Changing Clinics

[Greenleaves1]

At what point do you consider changing clinics?

I've been with mine since 2020 - I was lucky to have my son via IUI using a sperm donor.

2.5 years on I've been trying for a sibling. 3 IUIs and 2 ICSI rounds later no luck. I've paid for my next two rounds via Access Fertility but I'm having doubts about the clinic.

The response time has got really poor and I've asked a few questions about my proposed protocol to be told I'd need to pay another £170 for consultation if I'm to ask more questions.

I'm seriously considering getting a second opinion elsewhere and sourcing a donor from another bank. I've asked my current clinic to hold off on processing my medication as I'm disappointed and feeling undervalued by the lack of answers.

The only appeal is using the same donor for a sibling but they have limited vials left so at some point I may have to choose another anyway.

Has anyone been in a similar position or have any words of wisdom please.

[Kitkat10]

hi, yes I changed clinic after two failed cycles as I just felt they were throwing my money at things which had limited evidence. They never had answers, just told me it was down to luck. At first they were positive and then after two failed transfers they just said ‘oh it might not work’!

However my new clinic were not perfect either but the first transfer did work so I stuck with them for a sibling.

They got bought out by a bigger company and the communication and ‘care’ went downhill. I wrote a letter of complaint, more of concern really as I had a couple of shocking incidents which were just down to lack of attention to detail. They did listen and improved things a little.

They did the same to me and asked for another ££££ for a repeat consultation , despite the fact I’d had four transfers with them 🙄🙄🙄

It never hurts to get a second opinion. Could you transfer the sperm to another clinic? I know it can be expensive. I bought mine from the European sperm bank so I know what a faffage it is to be transporting it but if you find your preferred clinic it might be an option.

Putting your concerns in writing can also be useful. You are paying for a service and I really believe, from my own experience, that when we undergo IVF we feel at the clinic’s mercy because of the nature of the treatment.

After my son was born, yes I was very grateful but I also paid a lot of money to get there so I increased my standard of expectations when I went back to them.

Good luck whichever path you choose xx