Advice: Newly Single Hoping to Start a Family :)

[LeeG7]

Dear Mumsnetters,

Just joined this forum after receiving very positive recommendations from mum friends. I'm looking for advice / shared experience / support / recommendations :) Thank you in advance.

I am 39 and newly single. I was with my fiancé for 7 years and the last 2 years of this relationship we were off birth control and trying to get pregnant naturally, with no result. This relationship has now ended, but I'm still hoping to start a family.

I have recently been recommended to an NHS fertility clinic and had my AMH levels tested, which is 9.3 (low fertility). I am unfamiliar with the NHS process and unsure where to go from here.

I'm looking for advice on the below questions, but please feel free to add personal experience or advice outside of these.

1. What was your experience with NHS fertility clinics? I find they are not very helpful with providing support or knowledge, as I'm having to look outside the clinic for answers.

1. What questions do I need to ask the NHS fertility clinic during my next appointment?

1. What additional tests should I request to better understand my ability to conceive?

1. How do I better prepare my body to conceive? I have a leaning to natural remedies, but not against hormonal treatments, etc.?

1. Do you have advice on natural fertility clinics? Specifically in the London area?

1. Have you been in a position of receiving donor sperm? I'm feeling uncomfortable of receiving donor sperm (picking from a catalogue, etc)...

1. Any understanding of total cost?

Thank you so much in advance. I look forward to hearing your thoughts / suggestions.

Hi,
I have previously had IVF treatment (not with donor sperm though I'm afraid) so have had experience of fertility clinics.

My friend also was single at 38 and decided to go for IVF with donor sperm with a private clinic. She paid extra for embryos to be genetically screened and then conceived on her first embryo transfer. Her child is over 2 now.

If you have the money, I would go to a private fertility clinic if possible. The process is much quicker and they should listen to and answer your questions more thoroughly.

Are you planning on IUI or IVF? You can often find treatment costs on fertility clinic websites.

Also, something to think about donor sperm is if you want the donor to be traceable? I believe in the UK there is no anonymous donation, however there is anonymous donation in other European countries.

Hope that helps a little

Thank you @branches4leaves. Do you have a recommendation on private fertility clinics? And questions to ask before settling on one?

Thank you so much!