NHS waiting times

[tinglymint]

Hi everyone.

I'm wondering if anyone can offer share experience of the NHS waiting times.

DH and I been TTC for 3 years. I finally took myself to my GP to make sure everything is okay with my body and get the ball rolling to be referred to the hospital for tests. I've done the blood tests and the chlamydia swab about 2/3 months ago and DH gave a semen sample. I and am waiting to be told when I'm having a ultrasound but there's no indication on when which is frustrating. We're carrying on TTC but I'm aware that you're not supposed to have unprotected sex 30 days prior to the ultrasound.

I feel like I'm in limbo! How long did you end up waiting for your ultrasound?

Hi @tinglymint I have been through fertility treatment and had lots of scans and I'm also a midwife and I've never heard that you can't have unprotected sex for 30days before a scan. Who told you this?

@Bec18x

Hi *@tinglymint* I have been through fertility treatment and had lots of scans and I'm also a midwife and I've never heard that you can't have unprotected sex for 30days before a scan. Who told you this?

It was the doctor - sorry I'm having an ultrasound and pelvic examination. I believe sperm can affect the PH levels of the vagina.

It's not the sex that's the biggest issue. I just don't know how long this all might take. I've had a friend tell me it can takes months to a year to be seen.

Try downloading the NHS app. I did and I could see my referral pending. It also said it was overdue to be referred so to call a certain number to see how long until I get my appointment, I did and she confirmed it was a 34 week wait for me. I assume that's because I'm not a priority case though.
Hope this helps x

@naevo

Try downloading the NHS app. I did and I could see my referral pending. It also said it was overdue to be referred so to call a certain number to see how long until I get my appointment, I did and she confirmed it was a 34 week wait for me. I assume that's because I'm not a priority case though. Hope this helps x

Thank you that's a big help

Hi OP
I had my GP appointment on 5 July and got my ultrasound on 12 October so pretty much exactly three months from the referral.
I wasn't told no sex 30 days before though so just carried on TTC!
I have now been referred to Barts in Whitechapel but have no idea how long I should expect to wait before having the first appointment there!

@tinglymint I got the ball rolling in July last year. Had my day 2 and 21 tests in July and August. Ultrasound in September (you can certainly have sex!). OH had his first SA in Oct. Then a referral in Nov for the fertility clinic and although I originally got an appointment for May the following year, they ended up seeing me in Feb 2021.

Then HSG in March, laparoscopy in April, more blood tests and SA in April as well. Got referred for IVF in June and would have had my first IVF appointment in Sep had I not postponed.

Hope that helps!