Private to NHS wait IVF

[JAM2020]

Hi all,
My husband and I had gone private for our infertility issues and thought we would be prescribed clomid, however at the appointment we were told we need IVF and that we would be entitled to NHS funding.

I can't wait to get this journey started and was just wondering how long it might be until we hear from the clinic now? Does anyone have a similar experience?

Baby dust!

Hi there, I think it all depends if you went with NHS hospital or a private fertility clinic. Other people commented that there was almost no waiting time in the private fertility clinics, while it was a whole different story with NHS hospitals and the waiting times could be long.

For me, NHS was 3 months to wait for an initial appointment and 12 months from that point until treatment (delayed due to COVID). However, it would depend on waiting lists at the NHS clinic your CCG refers you to. Good luck!

NHS depends completely on your area, on your clinic, on your specific medical issues, your health status, and so forth. For us - male factor issues only (otherwise both in perfect health), we started investigations in August, and a hundred appointments or so later, we have been told we can expect to start treatment around July. All of our waiting has been due to admin, our area has no waiting lists for anything, so with 11-12 months we seem to be a 'best case scenario'. Based on this, if I was 40, and could afford to, I would now 100% recommend going private.

Personally, I had no wait except for those caused by further tests I needed before my referral. Once referred to the clinic, no wait at all. This was pre-covid mind, but my point is it varies so well worth checking likely timescales before spending privately.

Thanks everyone. I'm in Liverpool and it's the Hewitt Fertility Clinic; they're based in the Women's Hospital. I've heard a couple of people on another forum say they were contacted to start things after 6 weeks. Privately, I have already had AMH bloods, an ultrasound on my ovaries and my husband has had 2 sperm analysis done. Hoping that should be all the tests we need to get started xx

I’m in Liverpool and basically had the same journey as you. Sorry it’s so long but I know if it was me I would want as much info as I could get!

We had all of our tests private at Manchester fertility including hycosy with the intention of just staying as a private patient.

Due to issues we were basically told we were entitled to NHS funding so we spoke to Hewitt (we already looked to move to this clinic as less travel time for appointments!)

We were referred technically end of November for NHS, I think this appointment took about 2-3 weeks to come through? My GP was already aware of some issues so sent our referral off straight away. One appointment and the doctor had all the paperwork from our tests at Manchester. They just needed repeated SA from husband and bloods from myself as they were done at a different lab to what Hewitt use.

The funding granted 2 weeks later. Then I called up to book us in, due to our own personal timeframe we started injections this week (we delayed treatment by around 4-6 weeks because of work and due to Christmas).

Currently on day 4 of stims! It seems long but at the same time it goes fast and I don’t feel like I’ve had to wait the 3/4 months for it as a lot of the waiting has been with the clinic to schedule everything in.

good luck!

Hiii @Itstime1 thanks so much for your reply!
Since this, we have had a letter sent through regarding funding on 16th, sent it back the same day and got a letter yesterday confirming we were accepted for the NHS funding!!
It said on the letter that we will hear from the booking team 'shortly' so not sure if this is a letter or a phonecall?
Best of luck with your journey!! X

@JAM2020 that’s amazing! If they don’t get in touch soon then give them a call, we called them after about 2 weeks as I needed to see when they planned to do it so I could move it to suit us and we booked it in when we called them! Good luck x

@Itstime1 ahh right I might call tomorrow and just see whether it is a call or letter im expecting you too! Xx

@JAM2020

Hi all, My husband and I had gone private for our infertility issues and thought we would be prescribed clomid, however at the appointment we were told we need IVF and that we would be entitled to NHS funding.

I can't wait to get this journey started and was just wondering how long it might be until we hear from the clinic now? Does anyone have a similar experience?

Baby dust!

Hi @JAM2020,

May I ask you why they told you to do an IVF before trying clomid, if you don't mind.

I have an appointment with Nuffield Health for an ovulation induction. I read on this forum, that some women got prescribed clomid by Nuffield Health. It's my first appointment for a fertility treatment. So I don't know what to expect. I am sincerely hoping that I'm eligible for a OI. As we can't afford an IVF right now.

Hi @tarani ofcourse!
They wouldn't let us becuase of how high my AMH was compared to my husbands sperm motility.
Basically, if his sperm was fine, it would be worth the risk of hyperstimulation as I am the only problem but becuase it isn't, the chances of using clomid and putting me at risks still means there's a low chance of natural pregnancy.

I hope this helps and good luck!

Hi every one, does any one know what the criteria is to be eligible for NHS treatment in Liverpool? I have children from a previous relationship, OH has none. I’m assuming we wouldn’t be eligible?

can any one recommend a private clinic in the Liverpool area? At this point we’re just wanting a sperm analysis done to rule out of that is an issue or not but the clinics I’ve contacted so far do not do stand alone sperm analysis. They only offer packages.