IVF Referral

[brighteye3986]

Hi All,

So after 3 years of TTC we finally got our referral for IVF on the NHS on Friday. I didn't think we would as I've been struggling to get my weight and BMI down and 2 week holiday just before my hospital appt didn't help either!

Any how, I was just wondering if the processes people have experienced at this stage and what to expect next.... we are under the Medway CCG so only have 2 clinics as options with the results being pretty on par with each other, so with this in mind I will probably choose the one closest to my place of work due to convenience and hopefully meaning I will need to take as little time off in the early stages as possible.

I would be grateful of anyone's experiences of this stage and what to expect.

TIA
😘

Hi, we had a long long wait, I was referred back in October 2016 and have only just had my treatment planning appointment to start this month. We are in Wales though and wait is sure to be determined by demand in the local area. We did look into private treatment due to the wait and had some tests there too but decided to hold out when we were given a likely timescale.

Be prepared for lots of tests, repeated blood and urine samples and internal ultrasound scans. Your partner will also have repeated semen analysis tests. Our only problem is on his side (low motility) so I haven’t undergone any treatment yet but lots of people take clomid before ivf. The most uncomfortable test was the one when they inject dye to see if your tubes are clear but otherwise they are all fairly benign.

To give yourself the best possible chance try to keep your bmi in check (I had to get mine up), cut back on alcohol, caffeine and stop smoking (if you do). I have also taken lots of supplements when TTC so look into what may help and try that (if you’re not already - sorry if I sound patronising).

Hope you don’t have as long a wait as we did, I’m anxious about starting the treatment now but so glad it’s finally happening. Keeping everything crossed for us both!

Thanks for replying @35counting.

I have been through most of the test already as have been going through the process and have been under the consultant for infertility for over 18 months now but my weight was like a yo-yo. I have already had 6 months of clomid which didn't do the trick so now I have met the required weight and BMI I am actually getting my IVF referral!

Oh ok, sorry. My first ivf app was last week, I just saw a nurse and to be honest she didn’t really explain the process very well, just gave me a bag full and needles and a prescription for the drugs then went through how and when to administer them, all a bit overwhelming! I start injecting a week on Friday. They took more bloods and urine samples from both of us too. We had to fill in a lot of consent forms and she gave us a booklet which sets out approximate dates for scans, EC etc. but I feel like we should have been taken through the process by a doctor first really.

Luckily we have close friends who have been through it so we can ask them any questions. Have you had an appointment date yet?

*of needles

Not yet. My pelvis scan and one of my bloods is out of date so I am waiting for my scan date to come through and I should be able to have my blood test done next week (CD3).

Once I've had these done they will then continue with the referral. I'm hoping my scan date comes through soon although I may chase it tomorrow as they did put urgent on the form!

It's a shame that all of your dealings have only been with a nurse. I would have thought a doctor would have gone through the process with you first. I have done a bit of research into the process and am aware of the needles and things. I know it's not going to be easy but hopefully the end result will be worth it.

I have my fingers crossed for you that everything goes ok.

And you, hope all goes well!