GP referred fertility tests vs private fertility tests?

[whomoon]

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

Yes absolutely start with CCG criteria for your area and go from there. Your bloods need repeated. Scan is okay. Since your bloods show you are ovulating, this is the baseline investigations done. I'd ask for the NHS referral if you fit criteria for your CCG. Then the fertility clinic will do some additional bloods. The private clinics would likely start with these same baseline tests.

Hi OP

Id go the NHS route at first. You may be surprised at how quickly they move

In my experience they moved quickly (pre covid though) and didn't do extensive investigation/ tests. They said let's get on with ivf and that will either work or highlight more problems

Tell them you have been TTC for 2 years

I was also told that nhs wont accept private test results and vice versa but in think its hugely variable depending on area and provider

Your partner needs to get registered asap and sperm analysis asap before you can move forward

Also, there are a few other things i had to do. Chlamydia test and up to date smear which held stuff up annoyingly. I had a recently had a smear done privately and they wouldn't accept it

Get in the queue now. Good luck