Anyone awaiting tests for IVF- Clinic not 'doing them yet!?

[LaceyS90]

Hello All!

So admittedly this may be a bit of a rant post. My husband and I have been trying for 7 years and have been with an infertility specialist for 2.5 years now. We have been 'referred' to an IVF clinic. They say all of our tests are now 2 years old. I've had all my bloods, scans etc redone but my husband is waiting for an up to date sperm test. Until he has had this done its paused our referral. This was end of june/ July we were told this. We've been waiting since BEFORE LOCKDOWN for IVF referral. Now normally I'd be patient due to whats going on in the world but its infuriating me that IVF was allowed to continue but the clinic that runs the sperm analysis in our area cannot decide a date when to rerun the clinic (all we have to do is drop a bloomin' sample off!). It kills me when an acquaintance who has been trying for two years, has recently up to date tests has just gone straight to their IVF clinic and I'm back in limbo. As much as I am happy for them I feel its wildly unfair that I am in an IVF lockdown due to this clinics indecision- which effectively feels like the 'we must open IVF etc clinics as its time sensitive' doesn't apply to me. I know I'm being sensitive but they don't realise I then have to wait for the referral to be processed and then have to wait for the waiting list (which as most know its long!). Its simply unfair! I suffer long and agonising periods due to multiple conditions and was determined to have children then have 'it all out'. I'm starting to loose hope.

Has anyone else or their partners had a recent sperm test? Im thinking of complaining but as usual I'm too nice on the phone and end up feeling guilty if I do or don't.

Sorry for the rant, I just feel so isolated and left out because of one test!

[Nat246]

Sorry you’ve been left in limbo. No one understands how painful the waiting is unless you’ve been there. I am assuming you are waiting for IVF on the NHS, have you looked into getting the sperm analysis done privately? After having treatment by NHS and then privately, the difference in service is huge! So You wouldn’t be waiting long and could then provide the private sperm analysis results to the NHS clinic

[LaceyS90 in reply to Nat246]

Thank you for replying.

Yes, we're currently waiting on IVF NHS. Private isnt an option for us as we are in the process of buying a house and would never be able to afford even the cheapest private treatment.

I wouldnt even know where to begin to look for a private sperm analysis test. Would this affect my funding? How much does that cost? I'm hoping to ring my specialist today but trying to get through on the hospital phone lines has been like drawing blood from a stone!

[Nat246 in reply to LaceyS90]

I had to go without the house sadly as had to pay for treatment after my one nhs round was unsuccessful. Good luck finding somewhere! Just google fertility clinics near you and go from there. I think it costs about £150 but it was bundled into my treatment plan and you only really play attention to the total amount so I could be wrong. Plus each clinic will charge a different amount. Did your clinic provide you with an email address too? Maybe email them daily as well, don’t feel bad about pestering, you need some info! How long has it been since your referral?

[LaceyS90 in reply to Nat246]

Sorry to hear your NHS round was unsuccessful. Thank you for the information, we've already chosen our clinic so may be able to ring and see if they can do a test and we'll pay for it. I hope its not too much cost 😱

We were told just before lockdown that our only option is IVF and we would be referred straight to them. Everything was obviously put on hold, they did tell us our tests were out of date. I've had repeat ultrasounds in May/June including blood tests but the hospital that runs the sperm analysis clinic are really dragging their feet, cant make their mind up if they are going to run it or not. We were told July, ive been calling once a week but now they are saying maybe October. In theory the referral should have reached our clinic just before lockdown and then processed when they reopened but these tests have 'paused' the referral. Normally I'm patient and understanding but these 2-3years of Infertility treatment have proven how terrible treatment can be (lots of bad experiences unfortunately). Which is a shame as the NHS is so wonderful.

[Nat246 in reply to LaceyS90]

I was the same only option was IVF, no chance of conceiving naturally, which I think makes the waiting harder as other people can still try whilst they are waiting and have that little bit of hope. So sorry you are in this situation. The waiting is truly hell and every bit of your life is on hold whilst you wait.