How long from IVF referral - to starting treatment?

[sillybillymummy]

We have been trying for a baby for a couple of years (long story). Finally got referred for ICSI (another long story). I know i sound impatient, but i was wondering, if you have experienced this, how long it might take to get this show on the road? What is the norm?

[InTheSunshine]

We first saw the consultant in January this year. We've got our 3rd appointment next month where we expect to start our IVF treatment. Patience is definitely a virtue in this game

[Keziahhopes]

Hi - much depends on how many tests you have already had before treatment. If they know you need ICSI and not go down the clomid/IUI route on NHS first it sounds like they done quite a few tests. On NHS I had 3 month waits between appointments, which was the only delay. Took only a few months to see the consultant to start with - our delay was having more Semen Analysis, a HSG for me etc. Much depends on the waiting list of the consultant or unit/hospital you have been referred to.

good luck.

[sillybillymummy]

Thanks for your reply.
Inthesunshine, you are right about that!
Keziahhopes - we have both had all the tests. My DH had 3 lots of Semen Analysis whilst under the consultant, which we had to wait 6 weeks in between - that is definitely the problem, he has antibodies, poor motility etc. We are now going for his first semen analysis at the hospital (the place where we've been referred) next tuesday. We are going private now, but there just doesn't seem any urgency!

[Keziahhopes]

Hi Sillybilly - glad you found somewhere private. We found even with private they have waiting lists, which really surprised me (but first experience of private) but advantage was once in the system privately and starting treatment no delays. If you are eligible for NSH funding for treatment you can still use this and do private as well (after private etc) which might be worth considering.

With SA we did find lots more issues found when private analysis which really helped. They also suggested things to help dh's lack of motility and antibody issues with sperm, which did help as repeated SA's show - supplements, including high dose Vit C (1000g/mg - forget unit).

[bemybebe]

VitC 1000g will be 1kg, so probably mg!

[piprabbit]

My private treatment all happened quite quickly.

I arranged for my GP to refer me to my chosen clinic, then gave it a couple of weeks before calling the clinic. They confirmed that they had my referral and we arranged for an initial consultation within 4-6 weeks (can't quite remember, but it wasn't too long). Things happened fast after that.

I suspect that the clinic may not appear to have a sense of urgency because they do not want to push you too fast. They will probably take their cues from you, so give them a call or speak to them at next weeks appointment.

Good luck.

[KnackeredCow]

Sillybillymummy My referral has been really quick on the NHS, but I think it depends on the diagnosis. I had a laparoscopy, adhesiolysis and salpingectomy at beginning of August. Saw surgeon for six week follow up mid-September, when he made diagnosis and suggested IVF would be best option. We asked for a referral from gynae to assisted conception. Appointment was 7 weeks later (1 November) to see same Consultant in other unit to do paperwork. We start to cycle this month (around mid-November depending on when period starts) so from referral to ACU for IVF to start of IVF it will be 2 months. Time between first ACU appointment to start of IVF cycle 2.5 weeks!

I take it you've had all the preliminary investigations etc? Our appointment on 1 November was really a formality to fill in all the paperwork and to be booked in for injection training and the IVF cycle. I guess it depends on how busy the unit is.

Good luck!