Can you pay for private IVF whilst waiting for IVF on nhs?

[Bing28]

I am just trying to gather some information and thought the LTTTC board would be the best place.

A little about me...we have been TTC for 14 months and all nhs tests so far have been normal (semen analysis, pelvis scan and blood tests). I have one test left to have on the nhs which is a HSG.

Anyway we were told yesterday that if the HSG results come back normal that we have to wait until we have been TTC for 3 years before we can have IVF on the NHS.

Waiting for another 22 months seems a lifetime away. So hubby and me talked and decided if we don't get pregnant after 2 years of trying we would like to pay for a cycle of IVF privately. It would take us the 10 months between now and then to save anyway.

Firstly - do you have to have been TTC for a certain amount of time before you can have IVF privately in the uk? I.e is 2 years long enough?

Secondly, if the 1st cycle of IVF which we funded ourselves didn't work would we still qualify to have IVF for a 2nd time on the nhs after 3 years? Or do we loose that right because we paid for a cycle ourselves?

I just want to know our options so we can start planning for whatever route we take.

TIA

Xx

 

[Briss]

Firstly - do you have to have been TTC for a certain amount of time before you can have IVF privately in the uk? I.e is 2 years long enough? – you do not need to wait but check with the clinic if they have a waiting list, most do not but sometimes you have to wait a few weeks before you can get the initial appointment.

Secondly, if the 1st cycle of IVF which we funded ourselves didn't work would we still qualify to have IVF for a 2nd time on the nhs after 3 years? Or do we loose that right because we paid for a cycle ourselves? – it depends on your NHS trust fund. I had 2 private IVfs before the NHs 3rd attempt but we were only allowed 1 go on the NHS. some ladies are allowed 2 or even 3 but in that case you are losing your additional attempts if you go privately cos you are limited to 3 IVfs in total including private and NHS. obviously if you want to do it privately you are not limited it's only if 1-3 of those is NHS funded

 

[Bing28]

Thank you Briss. That's really useful information.

I pray you get your sticky bean soon! Xx

 

[DBZ34]

Yes, make sure you know how many IVF tries your NHS area trust offers. The area I lived in would only fund one IVF on the NHS, so if I went private, the NHS wouldn't have paid for any.

Also, be aware that apparently the three years starts over after a pregnancy/miscarriage, which really sucked for me because I m/c'd after an IUI this year and started the clock all over again.

I hope you wouldn't have to go through that though. I just thought I would mention it.

Good luck!

 

[Bing28]

Thanks DBZ. I think my nhs trust offers 3 goes at IVF but I will double check just to make sure.

Wow I didn't realise a m/c would restart the clock. That really does suck. I'm so sorry for your loss. Praying you get your sticky bean soon too!

I don't know how you women do it trying for years and years. I'm only at 14 months and in despair! I admire you all so much for keeping going and not giving up on your dream.

Xx

 

[zorak]

Has your OH had a semen analysis done? If not do this before anything else.

Also , I know it's frustrating but try not to rush into harsh treatments like IVF, there are so many other less invasive options avaliable.