NHS vs Private healthcare in UK for fertility treatment

[Bing28]

Hi ladies,

I'm on my 11th cycle of TTC #1 and even though it's a couple of cycles away before I have to see a Doctor I wanted to start doing some research on whether to use the NHS or Private healthcare in the UK for having any fertility tests done, as we would need to start saving if we wanted to go private.

If anyone has any experience of either your comments would be appreciated.

In particular, I was wondering the differences between the NHS/Private in relation to:

How many fertility tests do they usually do?

How long do you have to wait between each fertility test?

How long do you have to wait until you get the results of any fertility tests?

Looking forward to your comments!

 

[Mrs W 11]

Stalking, I'd lve to know too! My husband has bupa but fertility is not included in his cover for some reason x

 

[Bing28]

Thanks Mrs W - hopefully someone will reply with some useful info Xx

 

[Mrs W 11]

Bump x

 

[Kimbra83]

Heya,

I have fertility treatment on the NHS and the positive thing is, it's for free. However, you have to wait ages for everything. After the obligatory one year trying, I was referred to a specialist, which took 3 months. He did sperm analysis, HSG, bloodtest... that took about 2 months. Then I was put on clomid for 4 months. Clomid led to ovulation but no baby, so he offered me IVF or another 4 month clomid same strength, I opted for clomid because I was too shocked that we had no other choice.

Moral of the story, I am still not pregnant, so we will be referred for IVF in August. Waiting list is only 6 weeks, however from what I read about the fertility centre, it will take about 3 to 5 months until you start your first IVF cycle.

Hope this helps you a bit. I would get referred as soon as possible, there is no harm in doing all the tests on the NHS. Then if you're getting too impatient, you could still opt to go private. Maybe have a look at the best private fertility clinic's website, they should list the prices...I guess.

All the best to you and I hope that you don't have to wait that long!

 

[Bing28]

Thanks Kimbra - that's really useful information! GL & FX'd you get your sticky bean soon!

Does anyone have any comparable information on private healthcare in the UK?

Xx

 

[meg]

Waiting list for IVF in our region is 2 years, so obviously the time differs between NHS area. Private clinic near us will cost around £5k from initial appointment to transfer of embryo - with no wait time.

 

[Mrs W 11]

Private fertility clinics do have their prices listed but its for ivf, iui, donars etc. I just want tests to find out what's wrong at this stage and don't want to wait a few years when I already know there's a problem. No where seems to offer just tests. X

 

[Bing28]

I saw test prices at Hartley Street Fertility Clinic in London. Think females were around £500 and men around £200. Guess you have to have a consultation first too which off the top of my head I think was another £200 but you can get the consultation half price if you go to one of their open evenings.

I have a feeling I have a problem too. I spot for 2 days before my period and then have light/medium 2 day period and then spot for 2-5 days after. So I just know my lining is rubbish. Read the spotting before could be low progesterone but not sure if that would cause a thin lining too.

I just don't know whether to get tests done done or try for 2 more cycles so we have been trying for a year. I have no idea if places will still test you even if you haven't been trying for a year. I kinda just want some reassurance right now.

Oh the stress of TTC!

Xx

 

[meg]

The Nuffield private hospital near me does fertility testing at any stage, whether you have fertility issues or not. A couples appointment costs £300, which includes two appointments, blood tests for male and females, SA for males and a scan for females. Then options are discussed in regards to the results. The prices really depend on what clinic you use. We're lucky that the one near us is reasonably priced

 

[Mrs W 11]

I might have a look at Nuffield. Thanks meg x