Can I self-refer to a fertility clinic?

[leccybill]

Had blood tests and hycosy about 18 months ago - fine but one tube blocked. Been trying 3.5 years, got one DD who is 6. I'm 35.

At my last consultant appt, she said 'there's nothing more the NHS can help you with, I can refer you for private treatment now, but my only advice is don't put your house on it, I've seen people bankrupt themselves and still not get pregnant'.

I was quite upset by the brusqueness and also wasn't really in a good place to start treatment. I had lots of stress at work which was making me ill. I've since taken voluntary redundancy, got my head together, started a job I like and have money in the bank so now's the time. Do I need to go back to my GP, or just make an appt at the fertility clinic?

[Turquoisetamborine]

No you can just ring a clinic and book an appointment without any input from your GP. They usually have open days once a month so I would book a few of them so you can choose from most suitable clinic for you.

[leccybill]

Thanks, I'm in the north west so there's not a lot of choice, so I think it would be the Liverpool Womens'.
Will they recommend we repeat the NHS tests seeing as some time has lapsed?

[Turquoisetamborine]

I think it just depends on the clinic. Mine accepted the tests we'd had done on the NHS as they were less than 12 months old but H had to do a repeat semen analysis to see if we were likely to need icsi or IVF.

It was worth it though as I have my baby here bouncing in a jumperoo!

[CaptainKit]

My clinic wouldn't allow self-referrals, so I saw my GP and he was not only happy to refer me, but he also gave me the blood forms needed to get my first set of bloods done on the NHS rather than through the private clinic at a cost of a couple of hundred pounds.

[Blondeshavemorefun]

He was being honest. We've spent £20k on 3 failed private attempts and no baby :(

You have one child so won't get ivf on NHS

Prices vary with area and amount of drugs etc but looking at about £5/6k per cycle

All bloods etc need to be less then year old

Our gp wouldn't do them - said couldn't mix private and NHS - think was about £300 for both DF and I - but depends what tests you have done

[INeedNewShoes]

Definitely start with a trip to your GP. If you've recently had blood tests for hormone levels etc. you'll want a print out of those results to take to the clinic.

If you haven't had tests done recently your GP may offer to run the tests for you which will save you hundreds.

I'm having fertility treatment at a private clinic abroad (IUI) but my NHS GP ran all the blood tests she could for me which saved me about £400. (As well as all the hormone tests, AMH etc. my clinic insisted on STD tests).

[Blondeshavemorefun]

You have a nice gp shoes :)

[INeedNewShoes]

I know! I'm really lucky. I was really pleasantly surprised at how supportive my GP has been. I'm going it alone with a sperm donor and I constantly expect negative/judgemental responses to my plans but so far everyone I talk to about it has been supportive.

The other good thing about starting with seeing your GP is that if the private clinic want further medical information down the line then your GP will be in the loop with what's going on when they get requests for information.

[Blondeshavemorefun]

Mine sadly isn't that supportive ....,,,

[annieC2]

Hello girls is anyone considering clinics abroad??

[INeedNewShoes]

Hi Annie

I'm off to Stork Klinik in Copenhagen for my first IUI in the next few days. There is an IVF clinic attached to the IUI clinic but I don't know anything about it as I'm hoping IUI will do the job for me.

I was really impressed with the clinic when I went for my consultation appointment. I live very near to an airport with six flights a day in each direction to choose from at reasonable prices - logistics do need to be considered because you don't want to add extra pressure to the whole process if traveling abroad will be difficult.

[miamiaMo]

Hi annieC2,
I am considering ivf abroad and opt for Polish Invicta, primarily cause of my friends recommendations. Hope to start my treatment soon.

[Blondeshavemorefun]

I used one in Madrid for 3rd I've

Positive results from a few ladies I know tho sadly not for me

But a much better experience then 1&2 in uk

Chosen as short cheap flight unless go after Christmas and go many times a day

[Li33ie]

Hi Leccy,

Just read your in the North West. I'm 41 and 18 weeks pregnant with 1st baby. We self referred to Cheshire Womens Health in Chester. So not sure where a outs you live but might be useful to know.

Clinic were great and we heard from them through a friend of a friend. I also think there is one in Daresbury.

We still went to Liverpool Womens for egg collection and embryo plantation but all other appointments were in Chester.

Best of luck xx