Seeking fertlity treatment...need advice

[madame]

My husband and I have just decided to embark on ivf route. Have one dd aged 4, took 3 years to get her naturally but 2 miscarriages along the way. Have been trying naturally for 2 years to no avail. I am 40 next August so feel need to get a move on! GP says ivf or some form would be appropriate for me. Nothing apparantly wrong with me or husband but unexplained infertlity!
What we want to do is keep trying until after Christmas and then if that fails commence treatment in January.
I haven't got a clue where to start. Do I need to book consults now, will they need to run tests? Where do I go?
I am lucky in that I am in a position to do this privtaely but I just don't know where is best. I live in Essex but I can go to London if thats best.
Is there anyone out there that can hlp on this, please....in any way

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Unexplained infertility is infact no diagnosis at all; it is a "diagnosis" often given to couples when they have not been investigated properly or had adequate tests done.

Your GP should be referring you to a gynae as a matter of course given both your age and previous gynae history. GP should not at this stage be saying IVF to you both.

Do not delay unduly; get the process started now.

BTW it may come to pass that you may not need IVF at all. What you do need initially is an actual diagnosis of the underlying problem/s preventing conception.

You need to be cautious if you go private; not all private clinics offer good treatment by any means and it can be very expensive. Do your researches carefully, visit a lot of clinics and ask probing questions about success rates.

[pipWereRabbit]

madame, my story is very similar to yours. Took ages to fall pregnant with DD, then took ages trying again. I also had several MCs along the way.

We also live in Essex. I spoke to friends who had already undergone IVF for their thoughts and recommendations - I'd suggest you also talk to friends if you know anyone whose gone through IVF.

Looking at the HFEA website and listening to friends, we decided to contact the Essex Fertility Centre. They have now moved and got a new name Herts and Essex Fertility Centre. I can't recommend them highly enough, and I think I'd feel the same even if we hadn't been lucky enough to have DS as a result of our treatment.

This particular clinic offers open evenings, and can give you all the info you need about starting the process. I'm sure other clinics do similar things.

I'll also second the suggestion you use the Fertility Friends website - it's a fantastic resource and there are loads of lovely people there too.

Don't rush into it, take time to do your own research, and if you feel you need to talk further to your GP then pursue that too.

Good Luck .