IVF - where to start?

[fsr111]

I'm hoping to get some advice. DH and I have decided it's time to start looking in to IVF privately after 18 months TTC our second. Trouble is I don't know where to start, what I'm looking for in a clinic, can't understand the vast difference in pricing, don't know what I need to be asking, don't know if I should be pushing for more from NHS first or whether tests will all be repeated privately anyway, etc. etc. When I read about IVF on these boards i end up just confused by the terminology!
if anyone has any tips to share with a beginner, I would be very grateful!

Hi @fsr111. It is an info over load at first! Have you had any tests so far to try and find the cause of not conceiving? Like semen analysis for hubby, AMH blood test for you to ascertain ovarian reserve, trans vaginal ultrasound to image the ovaries and check for issues, and a HyCoSy where they inject fluid into cervix to image fallopian tubes and check for blockages? I know it's secondary infertility atm bit things can change with sperm parameters and physiology. If you already have a child I think the NHS are less likely to make those a priority unfortunately.

Those tests excepting hycosy are usually done anyway as preliminary baselines at the IVF clinic you choose, and provide the consultant with the info needed to build your protocol (plan of meds, quanities and rough timescales).

Costing wise read each clinics very carefully, I hadn't noticed that mine charged £2200 per frozen embryo transfer on top of the cost of a round, so if it took three transfers that would be almost 4 and a half grand on top! So I went for their multicycle package where you pay for 2 up front and includes all frozen transfers, got pregnant 2nd transfer with a frozen embryo so worked out about the same for me but if I'd needed another transfer I would have saved money.

Meds are never included in price you see on websites unless it's abc as I believe they're costs are inclusive of meds. This is because it depends what protocol you are on and how many meds you will need. Mine was short protocol and was about 2 grand.

Choosing a clinic is tricky, you'll always find mixed reviews. I chose ours as I could get to it relatively easily as you will be going every few days for scans at one point in your IVF cycle, and although the stats were slightly below national average, just by a few decimal points, I had read some good reviews and felt comfortable. You will still have to advocate for yourself with them, if you feel something isn't right, like I pushed for more progesterone support as I know my body and know I have low progesterone from 21 day bloods, and have spotting mid cycle sometimes, but they thought my figures were fine but I pushed and said let's just throw everything at this and that's the cycle I got pregnant :)

Sorry this is so long! It really is alot of info to take in but you get used to it very quickly

@Imisscoffee2021, thank you so much for such a detailed reply. I've had day 7/21 tests and I have had an ultrasound scan. All coming back normal. DH booked in for SA. Do you know if I would take those results from the GP to a private clinic? I'm not sure how that works.
I guess the first step is to just research clinics. We don't live in a a major city so the basic proximity to one might end up just meaning that it's an obvious decision.
It's such a minefield! Guessing I just need to just start making enquiries and see what happens. Ps. Congratulations on your successful pregnancy! Are you pregnant now?

@fsr111 no problem! Happy to help with any other questions as its still fresh, had my first round in August last year :)

My clinic accepted the sperm results from NHS but we got another anyway at the clinic as they test in house so wanted a more accurate result than the NHS one that's been sitting around for an hour or more.

Clinics do webinars you can join quite frequently, I joined my clinic one and asked some questions in the chat box and got answers live from the consultants, was very helpful!

You pay separately for the initial tests and consultation, mine came to about £350 to £400 I think. You get used to money trickling away in private IVF but was worth it for me! Yes I'm 12+4 weeks now, have my NHS 12 week scan tomorrow but have had lots of scans as it's IVF pregnancy and all been well so far, fingers crossed remains so! It's my first so extra anxiety!