Help! What to ask when trying to decide on a private IVF clinic???

[MooChoo]

We've been ttc for 12mths and have just discovered I have severe endometriosis (10 x 5cm cyst on right ovary I have no clue how long its been there or why it took a scan to find it?!) but all other tests are normal/good. I'm 38 so the consultant recommendation is remove the cysts and then move straight to IVF. We've been saving for a rainy day and it feels like its pouring right now so we're thinking of using the savings and going private to expedite treatment and give us the best chance poss (local NHS unit has a 15% success rate for my age vs 38% at best private clinic I can see) I have to admit I'm completely lost in all the terminology and want to choose the right clinic from the start.

Could anyone give any ideas on what we should look for? What we should ask? Any other words of wisdom?
Thanks in advance

Hi MooChoo - I would say have a look at the Fertility Friends message boards - there is loads of information on there. You can chat to people who have used different clinics. Best of luck.

second to FF forums
also, be careful about why some clinics have high stats - it may be because they are turning those with difficult histories, meaning less chances of success, away

Great thank you both, will do just that :-)

Good luck Moo!

I would also consider really carefully whether you want a clinic that is a long way from where you live. We have three dc children and went to a local (not the most local) clinic and are glad that we didn't add lots of travelling to the stress of treatment-particularly with no 2 and 3. I would never have been able to think on to more than one child, but it really made a difference.

I agree with Family on location although for me it was juggling work. I had one round at CRGH who don't start scanning until 8:30 and were an hour plus away from where I work. The next round I had at Hammersmith who start scanning at 7am, it was much less stressful as I didn't have to juggle work as it could all be done before. Apart from 1 day when I had to rush off to get a blood test.

Moo choo you poor thing. If you can afford it go private - you'll get great treatment and quickly. I'd suggest that you search mn forums to see any clinic recommends (try under assisted conception too) - ideally find one that specialises in endo problems. Phone a few, ask questions, if you don't know what to say don't worry as a good clinic should be helpful and guide you through it all. Don't forget to ask about timings as some have longer waiting times. And ask for costs too so you can compare. Many do early, late and weekend appointments - one near work is handy as you may need to make frequent visits.

DP and I decided this year to try for kids - I'm 44 and he's 40. Given our ages we got checked out privately early so we knew where we were - turned out I had no eggs so donor was my only option. I'm currently almost at the end if my 2ww - I have to say going private has made the whole thing happen really quickly. It's expensive but the whole process is stressful enough without the waiting.

I hear great things about the Lister and ARGC. Im with dr venkat at the harley street fertility clinic (Devonshire st London) - she is completely amazing.

Best of luck to you my dear