Start of IVF journey

[Daxie24]

Hi everyone this is my first post so hope I'm doing it right!

Me and my husband have just been told the only way to conceive is through IVF. I have PCOS and he has just been told he has a low sperm count. Both feeling emotional and very overwhelmed with all the information we have been given.

We have been told we have to choose our clinic but have no idea where to start! How did everyone choose which clinic to go to?

[destiny121]

Hi lovely... sorry to hear your having to go through this fertility journey and you’ve come to the right place by joining this forum. Regarding choosing a clinic I would suggest you choose one that’s easy to get to. In terms of travel etc.. especially as you’ll have to attend once started with the ivf for various appointments.

Also... more importantly you want to check the birth rates statistics for the clinic you choose... I think if you go on the hfea website you should be able to find all the statistics for clinics in your area or nearby and research the clinics that you’re considering.

Hope that helps 😊😊

[Daxie24 in reply to destiny121]

Thank you. Yes it was a big shock to us when they told us, but joining this group has already made me feel better reading everyone's stories. Xxx

[Millbanks]

Hi Daxie, welcome! This forum is an absolute godsend for anyone going through ivf. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions - big or small!

We chose our clinic because we have 3 rounds free on the NHS and this was our local one. As we’re on our first round I guess we’ll see how we get on. Good luck! Xxx

[Daxie24 in reply to Millbanks]

Hi Millbanks, thanks for the reply. Good luck to you both! We too are hoping to get funding o the NHS so fingers crossed!

[Jojo84]

Hello Daxie24 myself and husband was in the same boat as you. We went to all the clinics open days and went to the infertility show in London to find out more info. We prob took a year looking at all the clinics before we made our choice. We were very blessed that our first cycle worked and I have an amazing 5 yr old daughter now. We went for another cycle at the beginning of the year which upsettingly didn’t work. If you want to talk more feel free to message me xxx

[Daxie24 in reply to Jojo84]

Hi Jojo, thanks for the advice and support. It came as quite a shock to us last week, we got referred to the hospital and we just thought they would give us some medication tell us to keep trying and go back in a few months. It never even crossed my mind we would be given the only one option of IVF. So felt very sad all last week but since joing as a member here starting to feel a bit better.

Thank you for the advice and congratulations on your little girl xxxx

[Kitcat12]

Firstly, welcome to the group! There's an amazing support network here to get you through your IVF cycles. There's a lot to think about when choosing a clinic- success rates, any criteria they ask you to meet and also I think you just get a feel for the clinic you end up choosing! Best of luck lovely, there's a lot of support here and success stories to help keep your spirits high x

[LorrieWalden]

Hi Daxie! How are you now? I am really sorry for what you are going through. Whenever you hear about infertility, it just breaks your heart. When the power of giving birth to your own child is taken away from you, it feels like the world has no meaning. But i am glad that you guys have not stopped there and going for IVF. I have also had my baby through IVF so the treatment will definitely help you out. But to find a good clinic, you need to ask the people about it. If the clinic is good enough, you will hear a lot of positive feedback about it which means that your chances of conceiving with their help will also be high. So make sure you be patient and do some research before opting for any clinic. My blessings are with you. Take good care of yourself. Goodluck! Goodbye!

[Daxie24 in reply to LorrieWalden]

Thank you!

[Alyssa123]

Hi Daxie! I hope you are doing better now! I can understand how difficult this journey is. First of all, you both need to relax and take a deep breath. If it didn't work naturally, you can make it work with so many other things. I am really happy to see that you are going for IVF. I have also had both my babies through IVF. It's no doubt a safe and successful treatment. To find a good clinic for it, you will need to ask around. As i had to travel abroad for my treatment, i am not sure if you want to do that. But make sure you choose a clinic with positive reviews. Good luck! Stay blessed. Bye!

[Daxie24 in reply to Alyssa123]

Thank you! And congratulations on your babies!!

[sadievalentie]

Hey Daxie! How are you? I hope you are doing better now. I feel so bad for you. Infertility is a heartbreaking thing. It's not easy to deal with it. But I am happy to see that you are so calm and thinking about how to treat it instead of panicking. So, first of all, find a good clinic, you need to look for a clinic that patients are happy with. Like people are sharing positive things about it. After that, you need to compare its packages with other options. Then you will be able to find the perfect clinic for you. I hope this helps you. Good luck! Take care. Bye!

[Daxie24 in reply to sadievalentie]

Thank you!!

[LunaLovegood11]

Hey there, well done for taking the first step. It’s a tough choice really but gives new hope.

Me and my partner were the same, both had issues. Unfortunately we don’t get any funding in our area so just had a good google and saw a place that looked good with good reviews and results.

It worked first go for us so we’ve been very lucky, we weren’t expecting it to. Currently 13 weeks so still early days but hopefully looking good for the next steps.

Have a good read up on what to expect and you’ll be fine, it won’t be so confusing. I liked the BFN podcast and also there’s a book called Get a Life - His and Hers Guide to IVF, which helps your partner too.

Best of luck! Xx

[Daxie24 in reply to LunaLovegood11]

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Gives me hope that fingers crossed it works first time for us too!

Thanks for the advice about the podcast, where did you download it from?

Xx

[LunaLovegood11 in reply to Daxie24]

I got it on the apple podcasts app but I think places like Spotify do it and also maybe from the website?

Ps thank you 😊 and yes be hopeful, it does work, sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the negatives but stay positive when you can xx

[Daxie24 in reply to LunaLovegood11]

Thanks for the tip about the podcasts I've found it helpful listening to them! I've been walking the dog with my ear phones in and found it a good way to unwind and comforting listening to people going through the same things x

[Hope25]

Hi Daxie, just wondered how you are getting on with your journey?

[Daxie24 in reply to Hope25]

Hi Hope

Things have moved on quite a bit quite fast actually! We picked the CRGH clinic and had our first appointment in December. We are now starting the first cycle and in the preparation month they called it and have a dummy embryo transfer booked for thursday!!

[Blessedgirl16]

Hi Daxie24 , hope you are doing good.

Wanted to know hows ur jouney going?

I needed your advice. I am 35 yrs. I had laproscopy couple of months ago and my doctor told me to go for IVF due to low AMH..we are also considering CRGH clinic.. so just wanted to know your feedback.

[Daxie24 in reply to Blessedgirl16]

I'll inbox you x