I’m concerned about my procedures

[Silvia35]

Hi girls, I wonder how the procedure works through NHS, I received a phone call from the fertility clinic who gave me to do a blood test on the third day of menstruation that I did a month ago at the hospital and then chlamydia test I did it at gp as requested and I received the result only now( they are at the surgery clinic Monday I’m going to pick it up),my husband did the semen exam at the hospital a month ago about which I don't know anything about the results when I asked for it they said that the results are sent directly to gp but the gp does not still knows nothing and I don't even know who to contact, is it normal to take so long? Is there anyone else in this situation? That I am completely confused with their system I don't know what to do I’m losing my patience. Maybe someone knows to explain me better ivf steps through nhs and how does it work? The results directly everything takes place between them?

I mention that when I’ve been called by the fertility clinic for the very first time and they gave me to do those tests me and my husband they told me that when I got the result’s to send it to them but how? I don’t know, sorry for my writing mistakes but I’m not English, I’m from Romania, I live in Kent side and all my test that I’ve done was in Darent Valey Hospital, there's someone else who's done with them before?

[Hope823]

My experience with NHS so far is very bad. When I was 35 (I am not 37) I spoke to GP that I would like a referral for IVF as we were trying to conceve fpr 2 years. GP made a referral almost straight away which was fine, no issues/ delays with that. Then my appoitment at hospital was re-scheduled 4 or 5 times, I seriously lost count now. It was meant to be finally in October but not long ago received another letter saying December 2021

I am 37 and I am still waiting for that appoitment (been over a year now). In the meantime I did all the checks private, and had 2 cycles private ( we paid for 3 cycles using Access Fertility scheme, they return money if there is no baby after 3 cycles). If we were only relying on funded cycle, then we would waste a precious time

[Silvia35 in reply to Hope823]

Oh this is very upsetting, I’m still waiting until next year because I getting married next year in August if nothing moves till then I will go for private, I’m almost 36 now so there is not to much time to waste, thanks 🙏 for your answer 😘😘😘🤗🤗 I wish you the best

[Positivechangeplease]

Sounds really strange. I’m in London so I do think with the bounty of clinics we have here that it’s all a bit smoother. I was 38 when I went to my gp and she ordered the bloods and referred me straight away. Within 3 months I was seen by the fertility clinic and had to undergo a lot of tests first. Ivf was approved when I turned 39 and we went ahead the following month. It’s a long story after that but I’m just on my second FET transfer now finally positive and I’m 40 so don’t lose hope!

[HopeOfYou]

Hi Silvia,

you have the right to aces your health record, see nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-... can ask the hospital directly, just find on their website how to do that.

We asked for the complete record after two failed cycles of IVF, so we could provide all the details to the new private clinic. And we discovered pretty bad details that had not been told us before: during the first cycle, the incubator broke. We got 3 blastocysts in the end, but none of them of good quality, one was even discarded, and the other two didn't implant. During the second cycle, they didn't access one of my ovaries (I discovered later that there was a cyst that nobody cared about). We still got an embryo that was transferred on day2, but sadly it was an ectopic.

This is just a warning before you use the NHS: many couples get to have a baby, but they are a bit sloppy. I know they are under a lot of pressure, and that the procedures are free, still be ready for that.

[Silvia35 in reply to HopeOfYou]

Wow this is very disappointing😔

[Sirius_star]

Sensitive post - My referral was by gp after 6 years trying. Same tests as you and one at hospital to have due out in and check my ovaries and tubes then appointment to see consultant at the clinic and they advised then the seaman analysis and which would be best way forward I have psoc and husbands sperm was mixture it was not the count it was the direction they going analyse everything. Icsi was chosen treatment for us many eggs collected and 4 frozen with one transferred fresh which was unsuccessful and I was overstimulated many blood tests. Some failed frozen transfers and a chemical pregnancy but finally got there. Feels like it took a while to get started and different protocols for different people. Each cycle had its own challenges an emotional rollor coaster I nearly gave up hope but we did get there finally. I’m 39 now. All the best. Xx