IVF on NHS - is this normal ?

[fermata]

Hello!

After a long long wait I've just had my first IVF cycle. Yesterday was my official test day and it's positive (yay!) - so I am 4 weeks 3 days pregnant

Never pregnant before, we have unexplained infertility, with the possibility of male factor (that was never confirmed, husbands results were never 100% fine, but every single time it was a different factor that was not right) - so had ivf with ICSI. Both me and DH as 34, healthy etc

I tried to call the nurse all day yesterday after the positive result and finally got through at the end of the day - she said that I need to stop taking progesterone pessaries, said that it did the job and there is no need to take it now.
Is that right? I've read that most (private at least) places ask to take them till at least first scan or even first 12 weeks...

Also, I'm not going to have any blood test to confirm the pregnancy, nurse said to drop them an email and they will book me in for a scan in the next 1-2 weeks - it feels weird, so many posts here are about hCG levels but it seems NHS (or at least my clinic) is happy with just the home pregnancy test...?

I also have some period like cramps but was told it's normal at this stage

Any advise?
Thanks!

Congratulations! I don't think it's standard practice in the UK to have blood tests for HCg levels. They seem to do it more in America.

I am waiting for an FET after my first egg collection but have been told I'll use pessaries until week 12. I definitely don't think stopping pessaries at 4 weeks is right, I'd ring again to check

Congratulations OP.

I do think it's standard to have a HCg test after IVF, even with a BFN on a FRER test my NHS clinic did a blood test.

I would not stop the pessaries, at the very least without checking progesterone levels. I'd speak to someone else about that and keep taking progesterone until 12 weeks.

Huge Congratulations OP ❤️❤️

I have had both fresh transfer and FET through the NHS.

With my fresh transfer I was only on progesterone (crinone gel) until official test date, I remember them saying because it was a fresh transfer my body would produce the progesterone itself and the gels were just a helping hand. I was lucky enough to get a BFP and was given a scan at 8 weeks which for me was when we found out we had mmc.

My FET are fully medicated cycles so would be on progesterone pessaries until 12 weeks.

I'd definitely query it with your clinic as they all appear to operate differently. I've never been offered, even when I've asked, any blood tests.

Wishing you all the best x

Congratulations! Currently in the 2ww after my first fresh transfer with NHS. We are also male factor infertility and had IVF with ICSI.

how are feeling?

So they have already told me I’ll be taking the pessaries, cyclogest up until 12 weeks if we get a positive test. We are both 38 and health.

Congratulations!

My clinic didn't do a blood test, just a scan at 6-7 weeks. I was also told that it was usual to stop the progesterone at that point, but I argued that my history (previous losses) meant I should be on the pessaries until 12 weeks. Tommy's have some good information about progesterone if you want additional information to take to your clinic.

Thank you for all the replies and sharing your stories. It's so hard, isn't it ?

I'm feeling good, though still in a shock - I was absolutely sure it didn't work. I even bought wine for yesterday's night, I was so convinced the test will be negative :)

I called the emergency number again today - there is no chance they will give me more progesterone, they said there is no evidence it can improve things and they don't prescribe it for more than those initial 2 weeks... very bizarre, as most places do prescribe it

I still have meds for couple more days... I might try to book a private appointment somewhere else next week, for a second opinion.
Or just try to trust them on this - after all they helped me to get to this point...

Congratulations, wonderful news! I don't have an answer to your question but currently waiting on ivf through nhs, can you tell me how long you were waiting for please? I can't seem to get an answer about the waiting list when I speak to them

Congratulations!

I also have unexplained infertility, my husbands sperm wasn’t perfect, but it improved with multivitamins. We are 35.

I was waiting for my period to start the frozen ET and to my huge surprise found out I was pregnant naturally, after trying for five years, currently 7w3d (long story in itself).

I’m currently living outside the UK, but my Doctor put me on progesterone pessaries (400) for 12 weeks and to take 175 aspirin once a day for a few weeks. They also did blood test to check hcg levels. Even though my pregnancy was natural, Dr still wanted to put me on these meds to limit miscarriage as much as possible. I’m taking it day by day, but fingers crossed all will be okay.

Everyone I know who did FET was on progesterone for 12 weeks. Definitely question it and get a second opinion :)