Question for UK based ladies

[Lilly12255]

Hi, I am wondering what happened at your NHS infertility appointment and what tests they did.

I still have my appointment pending. Given my age I went straight to IVF private without waiting for NHS to check me. Now I am wondering whether there is any point me doing this appointment (scheduled for July) or whether it is just a risk of catching covid in a hospital for no benefit.

I don’t know if any of the tests they do can be helpful. Could you let me know what they tested for you and whether you think there is any benefit for me in having this appointment while I am already doing IVG (and not eligible for NHS funding as I am too old).

Thanks!

[KiboXX]

They normally just do the basics, blood tests to check your hormone levels initially and then a basic ultrasound to check your womb. If those are all clear, you normally get referred for a HySyCo to check your tubes for blockages. If nothing is found at that stage and you don’t qualify for IVF then that’s normally all they do x

[Lilly12255 in reply to KiboXX]

Thank you.

[Lilly12255 in reply to KiboXX]

Sounds like it’s not worth it as I already did all blood tests for the IVF. On my tubes, as I had one natural pregnancy (that ended in a miscarriage) the tubes must be working. Sounds like it’s not worth it. What do you think?

[KiboXX in reply to Lilly12255]

As you’re already on the IVF path, I wouldn’t bother. I don’t get NHS funding either and haven’t had my tubes checked. I would have had to delay my private treatment by several months to get it done so it just wasn’t worth it for me. xx

[Purple276 in reply to KiboXX]

I would agree with this too. In my experience the NHS route is to identify any serious reason for infertility and if not fund whatever ivf your CCG agrees to. It took a year to go through the route for the blood tests and scans etc. The clinic in my case could see the fluid from a blocked tube so sure they'd notice if that was an issue for you too. I'd keep the appointment incase the clinic finds anything they suggest you get treated then at least are already in the NHS gynae system - that's what happened to me and I then managed to get an operation appt in 8 weeks. But sure that won't be the case and with time not on our side I'd say you are doing the right thing to go private if you can.

Hope that helps and good luck x

[Lilly12255]

Would the tubes check interfere with freeze all IVF cycles (no transfers this year)?

[KiboXX in reply to Lilly12255]

Yes. You wouldn’t be able to have treatment at the same time x

[Violet180 in reply to Lilly12255]

I am in the same position. Too old for funding and want to know if there is any point in the NHS appointment.

Does anyone know if the NHS would pay for the tube check or Hycosy? Or because I am too old I would have to pay?

I have no idea if my tubes work because I have never gotten pregnant naturally only through IVF.

[Miracle43 in reply to Violet180]

Hi Violet180, I’m also over 40, when I had my Ivf consult at the nhs they said they wouldn’t do a tube check/ hycosy because they bypass them with ivf.

They said that if I was younger I would of been referred to gynaecology first where they would if checked everything, they then refer you to ivf if no success.

Due to age I went straight to ivf.

I did ask my gp to refer me to gynaecology which she did but the waiting list for nhs was 6-9 months for an initial app. I paid privately for the hycosy cost £250 xx

[Violet180 in reply to Miracle43]

Thats very helpful thank you. Where did you pay privately for the test? I keep hearing I have to be referred by NHS to get the test at a hospital and so then I have to wait for the appointment anyway even if paying for myself. My clinic does a tube check but at an inflated price

[Miracle43 in reply to Violet180]

I’m in Wales, I had it done through the clinic I am with, they don’t do it at the clinic , I paid them and went to a private hospital it Cardiff.

Have you looked around to see if you can get it done elsewhere. You could try your gp and ask if they are able to refer you? xx

[Lilly12255 in reply to Miracle43]

Thanks. Was it worth having this test? For how long could you not do IVF because of the test?

[Miracle43 in reply to Lilly12255]

I had caught naturally which had ended in a mmc so I knew at least one tube was clear.

For me it’s a case of try/do everything I can, we are still trying naturally so at least I know the tubes are clear.

I have just had my second mmc which again was natural, looking positively I know my tubes are clear.

I had the scan beginning July last year, it’s done between day 10&12 of your cycle. I had a period that month, then started testogel then stims xx