Private Investigatory Treatment in the UK

[fluffyblue]

Hi Ladies

Not sure if I should be posting this in here, I live in the UK, am 37 and currently have 2 children aged 16 and 8.

I have been TTC number 3 for about 2 years (actively) however have suffered 2 miscarriages in that time (have had 3 altogether but no 1 was in 2001 after birth of my little girl and that was due to toxoplasmosis)

I have now been referred for NHS testing and have had first bloods drawn and have CD21 bloods being drawn tomorrow (for progesterone).

My ovarian scan is booked for 7th September and 2nd gyne appointment is booked for 10th October.

I have a normal 30/31 day cycle. I ovulate (I think) about CD20/21 which only leaves me with a short LP of around 9/10 days. I take Vitamin B Complex and 2 x 400MG Agnus Castus per day. I also take Pregnacare and Omega 3 capsules.

So Sorry for the long winded first bit ! My question is I know the NHS is a wonderful thing but the time it is taking seems forever, I just wondered whether any of you ladies had started your treatment privately and if you can give me some estimation of the cost. I guess I am lucky I can get pregnant (just cant keep hold of it) but I know its not my hubby. I am sorry if this is a bit long winded I just wanted to see if there was anyone who went private instead of going down the NHS route.

Thanks for reading this long post. Heather

 

[MrsJD]

Oh honey, the waiting is a killer

I would phone your local private hospital and ask them costs.

I'm 38, had 5 MC in 12 months and so far there is nothing wrong, apparently. I'm going to the Natural Killer Cells trial in liverpool shortly, so in a weird way I'm hoping that's what the problem is as no answers is just soul destroying.

 

[maz]

I had all my investigations done on the NHS ... as long and drawn out as it is, I found that the waiting time for tests is nothing compared with the waiting time for treatments. If it were me, I'd get as many tests as possible done by the NHS and save up for private treatment. Depending on the restrictions that your PCT imposes, you may not be eligible for NHS IVF anyway, due to having children already ... but it's definitely worth going for tests and seeing what happens.

Sorry I'm not much more help.

 

[fluffyblue]

I dont think I need IVF or anything so serious as that - I think my problem is a short luteal phase and late ovulation (not even sure I ovulate correctly). The Priory Hospital in Birmingham does cycle monitoring with all sorts of tests etc - I think this may be my best route at the moment.

 

[fluffyblue]

I read this on the BMI Hospital which sounds like I would benefit from

On day one of your period, book an appointment for a transvaginal ultrasound scan for between day two and five of your cycle. Make sure your bladder is empty before you have the scan. The size of your ovaries will be measured and their appearance assessed and after the scans, you may have blood taken to measure different hormone levels: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin (PRL).

You may also need a blood test to confirm you are immune to rubella (German measles). If you’re not immune, you’ll need to be vaccinated before any treatment. Other blood tests that may be required include full blood count, blood group, antibody screening and haemoglobin electrophoresis (blood test that detects different types of haemoglobin).

For more information, and if you have any queries, speak to your consultant.

Your next appointment will be about a week later for another transvaginal ultrasound scan. The purpose of this scan is to look for follicles growing in your ovaries, as the oocytes (eggs) develop in these follicles. Depending on the rate of growth of the follicles, another scan may be done a few days later.

Urine test

When the follicles are showing satisfactory growth, you will be asked to start testing your urine each morning to detect the LH surge. The sudden increase in luteinising hormone will trigger ovulation (release of the eggs).

On the morning you detect the LH surge, arrange to have a postcoital test (PCT) for the following morning, and have sex that night. Don’t have a bath before coming to have the PCT, but you can have a shower.

Postcoital test (PCT)

The PCT is normally carried out six and 18 hours after sex. During the test a speculum is inserted into the vagina and a small sample of mucus is taken from the cervix. The process is similar to a normal internal examination. The mucus is examined under a microscope to assess its quality, identify the number of sperm present, and to assess the sperm’s movement.

A few days after the PCT you will need to have another scan to see if the leading follicles show features consistent with ovulation or egg release.

A few days after you will need to have blood taken to measure your progesterone level. Progesterone is a hormone that is produced in greater quantities following ovulation in the second half of the cycle – known as the luteal phase.

Sperm test - During these weeks, whilst your cycle is being monitored, your partner will need to have his semen analysed.

Maybe if I do this and if its normal then I can just carry on with NHS - does it sound like im being greedy ? I hope not.

 

[MrsJD]

Well if I had the money I would go for it.

X

 

[fluffyblue]

I havent got the cost yet but I just think it might put to bed some of my questions it seems quite thorough. I know its going to be alot of money but its a one off ? I paid 280 for 4 scans when I was pregnant before MC in June so I think I could just manage it.

 

[Oneday]

Hi
I have one child and have all the tests done on the nhs pretty quickly they r not as thorough as the above but once you get ur referall they r quick in my experience anyway saw my consultant in nov last year after 12 mths ttc after ectopic got blood test done immediately, then 2 scans, 3 months of clomid then a lap and dye in may doing more clomid then surgery to remove adhesions then last resort is private ivf. Good luck I would try the nhs route first b4 u start paying out. Hopefully you will get a bfp b4 u get too far x

 

[MrsJD]

I havent got the cost yet but I just think it might put to bed some of my questions it seems quite thorough. I know its going to be alot of money but its a one off ? I paid 280 for 4 scans when I was pregnant before MC in June so I think I could just manage it.

This is where my gyne is based however, I see him on the NHS, these prices seem okay so hopefully it won't be too expensive for you.

https://www.gcrm.co.uk/Costs.htm

X

 

[fluffyblue]

It looks like the fertility assessment packaging - OH and I reckon about £300.00 ?

 

[MrsJD]

It looks like the fertility assessment packaging - OH and I reckon about £300.00 ?

Well if it's about that then I would definately go for it. Half these gyne's work at NHS hospitals anyway, so do some research as they can take you on the NHS after your assessment.

X

 

[Mrs G]

Hi

We paid for an initial private consultation (like you said to speed things along a little!!) It was the same constultant as is now treating us on NHS, she just had her private hat on that day!! Paying for private tests/treatment has not affected our NHS funding at all, we are having IVF so different to your situation. Like the other girls have said, I would check out with your PCT your eligibility for NHS as you have 2 lovely children already. In this area, having any children or step children completely discounts you from any fertility treatment.

Good Luck!

Kath xx

 

[fluffyblue]

I know I have two children and I dont want to upset anybody by being greedy I just want a third. My son is not my other halfs just my daughter so he has 1 and 3 angels and I feel so inadequate at times that its just not happening, well I can get pregnant I just cant keep hold of it. I dont know whats worse ! I dont think I need to go down the IVF route I think ovulation and LP is my problem im convinced

 

[MrsJD]

Hun I'm in the same boat as you. 5 pregnancies in 12 months, I've had all the tests except NKC, I'll pm you the details.



XXX

 

[fluffyblue]

I just feel so sad today would have been 4 months pregnant tomorow

 

[MrsJD]

I just feel so sad today would have been 4 months pregnant tomorow

X

 

[MrsRH]

Compulsory Pathogen Screening Tests (Hepatitis B & C, HIV) - per couple £200
Fertility Assessment Package (Ovarian Assessment & Semen Analysis) £220
Semen Assessment (Pre-Treatment) £110
Ovarian Assessment (Ultrasound scan and AMH test) - used to determine ovarian potential (recommended prior to first treatment cycle) £185
Hormone Tests - Per test: (FSH, LH, Oestradiol, Progesterone, Prolactin, Testosterone, SHBG, b-HCG) if required £35
Rubella - if required £35
Cervical Smear Test - if required £75
Chlamydia - required only in certain circumstances

All these can be done for free via your GP within a few days/weeks. Why don't you think about getting them done with your GP , then get a private consultation??

good luck

Rachael

 

[fluffyblue]

Hi

Well I rang my gynae secretary today and they wont give me my progesterone results over the phone I have to wait for my appointment in October !

I spoke to Birmingham Priory and its 165 for the consultation and £360 for the cycle monitoring however this excludes the blood test and any drugs required.

Also MUMS (a private clinic) does follicle tracking and endometrium lining scans for £100.00 (3 for 250).

Ive had all the hormone blood tests and have the scan on 7th September. I know im being impatient. Ive had a tough day !

 

[HoneyWright]

Hi Hun

I just wondered how you got with this as i am also looking into private treatment to actually get something done.

Thanks
Sarah