Referrals process/time

[timeforteas]

Has anyone been referred on to an infertility clinic through the NHS recently that could share their experience of timescales and/or process?

We're month 9 of trying for number 3, no issues previously. I have PCOS and cycles recently have been a bit bizarre (shortest I've ever had and long cycles, no LH peaks most cycles). Have been having some ongoing issues with tiredness and vision so had blood tests last year which indicated some low levels of iron and vit d which I'm addressing atm but also I questioned my TSH as it was over 2.5 (2.8) and we were 6+ months in at that point. GP didn't know anything about a link with TSH and fertility so asked the question to fertility clinic which I'm still waiting for any feedback (this was over 2 months ago now so not filled with much hope). What do I do now? Go back to GP for more tests or try and chase the existing question and see if that prompts anything. What does a GP do when you go in initially with no success TTC? If they refer you to an infertility clinic how long would I expect to wait to see someone there? (& what do they do).

Hopeful bump?

In my area you can only receive fertility treatment on the NHS if you don't have any children already (this also includes step-children if the partner has a child from a previous relationship). I think it also only funds one cycle, some areas are 2 or 3, and there are age cut offs which are different in each trust. (One is 35, one is 38, so I had to move GP to one in a different county to qualify as I'm 36). I spent most of 2023 having blood tests at my GP, they do an infertility screen and a few other bits before they can refer, was referred in September, and had my initial consultation come through in January. Fertility clinic arranged another blood test and an ultrasound and will take it from there (blood test was drop in, letter for the ultrasound hasn't come through yet), the consultant said that it takes a couple of months for approval from "the board" once you've had your test results.
I think all areas are so different though so it might be worth checking online what your trust will fund. I managed to find a document online for all of the trusts in my area of England (but it was a couple of years out of date)
Good luck!

Thank you, that's really useful. We already have 2 children so we wouldn't put us all through IVF (even if we had qualified) but I didn't know whether things like clomid/initial tests were GP or fertility clinic. Off to Google what I can find

Oh sorry I don't know about any other types, I think by the time they got round to me I was too infertile for any other options!