IVF UK Wait Times

[Emmac92]

Hi everyone, I'm currently waiting to start IVF (medications waiting in fridge). I'm just curious as to how many of you called up to request to start treatment but were told there was no room? I've talked myself up all week while waiting for my period as I'm nervous about needles but now I'm anxious they won't fit us in this month and I'll have to do it all again!

Thanks in advance, I hope it worked out for you all 🤞

Hey @Emmac92, do you mind if I ask if this NHS funded or private?
Just finished my fourth cycle so more than happy to walk you through everything or answer any questions you may have x

It's NHS. Apparently Jan, Feb and March are their busiest months!

Unfortunately I don't have any experience with NHS treatments although I have heard of this occurring two close friends of mine are under NHS care for IVF and have never had this happen. They have both had 3 cycles and never had issues with it being cancelled.
Try not to worry yourself, whatever will be will be, if not this month it will be next month (easier said than done I know) but I promise it gets easier x

Thank you. They've said ita a max 3 month wait, but I've focused and got myself ready for the injections. So that we might get turned down and have to wait is so scary! X

@IVFBaby2022 I had my fingers crossed for you. Don't worry about the injections, I worked myself up so much but honestly you really do get used to it and they aren't that bad.
In terms of times even privately sometimes it just really can't be helped. My first ever cycle last year I really mentally prepared and it was cancelled last minute as they weren't happy with my bloods so trust me I know that feeling.
If all runs to plan when are you due to start?

When my period starts (early next week) I need to call and request starting! The not knowing is the worst part, it could be this month, next, April etc x

@IVFBaby2022 oh how exciting! Well I wish you the best of luck as I said if you have any questions more than happy to help x

Thank you so much, I just hope that my period comes soon so that I'll know either way! This whole thing feels like you're doing nothing but waiting for one thing and another! X

Hi! I've just been referred so we are at the beginning of the journey? Any tips from you both? How long should I expect to wait for first NHS appointment ? I can totally see your anxiety @Emmac92 - I don't like injections / needles either. Fingers crossed for you x

@FlyOnTheWall89 Good Morning, I can't help with wait times I'm afraid but just wanted to say wish you the best of luck!

Ours took around 7/8 months from referral. It seems a long time but we are so lucky that we get this for free on the NHS so I'm not complaining! As we've just started my biggest recommendation would be to carry on living your lifetime, go away together, drink the wine if you want to and just enjoy knowing that you have an actual plan now and aren't in limbo anymore! X

Unfortunately I dont have any experience with nhs with this, but keeping everything crossed that you're going to start soon!

Hello.
My doctor referred myself and husband in December 2021. I called to see where the referral was in the process and was told they had no appointments, a huge backlog and emergency situations were on a 6 months wait list.
I was told to expect 12-18 months for an appointment.
I am in Lincolnshire area, so I have gone back to my drs and asked if they can refer us to a different location (you can request this!) which means the referrals will run along side each other until an appointment comes up.
There is a clinic in London I have found with higher success rates than most, and they accept nhs transfer patients- so if you've had a round on the nhs you can transfer over and they accept the blood tests etc. ( I have found a few clinics that expect you to pay for all of this even if you have in date results ) so that's where our second referral is.

In the meantime I am looking into other private options in the uk and abroad. I've found a clinic in Sofia, Bulgaria which has high rates of success however I find them slightly lackadaisical. We have a consultation in 2 weeks and the doctor refuses any kind of live link, and therefore we are flying out for the appointment and tests.
I am also looking at Cyprus and they have some fantastic opportunities however the flights are more costly.

Sending lots of love and luck on your journey

I just wanted to update this thread...

So my first appointment came through about 2.5 weeks after referral and was due to happen at the end of July which I was gutted about. At the end of Feb, I rang to see if there was any chance it was likely to be moved forward and she said you can always call and check for cancellations.. she said in fact I have one tomorrow so I got lucky and have already had my first appointment where the gynaecologist said because we have clear MFI, they would immediately apply for funding for us. We have now got confirmation of funding and our first appointment to begin the process. Suddenly it's all happened quite fast.

Just a reminder really to ring and check for cancellations... it could be really worth it!! Xx

Hi everyone, I was the OP so I thought I'd update too!

We were told it was going to be very busy, but we got accepted the first month I called to request treatment and our first cycle is finished. Took 5/6 months to start which I thought was good!