First IVF appt - what to expect?!

[threesthemagicnumber]

Hi everyone,

Apologies if this is already discussed elsewhere...I’ve just had my NHS IVF referral appt at the hospital confirmed by my GP for next month and wondering what to expect. From what I can gather this will be with a specialist/consultant at the hospital that provides the treatment to check mine and my husbands suitability for IVF - is that right? Due to previous miscarriages I’ve already had all the blood tests, (progesterone levels, day 1-4 estrogen) and lots of other investigations into potential blood clotting issues/thyroid etc plus a hysteriscopy to check uterus, ovaries etc and everything is all functioning as normal. Husbands previous sperm analysis was not so good so we know he may need to have another test.

I seem to have had all tests, does anyone know whether we will automically be put on the NHS waiting list following this appt? And if so how long does it then take to get the procedure? I’m in South West London and think it’s a long waiting list...? However I’m 36 and he’s 41 so maybe that we speed things up? Any advice much appreciated! We only get 1 round so am anxious to do it right. x

[Hidden]

Hi there,

Although there is no NHS funding offered in my area, my diagnostic tests were done on the NHS beforehand, so hopefully this will help!

The first appt with the specialist that me and my husband had was talking through all of the tests we had both had done so far, a general check on our age/general health stuff like checking our BMI/that we are non smokers/not heavy drinkers. I would definitely recommend taking a folder of all your results with you, just in case. Your GP should be able to give you a print out of all the historic tests you've had done so that you can have all the information handy if they ask questions. Also, probs a no brainer, but having info on when you last had a visit from AF, so they can gauge how regular your cycles are etc.

We found that the first appt was just running through all the information and then the specialist provides you with a summary/recommendation on whether you would be a good candidate for IVF, the funding options available, and then telling you if there are any other tests they need you to do (e.g. HSG- where they put dye in your ladyplumbing and check there are no obstructions, other internal ultrasounds etc).

Good luck with your appointment, it sounds like you've been through alot already to get to this point, so I really hope things work the way you want and that you won't have a long wait. Lots of love xxxx

[threesthemagicnumber in reply to Hidden]

Ahh thank you so much - that is all so useful! Good to know that the first appt is just doing all the checks etc. Wasn’t sure what it would entail so good advice to take all the paperwork - I have a lot! I’ve had an HSG too, (which I had a horrible reaction too) so hopefully I won’t need to go through that again.

So sorry to hear there is no funding in your area - that is just so unfair. Wishing you all the best on your journey and thanks again for the advice. Xxx

[Tugsgirl]

Some of the blood hormone tests may need to be repeated if they’ve not been done recently. Most clinics want results from within the last three months. That shouldn’t delay anything really though in the grand scheme of things. It’s great that everything you’ve had done so far has been normal. Good luck for when you start xx

[threesthemagicnumber in reply to Tugsgirl]

Thank you so much. xx

[Hidden]

Best of luck with your appt. lots of advice already here I see but I’ll add that different CCG’s have different requirements to meet their criteria for funded IVF. You can check them online I think. Ours we had to have been trying for at least 3 years.......Knowledge will be your friend! X

[threesthemagicnumber in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! Yes we have also been trying for 3 years which I believe is the same criteria for our CCG according to what’s online. I’ve had 2 miscarriages in that time so I’m just hoping that won’t be held against us 😒

Thanks for the advice! xx

[Hidden in reply to threesthemagicnumber]

I don’t think they will include the miscarriages (so sorry you have been through those) I think they only count “live births” - horrible term I know but that’s their lingo. Sounds like you are ready for the meeting and wishing you all the best! X