IVF for a second child

[Beanybeanz]

Hi all,

I have had a baby 3 months ago through IVF and want to now go for a second - the first round was paid for on the NHS but the next won’t be as we were only eligible for one round.

Does anyone have experience of how to start the process or do I have to go straight to paying £200 or so for a private consultation just to say I want to start the process? Will I need to have all the tests again?

Thanks

[Purpledoggy]

Usually clinics have info sessions where you can talk to nurses, finance, and the embryologist. You can ask them questions and then when happy with a clinic arrange for the initial consult you pay for. My clinic did a discount on the initial consult if you attended a free info session as they have to explain a lot less to you. If you have a clinic in mind just call them and ask whether they do info sessions, and when the next one is. In terms of tests they would probably want AMH and FSH, and a baseline scan to get your AFC, as they may have changed from previous. You may or may not need more tests depending on your previous test results and history etc. xx

[Beanybeanz in reply to Purpledoggy]

Thanks, yes I guess it makes sense for those tests again 😊 thanks for replying xx

[Trying1234]

Hello 👋

I had my daughter through ivf a year ago. I rang the clinic and they said my gp had to refer me back to the hospital then the hospital referred me to the clinic. It’s taken ages though because of Covid so appointments have taken longer than it should have, I had to wait 3 months for my appointment at the clinic, Pre Covid it would have only been a few weeks. All the blood tests were done before I went to the clinic so didn’t cost.

I had my clinic appointment with the consultant to discuss next steps, that was only a couple of weeks ago. I should have started treatment this week but my thyroid levels are too low (I developed a thyroid issue after pregnancy, which may self resolve) soo having to reduce meds to get it in the range.

My advice is to get things in motion ASAP as it’s taken me over 6 months to get to this point.

[Solly-44]

Hi,

I recognise you from the fertility boards! 🙋‍♀️

We’re just starting the process to try for number 2. We got a GP referral back to our NHS hospital because even though we won’t get the treatment free they accept self funding patients. We did have to repeat all the tests which I was quite surprised at as we have frozen embryos - even my partner had to get blood tests again. Our baby was born just over a year ago though so maybe the time between tests matters. Good luck!

[KiboXX in reply to Solly-44]

I’ve just started the process for number two and have had to redo all our blood tests again (also have Frosties so will just be a FET). My daughter has just turned 10 months so I have a feeling they all make you redo them regardless. Ours was all private, same clinic xx

[Nasima73]

Hello dear,I wants to do iVF for a first time, could tell about your clinic address. Also how is cost around. Please Would you kind to reply me xx.

Thanks

[Bailey135 in reply to Nasima73]

If you and your husband/partner have no other children you will be eligible for first go of ivf through nhs for free if you are in the UK

[Stato]

Hi all, this sounds familiar...

We’re just deciding whether to plan for number 2 after successful ivf.

Does anyone know how long clinics want you to wait before a FET? Or even to try naturally?

Best of luck everyone x

[Chiefy]

We had our first round privately last year due to nhs covid closures. We went straight to the private clinic and they didn't require any referral from our gp. They asked for copies of my blood test results and husband's semen test results from the gp but that was after our first appointment and to avoid us having to pay for the same tests again. Our first appointment was actually around £400 because we also had the first scan with the nurse and not just the consultant appointment. At the first appointment they also suggested testing my amh, which was another charge on top.

Don't forget to ask every question at the appointment because if you request a further appointment or telephone call, they are all chargeable too.

To be honest, the cost of the first consultation is nothing compared to the cost of a full cycle and it gets to a point where you don't bat an eyelid at another bill. I had the invoice from the clinic for storage of frozen embryos before I was even home from collection!