NHS fertility referral - what's next?

[ViaRia]

Hi ladies,
I'm wondering if anyone out there can give us an idea of what to expect after a GP referral to a fertility clinic.

A little background: We've been ttc for 2 years but for the first 12 months or so, DH's sperm count/ quality was v.low so we didn't really have a chance. His treatment is working well and he's had good results back for 6-8 months. My cycle is long (average 42 days) but have blood tests to confirm I ovulate and an ultrasound did not show up any problems. So I think, realistically, we've only really been in with a chance in the last 5 cycles.

My GP referred us to an NHS fertility clinic and, after about 3 months, we finally got an appointment booked in for an initial consultation. I'm just wondering if anyone out there can tell me what to expect after the consultation - should I prepare for more delays or are we likely to be booked in for IVF quite quickly?

If you have any other advice or can share your own experiences, that would be great. Thank you!

It depends on the waiting times for your clinic. At our initial appointment I was told we would be put on the list but that there was a 3 year waiting list. At 30 I didn’t feel I had that sort of time to wait so took out a bank loan (and re mortgaged then spent on credit cards!) DS was worth it
I hope your clinic has shorter waiting times and you can start your IVF journey quickly.

It sounds like you've had all the investigations etc already so I'd say you'll get IVF referral pretty quickly. I had the opposite to the PP as in 3018 we were referred for IVF in the Feb and we had a call in the April from the clinic to book our first appointment so was very quick with no waiting list as such. I actually fell pregnant in between then though so never had the treatment. I think it depends on your area and probably more of a wait currently as there will be a covid backlog I assume.

2018 not 3018 🤦‍♀️

I had IVF end of 2019. My first appointment with fertility doctor was Autumn 2018. I was told there's no waiting list but ended up waiting what seemed like forever for a blood test result and follow up appointment which was in May 2019. I found waits for fertility doctor were much longer than the clinic wait times once referred. First IVF appointment was July 2019. This was pre covid though. Egg collection in September so that's quick. FET November (because I had OHSS). Without the extra tests before IVF referral, it would have been quicker, but I wasn't expecting the delay and was obviously impatient!

When the fertility doctor referred me for IVF, he told me to say I'd been trying at least 3 years or the clinic would tell me to go away until then (given we have unexplained infertility). I don't think they would have cared about my ticking biological clock! Just something to be aware of.

Thanks so much @Flowerythoughts, @Littlepoppet1 and @Yokey - three very different experiences there but that has just reminded me to take things as they come as we can't always predict / prepare for everything.

As it turns out, I got my first ever bfp today - such a happy relief and impeccable timing!

Congratulations @ViaRia that's amazing news!! Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy

Oh congratulations OP! My BFP turned up the same day as my clinic referral letter, apparently it’s quite common 😂

Amazing news! I wasn't so lucky but my IVF worked so who cares All the best for a happy healthy pregnancy

Hi I’ve also been referred from the gp in early feb 21. I haven’t yet received any appointments. Is anyone from greater Manchester/Lancashire area?