Hi everybody,
For those of you who have had IVF on the NHS what was the waiting list like after your initial consultation?
I’m just trying to prepare myself mentally for the first appointment and knowing I’m prone to the odd emotional breakdown at the moment, I thought I’d try to get an idea of how long a wait it will be until treatment starts.
Thanks in advance, xx
Hi apples 🍎 it really depends on where you live I think and the treatment the doctor prescribes depending on your medical needs. It took us just over a year to get IVF on the NHS after initial consultation, but in that year I had a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy (privately as the waiting list for that was a year) and then 3 rounds of nhs iui treatment. Some places there aren’t waiting lists ... and some there are.
Not a sure er helpful answer, sorry! But it’s good you’ve made the first steps, you’re on your way! ❤️ Loads of luck and good vibes ✨ Xx
Thank you for your reply. I know the waiting lists are different depending on where you are and your needs but I think having a ball park figure in my head will be helpful so thank you. I’m going to try really hard not to get upset at this appointment as it’s such a positive step, so preparation is key for me.
Thanks again I really do wish you all the best xx
I’m still waiting for mine, my consult was in Feb.
We are in East Sussex and i turn 40 in November when I won’t be eligible for nhs treatment so we decided to go down the private option, as they couldn’t confirm that I would get treatment started before my 40th.
I had my first positive pregnancy test last Tuesday.
So glad I didn’t wait.
That’s amazing! Congratulations to you! Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy. Xx
This is amazing news and gives me hope for when I start IVF. Thank you for sharing your amazing news and congratulations 😘😘
Really depends on where you live and what you mean by initial consultation- have you actually been referred on to ivf? In my area this was then only a couple of months wait.
Thanks Lizzie. I’ve been referred to the wales fertility institute in Cardiff and have been told it’s an initial consultation. I know have to have bloods, be tested for smoking, transvaginal scan, etc but assume I will be added to another waiting list after this... presumably an “actual ivf” waiting list. Thanks for your response. Xx
Hi Lizzie. we had ivf with in Wales fertility institute in port talbot. The initial consultation is the start of everything and there shouldn’t be anymore waiting after this. We had ours and then had to wait a month due to it being before Christmas. But you should just have to wait to the right day of your cycle depending on which protocol you have. I was long protocol so had to wait until day 21 but met in between this to get my drugs etc. I rang to ask and they always were happy to answer my questions. But for us, after the initial consultation the wait was over 😃 xxx
Sorry I thought you were called Lizzie- but the message was for apples!!!
Also just thought I’d add that they will do all the tests at this consultation so you won’t need to go back for more tests. At ours they did the bloods, smoking and me and hubby did a urine sample to test for clamidia (don’t know how to spell it!) hubby needs a sperm sample that has been done in last 3 months which mine had had. That’s the only thing you might have to wait for xxx
Wow! I never expected anyone to go through the process that quickly! Fingers crossed that happens for us. Will update you. Appointment is a week Wednesday x
It should be the same. I was initially meant to go to cardiff but port talbot had less of a waiting list. We were lucky- we got accepted onto list in May and started our injections in December. But ring them to see if it’s the same in cardiff. They are always happy to answer questions. Sending you all the luck in the world xxx
You are so kind. Thank you for the info. I’ll go in expecting a wait and if there isn’t one then I’ll be over the moon! X
We have had most tests already. The only one I haven’t had is a day 21 which the gynae said we shouldn’t need as my periods are regular and I always have an LH surge. Imagine hubs will need an up to date sperm analysis as that was done a year ago. Fingers crossed x
Will have all my fingers and toes crossed for you xxx
The process seems to be different in different areas, so you probably need someone from your area to advise. I was referred from gp to local hospital gynae consultant who did initial tests, then referred to a fertility clinic after that. The first bit was slow, probably 8 months, but after referral to the fertility clinic it all happened very quickly.
Thanks, Sarah. Really appreciate you getting back to me. I’m hopeful it will be quick now I’ve got to the fertility clinic. Xx
A year for us, lots of tests but it was mainly waiting times between tests which dragged it out. We are at coventry walsgrave. Xx
Thanks, LauM. Hoping not too long a wait as most of the tests have been done. Fingers crossed x
Hello Apple. We first went to our GP last Oct who referred us to the nearest fertility clinic. We had our first appointment there in late January and i started my IVF/ICSI cycle 4 months later in the May. So all in all, it wasn't too bad a wait even though at the time it felt like forever! As the ladies have said above it really depends on where you are based.
We also did our NHS cycle with private led consultation, this means we paid our consultant £500 alongside the NHS funded treatment. I know £500 is a lot of money but i really wasn't dealing with everything and was a bit of an emotional mess. The consultant i was lucky to have my 2nd appointment with so much nicer than the first one. I really didn't want to see that 1st consultant again. Also i found some of the nurses abrupt and dismissive, a bit robotic and emotionally, i was struggling and i just needed a bit of TLC. It gave me peace of mind. It meant i knew who i was seeing everytime i walked through the doors. I could email her when i wanted if i had a concern or issue. She would scan me early in the morning, generally between 6-7am which meant i didn't have to keep taking time off work - which i would have found really stressful. It also meant that i was seeing the same person and having the same person scan me every time. Again for my first round this just helped me to stress and worry less. My cycle wasn't successful but i am still seeing the same consultant. She is just so lovely, understanding but completely honest and trustworthy. I hope your consultant is as lovely. I wish you lots of luck Xx
I’m so glad you have a consultant like that. I bet it makes all the difference and definitely worth the money 
Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s so good to hear from other people. I don’t know anyone who has had fertility issues so it’s good to get an indication of what to expect. Thanks again
Hi, it depends which wait you mean... from referral from my GP to the fertility clinic it was about 3 months (and I bagged myself a cancellation!) I then had metformin, clomid and letrozole through the fertility clinic. I’m about the sign consent forms for IVF through the NHS (signing them tomorrow) so I can confirm after tomorrow how long it will be. I spoke to the IVF clinic and they said there is about a months wait so by the time the NHS have done their thing it will probably be another month on top. But I can let you know for sure tomorrow if that helps. I’m in the Thames Valley xx
That is so helpful. Thank you ruby. I know I have a blocked tube so i don’t know if they will try something else first but gynae said they will probably go straight off IVF. Best of luck to you. Hope you get your wish soon xx
NHS IVF Waiting List
IVF on the NHS - How long is the wait?
Waiting time GRI IVF
NHS Waiting time or private? 
