Clueless about IVF

[Youngoldmum]

Hi everyone.

I'm 38, have one 7 year old conceived naturally with ex without any difficulty. Been trying for a baby for over a year with current DH

Had all tests and no issues with hormones, sperm count, I even have a high AMH for my age of 10.

Last appointment at fertility clinic resulted in me being told its unexplained and there's nothing that can be offered via NHS as I have a child already. Was advised IVF is probably our best hope

Devastated but determined to complete our family with a baby so now considering IVF...

Have no idea what is involved or where to start, any advice would be great.

Specifically:

• what happens in an IVF cycle?
  
• is UK or abroad better considering costs and also success rates?
  

Thanks in advance xx

[Ohfourfoxache]

Have a look at the HFEA website - lots of information on there.

Personally I would stay in the uk because of the regulations clinic have to adhere to, also it's not a quick process so you could have an extended stay abroad.

I've only worked in the field on the NHS side, but with a slightly higher AMH I'd see Alison Taylor at the Lister if you're in London (never worked with her but, professionally, she has an excellent reputation).

[Youngoldmum]

Thanks

[alockie]

once i come to this site (you will also find ivf abroad calculator) Hope it would be helpful www fertilityclinicsabroad.com Good luck with yr journey

[happylass]

Hi Young. With regards to what happens with IVF: put very simply it's a couple of weeks of injecting yourself at home (how long depends on whether you do long or short protocol. Long protocol means you inject to switch off your own system first then add in a second injection to stimulate your own ovaries to produce more eggs than they naturally would. I've never done this but I believe you inject for about 3-4 weeks. With short protocol you do both injections at the same time and it takes 10-14 days ish.). When your follicles have reached the correct size you go to have your eggs collected. I've only had sedation for this procedure but I have heard of it being done under GA. Your eggs will then be fertilised in the lab using your OH's sperm and then the embryo(s) are transferred back either 3 or 5 days later. The transfer is a bit like having a smear only with a really full bladder. With regards to the UK or abroad I would strongly advise abroad. I've never been abroad myself but I am currently researching it for future treatment. The difference in cost is phenomenal (about 50% cheaper abroad) and the success rates are generally higher. I've only heard positive stories from those who've done it. The Czech Republic is very popular for treatment. Hope this helps! Any other questions please just ask.

[Youngoldmum]

Thanks so much, that really helps x

[miamiaMo]

hi guys, agree with happylass. The IVF costs have ranged from £6-8k in the UK and treatment abroad (mean Czech Rep or Poland) is £3.5k plus around £1k on travel, accommodation and spending money.
here is one example: invictaclinics com/infertility-treatment/ivf-programs/comparison-of-ivf-programs/
here is a good source of ivf clinics in Europe with ivf calculator: fertilityclinicsabroad.com
I would also recommend you read posts on fertilityfriends co uk international boards. xx

[TwinklingLight]

We are getting our first IVF attempt done in Norway. Better service, better statistics and far, far cheaper than the UK. I don't know exactly why - Norway is an expensive country otherwise, but IVF somehow is cheaper.

[Youngoldmum]

Thanks Twinkling, good luck x

[alockie]

TwinklingLight- good luck with yr treatment. Good to know