I was wondering if anyone could help me. We have been referred for IVF to UCLH. Does anyone have any experience in this to ask a couple of questions?
We have received a letter for our first appointment which is going to be face-to-face but there is no information about what is about? We had all fertility tests previously in a fertility clinic and this appointment is at the reproductive unit. Do you think is to complete the paperwork for funding and if so do you know how quickly after the funding comes through we can start our treatment? Do you know who could I contact to find out more about the procedure and if there is a waiting list?
Thanks in advance!
Written by
Michaanca
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Not sure but this sounds a bit similar to what we've been through. We had all fertility investigations privately before deciding to go for IVF on the NHS. We had our first NHS appointment at Homerton in December face-to-face and they basically ran through all the previous fertility testing we had done before, what tests we would need to repeat (blood tests for us both and a semen analysis on my husband). At the same time they also did another ultrasound on me (even though I've had one before) and I did a urine sample. They also ran through what type of IVF we would be eligible for, ran through waiting times etc. We have a follow up video appointment in February where I think they run through the results from the recent bloods and semen analysis and I guess let us know when we can start. Hope this helps!
I had two rounds in UCLH (RMU). Overall it was ok, although sometimes the staff were very stretched and mistakes were happening, you will need to double check everything. Good thing is that UCLH outsources the actual procedure to CRGH which is a private clinic with very good results. I ended up doing my third round with CRGH privately since they already stored my embryos and I didn’t want to wait 6 months for the next round. Currently 26 weeks pregnant with twins! And I am really sorry, I can’t remember my first consultation with RMU at all! Good luck x
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Thank you for sharing all the information with me. I was wondering, can you recall how long it took for you to start your treatment after your first appointment? I am a bit concerned as the appointments seem to be quite far apart from each other and I'm worried that it might take a while for us to start.
I went through uclh (rmu) and it starts with a consultation to talk about your journey so far. Then they do bloods to check things like amh, fsh etc. Once that's done they do a 3d sis scan and dummy embryo transfer. Once that's all done you can get onto the cycle, which might take about 3 months due to the waiting times. We were seen at uclh for the initial appointments, nurses appointments for meds and also for the scans. On the weekends you are seen at crgh, and you also have your egg collection and transfer done there. I recommend uclh and crgh,I found them really good. Best of luck!
I was referred by the NHS to the UCLH (RMU) and the first appointment was an introduction, they told me about what the whole treatment would be like and although I had already done all the fertility tests in the gp they repeated all the blood tests including in HyCosy.
After all the tests they gave me all the medication and we proceeded to ovarian stimulation, every 3 days you have to go to a vaginal Scan And blood tests where they count the follicles, the last two scans they do it in CRGH which is the private clinic where they will do the ovarian puncture to remove the eggs and fertilise them, they will also do the embryo transfer.
I had my first embryo transfer on December 18th and doesn’t work, now I have to wait 6 weeks to proceed with the second transfer in February 🙏🏽
I had my first round with UCLH (RMU) back in 2022 and it was slow starting. My first call with them was at end of April and I started the treatment (pre month) in August. In between they re did all the blood tests and scan (as it had been 6 months since my initial ones) which all took some time. It might be quicker if your tests are more recent .
DM me if you have any specific questions, happy to share my experiences.
hello Michaanca - can I ask how long it took for you to receive the letter for the appointment after the referral made by your GP? Our GP just referred us to UCLH for IVF ICSI and I feel quite lost but as all of us in this not easy journey I guess 😅
We were referred to UCHL in December, received the letter beginning of January, and our first appointment is end of February. I understand how you feel; I feel lost too. The letter we received did not include information about the appointment informing us that it's going to be face-to-face. I assume it's going to be a consultation appointment. I am very concerned about their waiting list as I don't know when we will be able to start treatment. I will keep you updated once I attend the first appointment. I have tried to contact the hospital as well to get some more information and waiting for their response. If you have any further updates, please share them with me. It's a difficult journey and this forum is the only support at the moment. Good luck 🤞
Yes, very difficult also when around us we have the feeling that everyone manage to conceive baby « easily » so yes this forum is so helpful and we see we are not alone and we can support each other!
I would be very happy to keep in touch as it seems that we are almost at the same stage in this path … !
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Endometrioma and IVF 
How to prepare for IVF
Varicocele surgery or continue with IVF?
Failed IVF cycle- how to cope...
IVF through NHS is free or not?
