in two months time and as you can probably guess I am not the most patient of people.

I am nearly 25 and my partner is 32 so we aren't 'old' by any stretch but I know my local PCT won't fund IVF until I am 30 (if it comes to that of course).

My periods are every 7-9 days apart and according to OV test kits I am not ovulating (I know they can be unreliable with PCOS though).

I have always desperately wanted a family and to find that after spending so long waiting for the right time (i.e house, good job and stable relationship) that it is going to be so difficult has been a huge knock to me and my mental health not to mention the strain on my relationship!

I was wondering if any of you had gone private to get more tests and Clomid prescribed and if you think it was worth the money??

Thanks!

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

I would say initially at least, you are safer under the NHS. Both of you need to attend the initial appt (such appts as well can cause considerable nerves so mutual support is vitally important. Also write down any question you want to ask well ahead of time - you do not want to leave there thinking oh I should have asked about ...).

If you do go private I would do your researches thoroughly beforehand as some private based treatment can be poor as well as expensive. I would educate yourself thoroughly re PCOS so you are in a better position to make good treatment decisions. It is vitally important that the three of you can work as a team regardless of whether you are within the NHS or private systems. Both of you should be tested in tandem; subfertility is not the sole preserve of the woman.

If PCOS is present ovulation kits are a waste of money and should therefore be avoided (these kits measure LH levels; with PCOS these levels are often elevated therefore giving false positive results).

Clomid is usually the first line of treatment for PCOS patients but you need to be aware that it is not always suitable for such patients. Clomid's main job is to make the ovaries work harder.

BTW IVF is usually tried for PCOS only after all other treatment options have failed. It is not without risk for PCOS patients due to a possibility of ovarian hyperstimulation.