First steps

[SzGr]

New member. I’m 38 (39December) and have been trying to conceive naturally about 2 yrs. Doc referring for IVF because of my age. Sperm and initial hormone tests fine. Doc suggested going private for further tests and potential IVF to speed things up because of my age. Would people recommend going private? Any clinic recommendations in West Midlands area? Also considering natural or ‘light IVF’ if suitable. Any experiences of this successful or otherwise? Thanks.

[Ariel2015]

Hello! I was the same we just could not find what was wrong! We went through with IVF as I was just in the limit of getting it on NHS! If you can do on NHS then go for it as it is the same clinics that they do nhs and private! We went to Oxford fertility clinic for NHS and stuck with them for private! I got pregnant first time on NHS on the second time both the fresh and frozen embryo did not work at the same clinic with the same doctors and medication!

On the second time though I went in all cocky cause it worked first time and wasn’t prepared ! I red a lot about since and egg quality is the most vital thing! The first time I was taking loads of off the counter fertility and conception supplements while on round 2 did not even think about it!! I do believe taking the right nutrients is very important!! Which I am planning to do for the 3rd attempt!!

So reinforce your body and your husbands with some fertile and conception supplements (they can only help!! ). Check if you are eligible to do it through NHS! The process they follow is exactly the same as for private! If you are not eligible then private is your only option!!

Also not sure how much faster it would be! My clinic asked me to do most of my blood tests on nhs anyway so we save money! Once these are done then you are ready to go really!!!

All of the above is based on my experience, we are exactly the same age by the way! All I can say is think positive and look after yourself! It is a painful process but it does worth it!

I hope I helped and good luck with everything!

[SzGr in reply to Ariel2015]

Thanks so much for your reply! It’s very daunting right now and it helps to speak to someone who has been there. We are eligible for 1 round on NHS as long as the referral is in before I’m 39. My husband is just having to get his BMI down but he’s making good progress so we are confident about that. In the mean time I have been referred to the women’s hospital for further tests but the consultation is not until the end of October, so Dr thinks it’s probably going to be 6months + before I get my first round, so was suggesting we go private so we have more time to try again if it doesn’t work. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you that your 3rd try is successful!! X

[Ariel2015 in reply to SzGr]

Thank you very much!! I do hope that all works out and it doesn’t take you that long to have the 1st cycle!! X

[Poppy_2018]

Hi, it's a difficult decision to make and quite daunting. We started our investigations under the nhs (I have endometriosis and blocked tube) and when we eventually decided to go for IVF in jan of this year my ccg had suspended all IVF on the nhs so I had no option but to go private. When we were ready to start in march 2019 the ccg had reinstated funding and i was eligible for 1 cycle. I was almost 37 at this stage and in the end I decided to stay with my private clinic as I was mentally prepared to start treatment and didnt know how long the nhs wait would be - 6 months plus perhaps and I was conscious of my age and didnt want to delay for another few months. Although it's been quite expensive I dont regret my decision. My clinic are amazing, although I had quite a lot of choice as I'm based quite near london. Not sure what your private clinics would be like in your area. I cant fault my clinic at all and from some of the things I've read on this forum my clinic seem to go above and beyond without having to be asked to do certain things. The care I have had has been individualised and personalised from every member of the team, they're like a little family. I'm currently 8w pregnant with twins from my 2nd transfer. I cant help in terms of natural or light ivf, I only had 1 fresh cycle which was fully medicated and then 1 frozen cycle. Good luck with whatever you decide to do x

[SzGr in reply to Poppy_2018]

Great to hear that you are 8 weeks! I hope everything goes well for you! Which clinic did you use? Thanks

[Poppy_2018 in reply to SzGr]

Thank you so much, I will PM you my clinic details.

[Shirazlover2013]

Hi, I’m 38 (turning 39 in December too!) and am doing private ivf treatment as already have a toddler. I did mild ivf for my 1st round but I wouldn’t recommend it to be honest, waste of time and money unless there’s a medical reason why it would suit you better than regular ivf. When choosing clinics I’d recommend using the HFEA website to review clinic statistics particularly the section where you put in your age and other specifics. Good luck choosing a clinic or with the NHS (make sure you get on the wait list either way as it can take a loooooong time to actually start).

[SzGr in reply to Shirazlover2013]

Thanks so much for the reply. I hope everything goes well for you x

[Jessy1280]

Exactly the same as me. I'm 39 in December and I feel like time is against me. Our issue is poor motility following VR a year ago. All my tests results are pretty amazing but despite this my first FET failed. I'm cracking on asap with my next cycle in September. We're ineligible for NHS funding because of the vasectomy reversal so I've paid thousands for 3 cycles X