Referred for IVF, first time poster...

[melissa1215]

Hi all :)

I'm mel

This is my first time posting here, wanted to post for a while but finally plucked up the courage to do so today 😁

I’m 25, my boyfriend is 33. We’ve been TTC for over two years unsuccessfully, though we knew it wouldn’t be likely to conceive naturally as my boyfriend has fertility issues (poor motility 5% and very low sperm count) he had had fertility tests while with an ex partner, so yesterday we had our appt with the GP who has referred us for IVF as he had previously been accepted (but did not go through with) and I have to have a pelvic ultrasound and blood tests which I’m hoping come back all ok...

It’s so exciting that things are finally happening, I’m just after some advice really on what to expect, the waiting process, any tips or helpful tips? I’ve started taking folic acid as advised by my GP, cut out all alcohol, started a healthy diet (I’m not after losing weight just a healthy life style)

I don’t know anyone personally who has been through fertility treatment. I’m dreadfully scared that it’ll be unsuccessful as I’d really love to have a baby of our own. I’ve been reading this forum for some time and it seems like a really supportive place to be :) not much family for me to talk to about all this haha

[mrsdownes10]

Hi Melissa, my husband and I have been trying to conceive for almost 2 years. Hubby has poor motility. We have had tests and I’ve had a tube flush, we’ve been told that if we haven’t conceived following the flush (after 3/4 months of trying) we will be referred for ICSI (the one above IVF) our next appointment is Feb, I had the flush in Dec so hoping they’ll put us on the waiting list x

[melissa1215]

Sorry for the questions if you don't mind, what is a tube flush? I have a pelvic scan and bloods happening but the referral is in place already as they already knew my bf's problem, forgot to mention he has varicocele too which lessened our chances of conceiving naturally (dr actually said it's extremely unlikely we'd conceive with his results)

It's all very overwhelming xx

[Nearlythere35]

Hi, my partner had fertility issues and I was fine. We only got one fertilised egg due to poor quality sperm and I was devastated thinking it would never work.....she's just lying next to me in her cot now and I love her to bits. I found the Ivf fine until I conceived . I did have acupuncture from a specialist in fertility, don't know if that helped. I also improved my diet, lots of healthy fats, veg etc. I did get ohss which I was hospitalised with but it was completely worth it. My advice would be really follow the advice to rest up and drink plenty after egg transfer. Be kind to yourself and don't pin all your hopes on it working first time. I hope it does though. X

[melissa1215]

Thanks for the advice, really helps my nerves! Congratulations Too! I suppose I'm thinking too far ahead and focusing on possible negatives and that's never good xx

[mrsdownes10]

Sorry!! They flushed my Fallopian tubes with dye so that they could see if I had any blockages in my Fallopian tubes on X-ray. It wasn’t the nicest experience I’ve had but it was ok. It is all rather a lot to take in. I’m still trying to get my head around it too!! X

[Nearlythere35]

I just planned lots of things before and after to take my mind off it. We had ICSI. Things you could do to start planning are look at what clinics it is open to you to be referred to and look at their success rates using the HFEA statistics. OP you have lots in your favour, your age should be really helpful. Try not to let it overwhelm you, it is nerve racking and it may take time but you are at a really good point to be starting it. I was older than you and my partner 10 years older than me so the odds were less in our favour. x

[RubyBoots7]

I think the usual practice across the UK is GP refers to an NHS fertility clinic/gynaecologist. They will organise the basic tests that haven't already been done (the exact tests vary across locations).
If you meet the criteria, you'll be referred for IVF if this is indicated to an IVF clinic.

Have a little Google at your local CCG (commissioning) guidelines for IVF referrals. It will lay out what criteria you both need to meet to qualify for an NHS referral (assuming your CCG fund it - not all do). It will tell you how many cycles (fresh/frozen) are funded. The CCG also stipulate which clinics you can choose from. All this information will be provided by the fertility clinic as well once you get to that stage. Some areas you have to be trying 3 yrs rather than two before they'll refer for IVF.

ICSI is identical to IVF except they select the sperm during the fertilisation process in the lab, rather than bunging them in a pot together (obvs more technical). But the process is the same.

Bit of advice. It's a loooong process. Esp NHS. Every step is waiting for tests, appts, then you get to IVF clinic and you go through more tests and a protocol over a period of time (depends on your treatment protocol). It may not work first time (or first few times). You really really have to look after yourselves, try to carry on as normally as possible and do nice things. You don't have to cut out alcohol completely or not eat sugar etc. You'll find a lot of unscientific advice that has no evidence base. At the end of the day, It's about finding the balance for you, do what you think you want to do to help the process and live in a way that's sustainable, and look after your emotional well-being as well as your physical! (Fyi stress has bugger all impact on IVF or fertility outcomes, but it does make you feel shit, so try to do what you can to take care of you!)
Good luck :)

[cherryontopp]

I second what Ruby said. Take it easy, go with the flow, try and be normal as you can.
IVF is a long process, can be stressful with the waiting, admin errors and medication.
Don't put your life on hold and go mad on crazy diets, cutting out alcohol completely - dont let over take your life more than it needs to.
I still had a few drinks, take aways and my 1st cycle was successful and i know other women, who stuck to strict diets no alcohol and theres failed.
Take each appointment as it comes. Good luck

[Dolwar]

Does anyone know the length of time from referral to actually going ahead with IVF?

[physicskate]

Depends on where you are, what tests you've had and which you need to have... etc...

[melissa1215]

Thanks for all the replies, feeling a little bit more confident today. Waiting for my blood test results to come through later today and awaiting our first appointment, I think I just got myself overwhelmed. I'm so grateful for the advice, I'm often guilty of overthinking and worrying too much! Xx