Hi everyone,
I'm seeking advice on IVF. Would you recommend going through a private clinic or using NHS services? What are the key differences between them?
I'm 39 years old with an AMH level of 0.8, which is a bit low for my age. Should I be concerned, or is IVF still a viable option for me to get pregnant?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
Hi I'm optimistic you will still have the opportunity to go through IVF there are certainly others who are older and have a lower AMH. I personally opted for private after my initial experience with the NHS long waiting times and numerous errors made due to nurses in training and inconsistent information being provided to me. There was a post on her just a day or so ago requesting similar advice I will try to find it for you 
I say pursue NHS unless you can afford private. The experience and treatment with my fertility clinic has been the same for me going through NHS as it is private when them, but act fast if you can. I was told there’s a much higher chance of fertility in 39 yo embryos than 40 yo ones. I count myself lucky, after being messed around by my doctor with long delays at 39 years old, we paid for a private first appointment with the fertility referral clinic. We got in just in the nick of time, they looked at our situation, my age, scanned me and put us through for an NHS funded IVF (1 round) - I felt like we were fast tracked so the NHS is there to help when they can. Subsequent embryo transfers or more IVF rounds (now I’m 40) have to be private. While our fresh transfer didn’t work, we were lucky to get a few embryos to freeze. Best of luck to you.
hello I have been on the big journey for a few years now. Honestly if you can, I would go private. The nhs is one protocol fits all (it doesn’t) very long wait times and to be honest just a stress. At a time when ur stressed enough. Private is expensive but much more individually tailored. You don’t feel like your left so much on your own xxx happy to answer any questions xxx
Depends on your personal situation, and your local NHS clinic's criteria, success rates, treatment options and wait times. We went NHS at first but there were very long delays, we only got one round and they were pretty awful. Even when we paid at the same clinic privately (there's not much choice where we live) they weren't good and I wish we hadn't bothered and lost all that time. Looking at their success rates now and having gone to a private clinic further away, I can now see how slow and inflexible they were, and just not great. I would do your research on whatever NHS options are open for you, how many rounds you get, look at the clinic's success rates (including for your age bracket) and maybe try and speak with a consultant there if you can get a referral. But at the same time I would start the private route too - at least to work out what they offer, funding packages (a lot of the better packages have cut offs above certain ages so you may want to get in before turning 40) and to have initial consultations. That way you can make an informed decision. Also, if it helps on the age thing, I've now had two babies - one a week before I turned 38 and another which had she not been very early, I would have been 40. And that's after TTC since 30 without success and having almost given up hope by 37, so you're not too old.
When it comes to IVF, deciding between a private clinic and NHS services boils down to a few things. First off, there's the cost factor. Private clinics charge for each cycle, and it can vary a lot depending on what services you need. On the other hand, NHS might cover some or all of it, but you might have to wait longer for treatment since there's usually a high demand.
Secondly, there's the waiting time. Going private often means you'll get seen quicker. NHS waiting lists can be pretty long because lots of people are after the same treatment. Take me, for example. My partner and I initially went with the NHS, but the waitlist was dragging on, so we decided to switch to a private clinic.
Lastly, private clinics usually offer more options. You can pick from a wider range of places, each with their own specialties and technologies. That might mean better-tailored treatment for you.
As for your age and AMH level, it's understandable to feel worried. But having a low AMH level doesn't automatically mean IVF won't work for you. There are a bunch of factors that play into IVF success, like egg quality. Many women aged 40 and above still find success with IVF. Wishing you the best of luck on your IVF journey!xx
You mean self-funding in an NHS clinic or go to an independent/private one? In Scotland NHS clinics offer the exact same services to self-funders minus the waiting list. If you are paying then you want a bit more control and better communication which wasn't my experience in an NHS clinic. But if you are entitled to any free treatment I would say it's worth going for it, especially if it's your first go. First cycles are trial and error usually and it is a very long journey. You might need more than one cycles so in that case every saving is a bonus. Saying that, if there's a massive waiting list then you might be wasting valuable time. So it's not an easy decision
Try to get NHS funding but at a private clinic. My area does this and I wish I'd known. I had treatment at both NHS and private and the difference was night and day - I just don't think the NHS had the staff/funds to offer as much as the private sector to unfortunately.
I personally found the NHS experience very stressful as I was chasing them up all the time for results/appointments. They didn't offer as many scans as the private clinic so I ended up with 40 eggs, ohss and no viable embryos. Check the protocols available at your local NHS clinic as I felt it was a one size fits all, but like others have said your first round is a big experiment so the more information your clinic can get through testing the better.
Good luck 🤞 🍀
Thank you for your incredibly generous insights. They've helped me choose a private clinic where I can explore a more personalized approach. I really appreciate your input.
Thanks once more!
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