IVF referral NW London

[Binkymojo]

Hi All

I'm new to this but have been TTC for 27 months with unexplained primary infertility.
I'm 34 and have had all tests which have come back as normal so was given 4 months of clomid as cycles were irregular (50mg then 100mg 2nd month onwards) & didn't fall preg so for the last 2 months have been on Clomid 100mg + Metformin. I'll be going back to my consultant next week who is planning on referring me for IVF.
I'd be grateful if anyone has any recent stats on waiting times with the NHS?. I fall under NW London and there's 3-4 different hospitals that offer it.
Has anyone got any advice please or had any dealings with any of the hospitals within NW London?.

Could you go to UCLH-the wait time for the first appointment is about 12 weeks (long I know-you just might get a cancellation though!) but once there the IVF waiting list is 2-3 months. I’m there and think they are excellent so far!

Hey op. Sorry to hear about your recent experience. However, you said that all of your tests came back normal, what was the motivation to place you on fertility meds?

Also, did your tests show you were ovulating / healthy egg reserve with AMH tests? In regards to NHS waiting times, this will generally differ from each CCG to the next, I would telephone local clinics where you could possibly be referred and then ask what their average waiting times are life for funded patients.

Hopefully that helped.

Best wishes on your fertility journey x x

It's unusual to be prescribed Clomid for unexplained infertility - it's used to trigger ovulation. Can you ask your doctor why it was prescribed, as that might help you determine on the best hospital (they specialise in different areas)?

Thanks for the replies!
I was put on clomid as wasn’t always ovulating- day 21 blood showed low levels of progesterone and my cycles weren’t so regular so the consultant thought the clomid would help with it.
I think UCLH is one of the hospitals that I can go to actually so I will check them out thank you @mouse1234567
I haven’t had an AMH test to my knowledge to check my egg reserve, I was under the impression this would be done at the start of the IVF journey.
So am I right in thinking you get a referral, have to wait for funding to be confirmed and then wait for an initial appointment?. Once you have that you then wait again for treatment to start?.
It’s all so frustrating x

Binkymoji,

I would request an AMH blood test as that would give an indication of whether you will be able to produce enough eggs for IVF. I am sure they have already tested for this as I do not think you could do IVF without knowing about your egg reserve.

I would encourage you to ask them about this.

@lemontwist10 I’m sure that my consultant hasn’t checked my AMH as it’s never been mentioned.
I’ve had numerous US, had the x-ray to check my tubes and then more US for follicle tracking when I began clomid.
I hadn’t thought to ask for the AMH test as thought when I was referred to an IVF clinic it would be one of the tests they would do.
Regardless I will ask for it.
Thanks so much for the advice here.
I want to go armed ready to ask my consultant everything necessary before they refer me off to another clinic so is there anything else I should be considering right now?
All help and guidance is really appreciated x

Binkymoji,

You are welcome, I would definitely ask about the AMH, it would also be useful for you to know what your current fertility age is and number of remaining eggs.

Anyway, regardless of the above, I wish you all the best in your fertility journey and I am certain it will turn out as it should x x

I would just say the AMH, they seem to have everything else at the moment.

Thanks so muchxx

You’re welcome.