private consultations - how many?

[try2020]

Hi everyone, my question is for how many clinics would you do consultations with before deciding? We are going private as we don't want to wait a year for NHS. We are currently waiting on the consent paperwork from one private clinic, they don't offer PGT-A, are slightly more expensive but are really good and we could probably start very early next year. The other is attached to an NHS hospital, they do offer PGT-A (if justifiable), are cheaper but we wouldn't get treated until March/April due to only having a couple of embyologists that do the biopsy. We recently had AMH, ultrasound and SA at the first clinic so wouldn't need to pay for all those tests again, so I'm wondering if we should compare the clinics now..... any advice would be most welcome! thanks 🧡

[Fingerscrossed38]

I think it depends what you're looking for in a clinic. We first went to one of the leading fertility clinics because I wanted experts in nk cells but it was just so crazy busy every time I went and unless I booked a £300 consultation or £150 follow up I'd never see the Dr. It was basically run by nurses who as nice as they are, are not the experts and not who I'm paying thousands of £ to talk to. So we changed to another clinic and it was the best decision we made. It was never busy as their ethos is to give quality one to one attention to patients rather than a conveyor belt like most of the big ones. The staff all knew us and made us feel totally welcome but best of all my Dr was the loveliest most approachable man. We worked together on my protocol and he let me have an input. I could contact him whenever I needed and always got a reply the same day! It's the reason we have our little girl. Being able to call him the morning of my peak and have my trigger shot at such short notice was vital to getting the timing right, this wouldn't have happened at the first clinic because I'd never have heard back from the Dr! Please read my profile for more info and best of luck 🍀

[KiboXX in reply to Fingerscrossed38]

I could have written this post! Definitely think smaller clinics and a more personal approach is far better than the big clinics who have a one size fits all approach xx

[lablover5658]

Hiya try2020,

We had treatment at a big NHS clinic end of 2019. It felt very rushed and busy. They didn’t explain anything very well at any stage. Our first cycle failed and we have 4 frozen embryos. We are now in the process of moving to a private clinic. Smaller. I have had one consultation with the a consultant and she was so much more informative than the last clinic. It is costing us quite a bit to move. But it feels right. I would say go where you feel your going feel most comfortable and where they talk you through your treatment. It is so important.

Best of luck ❤️

[try2020 in reply to lablover5658]

Thanks everyone for the helpful comments! We are up in Scotland so not a lot of choice but will definitely be taking these tips into account when we sound them out! thanks again 🧡