St George's Fertility clinic versus Kings/ St Helliers

[LissyfF]

Hi 👋

I just wondered if anyone could share experiences of being under King's College or St Helliers fertility clinic? I'm under St George's but its been such a horrible experience I'm looking to be referred elsewhere. Any help would be so appreciated! Many thanks

Can absolutely recommend St Helier!

I've just finished my first FET after a freeze all at King's in October. I would on balance definitely recommend: lovely modern facilities, super friendly staff (other than the occasionally person whose bedside manner was less good, but that will always be the case), and felt like I was taken care of very well. There were one or two things that I was a bit annoyed by, but they were extremely specific to my situation so not worth taking into account.

Just finished a freeze all at Kings, starting FETs from Jan. No complaints and would definitely recommend it. It's a nice modern facility and the staff have all been kind and treated us both with respect.

Just finished my fresh transfer round with Kings. It was my first IVF experience and on the NHS. Unfortunately it didn’t work but I was very happy with my experience with Kings. The doctors were friendly and efficient. All the nurses were very nice as were the admin team. Any query I had the doctors responded quickly. The building itself is new and very lovely. I have just signed up for 3 cycle package with them privately as I am confident in their service.

@Jane1284 How did you get on with the 3 cycle package at King’s? Did they change the protocol or meds after your first round? Is there much difference between their NHS or private care? X

Hey @poppet131 - my first cycle of the 3 cycle package they followed the exact same protocol (high stims gonal F and menopur) and was a bit of a disaster in that I only got 1 egg which fertilised normally. (I wonder if this was because I did it right after my pther round and my body could have done with a break). I was meant to be doing 3 cycles and freezing all (due to my age and low AMH/AFC and low response) however it didn't quite go to plan. On day 3 they said the emrbyo was looking average and they weren't sure if it would make it to day 5 to freeze so I asked for a last minute transfer as I couldn't handle going through it all for nothing. Not sure how but that average embryo is currently 36 weeks and due next month. He's my little miracle.
So technically I had sucess with the 3 cycle package but not in the way I expected. I found the private care identical to the NHS care at Kings. Sending you lots of luck x

@Jane1284 That’s amazing!! Congratulations!! Did you get to see the same doctor for your appts or was it a different person each time? I’m 35 and worried that IVF might not work so really pleased to hear about your positive news!! What were your fertility issues and did you feel that they were good at personalising the care for you? We’re weighing up guys, king’s and possibly ABC IVF x

@poppet131 - thanks! I seemed to see different people each time but I wasn't too concerned. Another friend of mine who goes to Kings has the same person each time so maybe if you ask for the same doc that can be an option. I was almost 36 when I started my first round end of last year. I had low AMH and very low AFC (2) so they said I needed to get started ASAP. My first round (NHS) we did much better than expected and got 4 eggs- 2 which made it to blast. We kept the same protocol for the second round (private) and unfortunately I did not respond well. My friend who also goes there and is 36 with very low AMH has done a few rounds with them. For her latest round they did low stims and she ended up with 2 eggs both which made it to blast. She is currently 12 weeks pregnant with a FET from that round. From what she said they were keen to not give-up and try different protocols and in the end they found something that worked.
What are your fertility issues? I guess that has a big impact on where you decide to go. x