No success after 1 year....what happens next?

[whiterose2011]

I can't seem to find any info about what happens after going to see your GP if you have been trying unsuccessfully for more than 12 months? How long does it take, what are the options etc? At what point do they consider IVF, clomid etc? What is the standard process? How much does private IVF cost? Just looking for a bit of info from those who have been down that path. Thanks in advance x

Depends very much on where you live but have a look at the NICE guidelines re fertility treatment.

Both of you should be tested in tandem as it is no point in solely testing the woman only to discover months later that there are male factor issues. Subfertility too is not the sole preserve of the woman.

You need a diagnosis first and foremost (they really do need to find out what the issues is/are) and you will need to be persistant in order to get answers.

Private ivf is about £4k per cycle however you may not need it, ivf is not the first resort. Also even if you do need it, you may be eligible for an nhs cycle.

Good luck

Timing and process varies hugely on area and what, if any, problems are found. We were very quick - first GP appointment in April/May, first fertility clinic appt in August, referral to IVF clinic for our NHS cycle in November with an "unexplained" diagnosis, and we could have started the cycle in March but decided to push it back a bit.

Private IVF costs also vary massively. Paying privately at an NHS IVF clinic is typically the cheapest at around 3.5k. The full works at ARGC can be well over 10k for one cycle.

You might not need to get to IVF - a correctable issue could be resolved along the way.

Have you been tracking your cycle dates so you know how long your cycles are? If they're very irregular, you should be tested for PCOS. Either way it's key to work out if you ov naturally or not. I have irregular periods and they found out it was PCOS so my treatment begins with clomid (on first cycle now), then IUI, then IVF if the others don't work. Def agree about testing the guy too, my hospital do that automatically before treatment. Good luck, finding out about ovulation (if you haven't already) helps dtd timing anyway

Definitely depends on your area. For us - GP did day 2 and day '21' bloods for me (I put it in quotes because it should depend on your cycle length) and sent DH for a sperm analysis. My progesterone levels weren't great so he referred me to a gynae endocrinologist. They referred me for a pelvic ultrasound and HSG.

Time scale was: saw GP in January (after a year TTC), three cycles of bloods, referral sent and appointment in early July for me, ultrasound and HSG in August (had to wait for the start of a new cycle). DH's sperm analysis took ages, massive waiting list locally. Was meant to be 3 months but he had to rearrange so it was 6! We got a clear diagnosis of reversible (male factor) fertility problems in the December so 11 months after starting the process. BFP 9 months after that.

I know in some areas GPs do the referral and the clinics do all the investigations including the bloods.

Thanks ladies. We're not quite at the 1 year point yet but I'm keen to understand what our options are if we don't get pg naturally. I'm seeing my GP the week after next for something else so I might just ask her then what the deal is in this area for IVF in case we do need help. Xx

Good idea, also find out how long waiting list is andwhateligibility criteria are in area.. Really hope you don't need it and all works out well for you long before that