First appointment at Oxford Fertility

[Thewait2020]

Hi all,

I’m new here so after some insight really.

We have just been referred by my GP to Oxford Fertility. I have my appointment on Tuesday 3rd March, I was chuffed that it came through so quickly!
The lady that booked it said my appointment is 30 minutes.
I haven’t had my ultrasound scan yet so I’m wondering if this first appointment will be my scan or whether it is something different?
I’m awaiting my letter to confirm details but I just wondered if anyone had used Oxford Fertility and could give me an insight into the process.

We’re unsure whether we will be going down the IVF route yet as I need a scan and husband is waiting for his SA results.

Thanks for your help,
L x

UPDATE- just called the clinic, it is our initial consultation so any info on this will be great :)
It’s exciting but daunting!

Hi Thewait2020. I’ve done two rounds at Oxford and about to go into my third. I’m not sure if the process is the same as I am a private patient but my first appointment was with one of the main doctors. He took my history, briefly explained the process and gave me an info pack with lots of paperwork in. I think I then came in another day for blood tests and so on. I’m sorry I can’t remember exactly but it was a year ago!

To be honest I found the first doctor a bit brusque. However, everyone I’ve dealt with there since has been lovely so please don’t be put off by this if you feel the same way. The nursing team are really nice and it’s them you’ll be dealing with 95% of the time.

Hope all goes well 🙂

@Ayannah thank you so much for your reply.

This sounds great, it’s good to hear from people that have been through it.

It is all so new to us and I really don’t know what to expect.
I haven’t had any scans yet so didn’t know if he would do one on my first appointment?
An info pack sounds fab- exactly what we need right now with the million questions in my head.

Did he tell you there and then which treatment he suggested? How long was it before you started IVF? Sorry for so many questions!!

I hope your treatment is going well 🤞🏼 x

We were under Oxford Fertility Clinic (NHS) from 2015-2017 and had a positive experience there. We had all the tests etc before hand that all showed DH was fine and it was me (PCOS) so we talked through our forms and then the Consultant prescribed me provera and clomid. I then went back for follicle scans on each cycle. Good luck.

Ironically I've also got my initial appointment with the Fertility Clinic (not Oxford as we moved) on 3rd March for baby no2.

@YouBoggleMyMind thank you for your reply and congratulations on getting the end result and now starting number 2.

How long was the whole process for you?
I really hope it isn’t a long process but we definitely have a way to go with investigations etc.

Good luck with your appointment on the 3rd xx

Hi @Thewait2020 thank you. I won't lie, it took us almost 3 years in total, 18m with the Fertility Clinic.
I had 10 rounds of clomid over that time and 4 of those didn't work at all until I had metformin along side it. 2 cycles abandoned due to too many dominant follicles, 1 perfect that didn't work, 1 perfect that worked but I miscarried shorty after I found out, another perfect that didn't work and then last ditch attempt before IVF waiting list and I finally got my baby. It was stressful, I think about the baby I could have had a lot and I did have counselling at one point.

I have already started metformin so hoping clomid will work straight away and that they won't make us jump through hoops again, especially as we don't qualify for and nhs funding for IVF as it is our second.

@YouBoggleMyMind how was your appointment today?

I’ve just had mine, it was very positive. Back in two months to discuss the results and next step!

Hey @Thewait2020 um bit of a mixed bag to be honest.

Good appointment and I’m having a base scan next Wednesday and will be given provera and clomid. However, we only get 2 rounds. That’s it. As we had 10 rounds of clomid at Oxford, they’re only allowed to give us 2 more as 12 is the limit.

Then it’s IVF which we have to fund ourselves and I'm not entirely sure how we will.

@YouBoggleMyMind oh I’m sorry it wasn’t as positive as you’d hope.
At least you’ve started something now.

We’re at the waiting point (again) until the results all come back but she said we qualify for IVF if needed. Husband can call back a week Monday for his SA results, he’s dreading it and absolutely adamant that’s the issue. That’s why she said if it turns out that it is then we qualify for IVF and it should all be funded (I bloody hope so or we will be like you, clueless how to pay for it) x

@Thewait2020 it's a bit of a blow really as I wasn't expecting there to be a cap on how many cycles you could do overall. I'm also frustrated that 4 of the Oxford clomid cycles were wasted due to not being started on metformin from the start as I had no response until after I'd had metformin in my system for a while

@YouBoggleMyMind it’s such a shame, I do really feel for you both. It’s a horrible system and total lottery isn’t it.
I hope it’s successful for you and quickly now you’re on the medications. Best of luck 💗

Thank you. Base scan next week and go from there.

Hi there
I’m with oxford for first round ivf. Currently in the down reg stage. EC due w/c 6th April ...,. Anyone else in the same boat ?

I’ve just had my transvaginal scan, she told me that she doesn’t think I’ve ovulated and that I have a low follicle reserve....

Does this mean clomid or ivf depending on husbands SA? Any advice would be appreciated as I’m going out of my mind x

I’m sorry @Thewait2020 I’m not sure - new to all of this too.

Are you with Oxford fertility ? Did they mention anything about continuing with investigations / IVF in the current climate of coronavirus ??

@Xx40yearsyoungxx I’m under oxford fertility but in Swindon. I had my scan at the local hospital so have to wait to speak to my clinic.
I don’t know if his low follicle reserve means we will need ivf without anything else or try other things. I literally have no clue.

In regards to corona I saw on here that some clinics are continuing with ivf that has been started but slowing down with others for the time being x

@Thewait2020 - fingers crossed for you and that you get the answers you need. Are you going to ring the clinic to see their stance in light of the current climate ?

@Xx40yearsyoungxx I’m going to call tomorrow to ask about my scan results and what they really mean as I’m confused by them. Then ask if she can tell me the next step if it’s dire news and whether treatments are continuing or not x

@Thewait2020 wishing you all the luck . Keep us updated !
X x x

@Thewait2020 - how did you get on ?

@Xx40yearsyoungxx hi, hope you’re ok?
She said that it wasn’t as dreadful as she was expecting when I told her the lady scanning me said it was low. I had 8 on my right and 5 on my left. She said it’s low but was expecting 2/3 when I said low. Unsure what it means in terms of treatment?! I’m 31 in June so I think really it should be higher.

Husbands SA came back really strong though- above average in fact so I’m guessing it’s me causing the lack of baby.

@thewait2020 - ahh that’s positive . Yeah that doesn’t sound that low in the grand scheme of things .
Did they advise IVF ? Did you start any treatment ?

@Xx40yearsyoungxx she said the left was lower than they’d like. She didn’t say, we’re back the first week of June so she said we will discuss it then. I’m unsure whether it means ivf or not. I can’t find a definitive answer anywhere.
My husband is really not wanting to try this month with covid and stretches on the nhs. It’s so tricky because I get his point but I also can’t wait if my ovaries are ticking away a little too quick.

How are things with you?

I’m ok thanks @thewait2020

Feel exactly the same as you ( ticking clock ) just hoping I can get to egg collection at least but that’s now looking iffy .....

Do they think they will be open by June ?
X