Fertility treatment process

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My husband (37) and I (34) have been trying for over a year. I contacted my GP back in June and we still haven't been referred. So far it's been a really slow process. What was your time scales from initial tests with GP to actually seeing a specialist?

I haven't had a consultation with my GP, everything has been through the practice online booking system, which is incredibly frustrating. So far I've had a blood test for hormones and an STI test. Both took forever to get an appointment for. After the results came back fine, GP said he would refer us, but never explained what the process would be. I then found out I have to have further tests before being referred. I've had the rubella blood test and waiting on an appointment for cervical screening. What can I expect after these tests?

Feeling like I'm completely in the dark and not being listened to by my GP.

Hi,

I went to my GP in May 2021, had some blood tests with GP and husband had semen analysis, got all the results in July. The referral was sent off straight away, then it got returned because I needed a MMR vaccine. After that, the referral was sent off again and we had our first appointment at fertility clinic in October.

It was very frustrating and felt like a very slow process at first, mainly due to GP not really understanding the process.

Hope you get your first appointment soon x

Hi - I went to my GP August 2020. Referred to clinic (Homerton) in November 2020 with initial appointment in January 2021 when funding was approved with a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. Ivf was then set to start in October 2021 which failed. I was then set to have a 2nd round in April 2022 and then it was cancelled indefinitely due to staff shortages. My GP would not refer me to another NHS clinic as they only deal with Homerton.
We had to make the decision to go private and thankfully I am now pregnant. Going private i had more through investigations and learned I do not have unexplained infertility but endometriosis, adenomysosis and low ovarian reserve.
I found the NHS took a really long time and the treatment is a one size fits all system.
I know private is expensive but I am so glad we got away from our NHS clinic. I know my situation isn't the norm and I hope your NHS clinic works out for you!
If you get a feel early on that your not happy speak to your GP and see if they can refer you elsewhere. Time is so precious and I wasted nearly 2 years of mine!

Wishing you lots of luck!!

@ivf2022 Thank you!! Really appreciate your answer, it really does feel like such a slow process.

@Scarlett868 Congratulations!! That's great news.

Thank you for your response! We have requested a referral to Bourn Hall fertility clinic which takes NHS patients. But we are considering going self funded with them for initial testing to speed up the process. It's £400 but think it will be worth it, as like you say time is so precious!

Chase and chase, that's what I did. I bad to chase fertility initially too. I ended up going private but only because we had the money, not because of wait times. I got the NHS funding request form through in August after being referred from GP initially in Feb, haven't filled it out yet because of private rounds though. Best of luck may be worth getting a few private tests done in mean time like AMH and a sperm analysis, just so you know if time is on your side too, good luck with next stages of the process:) x

Sorry meant to say had to chase fertility clinic too** we saved through lockdown for a deposit but ended up using that money for a multicycle ivf Package, reasoned we'd be happy renting if we could ateast have a baby!