IVF on the NHS - How long is the wait?

[dcba]

Hello,

I’m going for a second NHS consultation next month when we'll be probably referred for an IVF. We would have done all necessary tests by then. I have the following questions:

1) Has anyone done IVF on the NHS? How long did it take to start the treatment once you were referred by the consultant?

2) Can the treatment start at any point of your cycle or you have to wait the start of a period?

3) Should I reckon with bad side effects during the treatment?

Any answers will be appreciated. Thanks.

[Leesalou]

Hi

Welcome,

I'm on the NHS for my 2nd cycle and I got my referral sent 2 weeks before Easter weekend, then on the Thursday before Easter Friday I called the clinic and they had my referral but my hubby had missing info, sorted that out and got my consultation the 9th may, went through my history then discussed treatment and approx date of July. Been put on metformin due to high amh levels, also Had to go on the pill on my June period and 3rd July got nurse appointment to go through final treatment, more blood test just hiv and hepatitis and see how the injections are done, baseline scan hopefully the 18th July, hen scan 26&28 then EC 31st if all goes to plan,

But it all really differs depending on area, clinic's etc.

I'm in kent and I've gone to one in tonbridge,

Hope you haven't too much of a wait, xx

[dcba in reply to Leesalou]

Hi Leesalou,

Thanks for responding and good luck with your 2nd cycle!

[_MrsC]

Hiya. Once you're in the NHS system we found it was pretty quick to get going on having appointments and such like and then once you're arranging treatment it is very fast. Our problem was getting the referral initially from a gp. We had been ttc for 2 years and a gp sent me away for another year and told me not to come back until we'd tried for another year. I went back in Jan 2016 and then they finally got the ball rolling. We had our first cycle starting in Jan 2017.

In terms of treatment it depends on the protocol you're on I think. I had to start sniffing to down regulate on the 21st day of my cycle and then I had to wait for my period before I could be scanned.

Side effects vary between women and I've found out between cycles too. I have had migraines with both cycles though.

I hope that helps and good luck for everything in your IVF journey. xxx

[Bsrtaycaeny in reply to _MrsC]

Hi

Just reading your post and wondering what area you are in?

I'm sorry to hear your doctor sent you away, two years is a long time never mind another year on top. Hope you don't mind me asking but how did ur cycle go in Jan?

Sending you lots of luck xxx

[London7]

I think it depends on where you are - here in London the wait from my first referral appointment with the NHS to starting treatment was 5 months. That is because I got a cancellation - usually it is 7 months!