ABC Infertility

[Bubblegum89]

Looking at potential IVF options and to stay with our current fertility clinic, we’re looking in the region of about £6k for IVF including medication. I have come across ABC in London a few times and I’ve also seen women on ttc/infertility fb groups talking about having their IVF done there.

I understand it’s known as “shoebox” IVF which is why it only costs £2500 including meds, scans etc. Which is amazing to be honest when you don’t have thousands and thousands to spare like we don’t. I was just wondering if anyone on here was considering going, is currently or has been through IVF with them and if they’re worth it? I feel like it may be a “too good to be true” situation but if it’s not, it would really be a step in the right direction for us money-wise

@Blessing786 that's brilliant! all sounds really promising!

@Kelbell86 it was absolutely fine. I iced it first, I don't even realise they're done until hubby tells me. No side effects so far either. Had first scan yesterday. All looking good. 2nd scan early Monday morning, need to take the cetratide with me. She said if she can see one good follicle that's 14mm then she'll instruct me to take that from Monday. So we shall see x

Hi all, little update from second scan today.

10-11 follicles can be seen at 13-14mm so she was happy. First cetrotide injection this morning, was more uncomfortable than the bemfola and I had quite a big red mark around it for a while but not too bad.
Back on Wednesday providing blood results are ok 🤞egg collection poss Sunday/Monday depending on Wednesdays scan.

How is everybody else getting on? X

@Jessloug sounds amazing that’s good numbers !
Update on my journey so far:
So out of 9 embryos we got 2 embryos in total to freeze. One is day 3 and one is day 5.
They said both are good quality although we were a bit shocked that 7 didn’t make it.. but still thankful to have something.
Transfer is around first week in August. I just finished my withdrawal bleed so now waiting for the first natural period.
Waiting till August is hard just trying to occupy myself ...booked a 3 day trip to Dover this week.
How’s everyone else getting along ?

@Jessloug thanks for letting me know about the injections, I'm getting nervous now, as long as AF shows up I'm starting next week 😬
It's lovely that you have a good number and they seem to be growing nicely?! 😊 Are you excited for egg collection?

@Blessing786 I can't even imagine how you are feeling having to wait so long 😔 I bet its feels like its really dragging. I know these last 3 weeks since being told I can start on the next cycle feel like forever. Here's hoping it comes round super quick for you 🤞🏻 xx

Hey all,

@Blessing786 I can imagine how hard that wait is. Getting away sounds like a great idea. Sounds like we're getting a bit of normality back come July so hopefully you can find some fun things to do in the wait. Hoping the time goes quickly for you

I had my collection yesterday. Won't lie I was pretty terrified going into the room! But it was absolutely fine. Did wake up to a little pain but the pain killers kicked in quite quickly. A bit sore today still but nothing unbearable.
They collected 6 eggs (which I worried was a little low) but had a call this morning and 4 have fertilised over night. Transfer will be wednesday providing everything goes to plan. Waiting for that call this morning was pretty stressful. Just keeping as positive as poss! X

Hi everyone. I had my egg retrieval at abc on Wednesday, and due to the size of one of my ovaries and my high hormone levels we are having everything frozen.

I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for easing the bloating after egg removal. My abdomen has felt like a balloon ever since and it's so uncomfortable. Any tips would be welcome! Thanks xx

@Jessloug ah that's fab news that 4 have fertilised, I really hope everything goes to plan now for you 🙏🤞🏻 I bet you are super nervous but how exciting that you could be pupo in the next couple of days or so! 😊

I've started spotting today which is early, I'm usually about 31 days and I'm only day 26 today. Waiting for the full flow and then I can start my bemfola, finally 🎉

Hi @Hopeful1990 😊 sorry I have no answers for you as I've not been through it yet! One of these other lovely ladies will be able to answer for you though I'm sure xx

@Blessing786 hi there. I was one of the original poster’s in the group and, like you, I had to freeze all. I can honestly say this was the best option for me as it allowed my body to calm down before our frozen embryo was transferred and now, as I sit and cuddle my 5 day old baby boy, it was worth the wait. There is no point transferring a fresh egg which won’t take because your hormones will just stop anything happening. Take the time to re group and prepare yourself for the next bit. It’ll allow you to get yourself rest better both mentally and physically for the frozen transfer.

I am proof that it works and it was the best decision. Good luck

Hello, thank you for your positive reply to my post. The freeze all cycle was definitely the right move as I've just been released from the hospital after staying there for 3 nights, with a diagnosis of moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. So now it's all about healing time. Xx

@Blessing786 congratulations ! Amazing news bet you're over the moon.

@Hopeful1990 sorry to hear that! Definitely a good thing you froze then. You can be in the best condition poss for transfer.

I had my transfer on Wednesday. Had some bloating and cramping in the first 2 days. Today's the first day I've felt reasonably normal since we started treatment.
No eggs made it to freeze which isn't great news but one was in perfect condition and that's all it takes so keeping positive. The next week is going to be tough. Just keeping busy!

Definitely! All you need is that magical one. Sending you loads of luck!

I'm dreading the wait after transfer. I think you're right that keeping busy is the only way to face that. Xx

Hi All, I’m wondering if any of you have any updates Iv read most of the posts here.
We have currently awaiting FET after a freeze all due to fluid and risk of OSHH. We collected 15 eggs 14 mature and 11 fertilised. Day 3 6 were of top grade by day 5 only one has made it to the freezer. Does anyone know of this may be a sperm or egg issue it’s been a little bit disheartening that if it doesn’t stick we will have to start all over again though I’m also very grateful one has made it to the freezer

Hi all...just to share an update from me.
I ended up getting 5 eggs collected, 5 fertilised and 4 made it to day 5 blastocyst, all decent quality. I was really happy about that result.
I had a fresh transfer, transferring the highest quality embryo and 3 were frozen. Transfer was fine, good womb lining.
During the tww, I didn't have any real symptoms, perhaps some sore breasts but some times quite a lot of discharge!
Day 11 post transfer was my blood test (i didn't test early as i wanted to wait for the 'official' result). The test showed i was technically pregnant but quite low hcg level. I needed to do another test 48 hours later to check for rising hcg levels.
Unfortunately 2nd test showed lower hcg level than the first so I had to stop the progesterone and wait for a withdrawal bleed. It didn't work :(

I am really disappointed obviously, especially seeing as how everything was falling into place up until this point but I am really grateful we've still got 3 in the freezer.

Its a weird headspace i'm in now, a little bit aimless and just waiting for this bleed. I need to take another test in a few days to confirm no pregnancy and then start discussing with the clinic the next steps. I'm keen to do a frozen transfer asap but I assume i need to wait for the withdrawal bleed and then a normal period.

Sending lots and lots of luck to those on their journey - stay positive and hopeful!! it will happen and the embryo right for you will stick :)

Oh @wileys5 I'm so sorry, that's such sad news. Be kind to yourself and I really hope you find some kind of comfortable head space soon 😔 xx

Just bumping this thread along

I've been following it for a while.

@wileys5 I'm so sorry you had to go through this :( but the great news is you have more transfer which is amazing. How are you feeling now?

How are the other ladies getting along?

@Zamzam21 Thanks hun. I'm feeling a bit more closure around it now as my bleed started. I need to wait for a normal period and then the frozen transfer can start with the next one after that so i'm looking at the start of Sept. I'm going to use this time to get some more exercise in and make sure i'm in the best health possible for the frozen transfer

Hi all, update from me. Quite an unbelievable story.
Had faint positives weds Thurs and Fri last week (on cheap tests). Friday morning was blood test. Booked for 7.30am was told I would be called late probably after 6pm. On the way home I popped to Tesco for a clear blue as doc said best to do that. After this somebody ran a red light and hit me. Airbags went off, police and ambulance came, both cars written off. Obviously pretty horrific and very scary and definitely not what I needed on an already stressful day.
Anyway, waited all day. Did the clear blue at lunchtime expecting a negative as it's so early and not morning wee. But it was a faint positive still. Got the call at 8.15pm to say the blood was negative which was obviously a shock. Stop medication and expect a bleed in a few days. Obviously we were devasted. I let my parents know who were waiting by the phone. Just awful.
5 minutes later I get another call. After looking at my notes they've seen that I was tested a day too early. The test should've been done after the 11th and it was done on the 10th. So they couldn't give me a definite answer. The lunchtime pos gave a good sign so carry on with medication, take another test and call back Monday. Morning and lunchtime tests yesterday were faint positives. Tjis morning a Digital was negative and the line was fainter. So I'm assuming whatever was there is now going away. Whether that was the stress of Friday or just failure to fully implant I don't know.
Just feel quite numb this morning. I feel so let down by ABC. I waited 13 hours which is a joke in itself. Our whole world fell apart in that 5 minutes. What if I'd smashed my phone up. What if the doc hadn't checked the notes. 5 minutes can have a huge impact on people's lives and the second phonecall was no where near apologetic enough. It was actually very blase and we were in utter disbelief. I had to then contact my parents to explain actually we don't know either way. Either the embryologist or the nurse at St Paul's wrote the 10th as our test date. It's very concerning that such an important date could be incorrect.
So.... Just not really sure what to do now. Assuming from tests that it's all over this time. Friday night actually felt traumatic after an already traumatic day. I've pretty much had to work out myself whether it's worked or not by relying on home tests. Just feel super let down. The idea of calling tomorrow to get answers and thinking about another round with abc isn't great right now. But financially I'm not sure we have any other option.... Not good news today I'm afraid and we're still a little shocked at everything that's happened

@Jessloug what a horrific day and I'm so sad for you that you haven't got your positive 😞 it's shocking that they messed up so much... They definitely owe you some answers and need to address it all. I hope you find some sort of closure on it all.

I can understand you feeling so let down and i must admit I've found them terrible this last week or so. I'm still waiting for AF which isn't unusual, I rang them when I was a week late as I was advised to be given the nod to take my meds to induce it, I rang their call centre 3 times throughout the day and was told everytime they would call back, they didn't. Finally I got through and was told the Dr had left for the day and I would be called Saturday. They didn't... 1.5 hours on hold and then they switched off the phone lines at closing leaving me Jo choice but to call the emergency number and her response was 'sorry yes take them'.
I have very little to no faith in them and I haven't even started my first cycle but like you financially we can't go elsewhere unless we wait yet another 8-12 months to save and the clock is ticking. I can't bear another wait so I'm kind of stuck with it xx

@Jessloug I am so so sorry to hear your sad news. The accident must have been awful. Be kind to yourself today and think about your next options. I would ask to speak to a senior consultant and sit down and discuss your treatment. From what I understand you're very young so maybe you're treatment protocol needs to be tweaked so that you end up with some frosties which is financially and emotionally better than a fresh cycle (of course its entirely up to you) . I would not let the mess up with dates go un noticed. Definitely bring it up. The fact that you overcame all the hurdles to get this far is amazing. Don't give up now!

Did you have all your tests done prior to you going ahead with treatment? Everything looked normal for me and my husband and I was sure I would be unexplained until they did a Hyscosy and found a blocked tube.

Take comfort in the fact you can get a BFP hugs

My experience with ABC has been good so far, yes you have to chase them sometimes but I've always got an answer. I think its my life experience (I'm 36 next week) that if you don't make yourself heard or push for answers people won't pay attention. Kaybe its because I live in South London and I'm used to having to fight my case for most things!

@Kelbell86 @Zamzam21 thank you. It's been a quiet house today.
I haven't stopped the progesterone pessaries until were 100%. I took another test just now, more to ensure the lines are fading and it's negative. However it wasn't, I did a plain clear blue that came back darker than this morning. So then did a digital which says pregnant. So I now have no idea where we stand again. How can it be positive yesterday lunch time, negative this morning and positive at 3pm today? I don't believe the pessaries affect the result. Could it be left over hormones from treatment maybe?..... We're too scared to get our hopes up again. We'll be calling first thing for a blood test. This is just so confusing and crazy

Hi everyone
Im new on here, wanted to share my experience so far.
We been trying for nearly 5 years without any success. We came across ABC during covid lockdown and were booked in for a virtual consultation very quickly.
All the process was was straightforward and not as complicated as we first thought... however there are some additional charges i.e consultation, bloods, seman analysis etc.
The process is explained clearly bit i do feel that as everything is explained at the start of the process u very easily forget whats what and end up educating urself, if only consultations were provided at eage stage.
I had 9 egg retrievals, 2 shaped incorrectly, 2 didnt fertilise so were left with 5 eggs that were all blastocysts ... ive had my embroy transfered 48 hours ago and on the progesterone pestry 3 times a day... currently resting at home... today i did something really stupid and ended up doing a HPT , i know i shouldnt have but couldnt help it .... its come back negative...... does anyone know why this may be?? I understand i will have less HGC levels but surely a slight defection ... im kicking myself for putting my self through this!

@Jessloug I was thinking of you this weekend. How did everything go and what was the result? Most importantly are you. OK from the accident?

Hey @Blessed1234, 48 hours would be way too early. It needs time to implant then the hcg will start to go up super slowly. Hope you've been getting ok since you posted.
Thanks @Zamzam21, I'm OK. Insurance and police have been great so leaving it all to them. My abdomen was black and blue from the seatbelt but that's finally clearing and no longer painful.
Treatment wise went for another blood test Monday. They called that evening and said although positive it's very low. Basically said it's up to you if you carry on the pessaries. It's up to you if you do another test in a few days and see what happens. They sent a prescription for pessaries just incase. Pretty much - it doesn't look good, but let us know if anything changes. So that was last Monday and I haven't heard from anybody since. I did a test Thursday when pessaries were starting to run out which was negative so stopped them. Natural cycle started properly last night and was super painful.
So we now need to decide on next step and what we're going to do regarding ABC. I'm planning on making a complaint when I can face it, their response to that will be the decider on our next step. The treatment was great and couldn't of gone smoother but their care since then has been pretty poor, I don't want to go into a full on rant on here but it just wasn't good enough.
How are you getting on? X

@Jessloug im so sorry to hear about ir experience... Thank younfor your reply.. im also with ABC and believe the care throughout the process but there isnt much care post transfer. Fresh embryo took place on 11 july, i was eagar to start testing straight away, (silly me). It was negative for the first 72 hours, then i started getting faint positive. Now on my day 9 im getting alot of activity in my stomach and have a dark positive, getting some symptoms too, cramps, backach, breast tenderness, mood swings... have my bloods tomorrow so hopefully that will confirm... i really wish u all the very best in ur journey and hope u all get a positive outcome, plz dont give up x

I just wanted to share my experience with ABC - I’ve followed this thread through our journey and it provided so much support and comfort.
We have been with Harley Street and have found them to be amazing throughout.
We were lucky enough to get a BFP on our first round and have just had our scan showing a healthy little bean with a strong heartbeat at 7weeks 5days. Still a long way to go but relieved to have got this far.
I was really shocked when we got the call to say it had worked as after 2.5 years and two miscarriages I wasn’t feeling very hopeful particularly as I didn’t have any real symptoms.
We got 7 eggs at retrieval 5 of which were mature and three fertilised. We had a three day transfer and one more made it to freeze. I was a bit disappointed as I was on a super low dose of bemfola to avoid OHSS but that’s all we needed.
I had one day of brownish discharge last week which was very scary but apparently can be caused by the pessaries.
Still keeping everything crossed and praying everything works out for us 🤞 but wanted to share as we feel very lucky and grateful to ABC

@Jessloug so sorry to hear you’ve had such a tough time don’t lose hope.