Recommendations for London fertility clinics

[LessDeceived]

My partner and I have had tests done at CARE in London and we didn't like them much and for various reasons want a second opinion. Any views or experiences of ARGC or CRCH? I have heard bad and good about both...

Sorry, CRGH

I did a round at ARGC and then got unexpectedly offered an NHS cycle so did the second round there.

I have huge respect for ARGC but there are pros and cons.

Pros: they monitor you really carefully and are very unlikely to miss anything. They will pick up on any little details and fix them. They have early morning appointments which is easier with work. They have really nice staff who will talk you through what you need to do. Your care is overseen by one consultant (or a small team) so although you will never meet him (!) there is complete consistency. They will throw the kitchen sink at it - eg. they will give you aspirin because it doesn't hurt and it could help etc. They will do the latest techniques and try things that may work but others avoid until there is a whole tome of evidence. There is a real camaraderie with the other women - because you are all there most days so you make genuine friendships and support each other. If you need immune work they will do this which not every clinic will (not everyone believes in it but many women swear by it).

Cons: it's expensive because they see you so often. It's tiring because they will get you up early every day to do bloods. It can be quite stressful because they are so specific with timings so you get a call and have to inject "now!!!". Also there are a lot of drugs and a lot of timings to remember. They will try things that other clinics don't quite approve of (it depends on your point of view on this - would you rather have 2 miscarriages and take Clexane the 3rd time or just take it from day 1 in case? But this does mean you may be a bit over medicated). It is super busy in there. Lots of ladies waiting and queuing. You won't see the same Drs regularly (but this is true of most clinics).

In summary ARGC is amazing but it is pretty intense and can feed into your stress a bit. I'd go back in a second tho if I need another cycle. I believe they're the best at what they do. But CRGH also have great outcomes and are a bit more chilled I believe.