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Conception

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Original poster

GP referred fertility tests vs private fertility tests?

28 replies

whomoon · 20/03/2022 15:36

I am 35, TTC #1 and just gone past the 15 month mark. I’ve had initial investigations at the GP with blood tests done, all within normal range. I’ve also had ultrasound scans for spotting before my period and there were no issues, evidence of endo, PCOS etc. My periods are regular and as far as I know I ovulate mid-cycle, based on OPKS.

I’ve been relatively relaxed up to this point, ‘what will be will be’ and all that, but starting to think we need to start proper investigations.

But I don’t know whether to get the ball rolling with the GP, and risk being on long waiting lists, not getting proper information to my questions/worries etc, or just cut right to it and go privately.

It would be great to get advice as to which route to take?

Is it one or the other do you think? How long do assessments take? I wouldn’t want to waste time through the NHS, but also concerned going private could be a money pit if things take longer than we’d hope.

I’m very new to this, so any insight would be greatly appreciated xx

OP posts:
Gamechanger2019 · 21/03/2022 10:29

If you can afford go down private route, it’ll be quicker then if they find something you can always see if NHS will help you. I had my basic tests (checking levels on x days of cycle) and I got my husband to have a sperm test on NHS then my private consultant used those to analyse so I didn’t have to pay them to do them

Original poster
whomoon · 20/03/2022 17:39

@Barryigdig
Thank you so much for your response and advice.
That’s a really good insight to know how long the GP may take.

I had wondered whether going private for the tests, and taking these to the GP to have the NHS funded treatment is possible.

I am very lucky that my dad just gifted me some money from the sale of his house, so we’re in a position to go private, at least for the initial tests. And having researched opinions quite a lot, going private seems to always be the recommended route if it’s affordable.

I really wish you all the best in your TWW xx

OP posts:
Barryigdig · 20/03/2022 16:36

We were told the NHS will not provide funding for fertility treatments until you've been TTC for at least 2 years, so if that's something you were ever likely to consider rather than just continuing to try naturally, it's worth getting the ball rolling with the GP.

Also because some areas specify that you need to have been referred by the time you reach a certain age. For example ours states you need to have been referred for fertility treatment no later than 6 months before your 35th birthday I believe, so again, it's worth getting the ball rolling with a GP, just in case. Some areas are quicker than others.

We first went to the GP September 2020 and are currently in the two week wait following our first, and only, NHS funded round of IVF. So it's been about 18 months all in all.

If you can afford to go private for initial tests though, honestly, I would. At least then you've got an idea what you're working with. Then if for whatever reason you do find that fertility treatments are the next step, you should theoretically be able to be referred right away for NHS funding (assuming it's available in your area)