NHS Fertility Treatment time scale

[UglyBethy]

Hello - not sure if there is a thread on this already, but I couldn't find one. So please bear with me if a discussion like this already exists.

We are currently thinking about private treatment because it is much faster than the NHS. Obviously private treatment is also very expensive.

I understand that the scenarios could be different depending on many things such as age, history etc ... But could someone share some experience in terms of what the NHS treatment is like? What is the road map to IVF like and how long will it take? How long does each stage of test / treatment take after seeing the specialist for the first time?

I am assuming that private service would be much quicker (assuming there is no wait list). My understanding is that there should be practically no wait to get blood test, X-ray etc ... Then the doctor would provide the treatment immediately after that?

Any thoghts people might be able to share? Apologies if I haven't shared enough of our own progress so far - but I am pretty sure I can answer such questions if they come up.

Hi

I had NHS treatment in 2005. We saw a consultant in January and was advised that we would be contacted with our next appt. That was in May so really not long at all. Do you know what clinic you would be going to?

Hello Goandplay,
Our NHS fertility clinic is in North London. We saw our consultant for the first time in mid January. We were asked to get some more tests done before we go back again in late March.
Then not sure what the process will be after that. I am assuming the exact treatment will depend on all the various test results. It does seem as if NHS has certain protocol that they follow in terms of providing the treatment. That's why we are wondering what the process is like and how long it should take.

What is your overall feeling/experience about the NHS treatment, if you don't mind sharing?

Really happy with the treatment we received and the whole process.

We returned as private patients and received the exact same treatment - which was good I thought.

My friend went to a different clinic in Chelmsford as a NHS patient. She had a similar experience - once you are seeing the clinic it seems to follow the same time scale as a private patient. I think once you have your tests done and they have the results it will move quite quickly - or at least as quick as private patients.

I have a very positive experience as does my friend.

My guess and it is just a guess is that you will return in March (not that long really, time to look after yourself and get ready) and they will be able to schedule your treatment! I would think you would start your treatment in the first half of this year.

I'm happy to tell you anything that you want to know :)

Just looked at your original message: I think you've done most of your waiting now so I would hold off going private personally. NHS are brilliant with this if you have a good clinic. You can see their success rates on line I think. A league table.