First Medical Referral

Much research into different IVF clinics was carried out

We started to ‘try’ for a baby a year after being married. However, after a year of unsuccessful baby-making we went to our GP who advised us to continue trying, and then return if we were still struggling after another year. After what felt like a very long year of waiting, followed by disappointment, followed by waiting…we returned to the GP. As a result of this next appointment, we had a number of tests and I even went for a laparoscopy and dye test. This is a small operation where the Dr can see inside the fallopian tubes for any blockages or abnormalities that may have been preventing me from conceiving (my first ever operation!) about a year ago. No conclusive reasons were found for our infertility, and so we were then referred for IVF treatment on NHS. We brought home with us a list of various IVF clinics, approved by the hospital. We were to choose one clinic to begin our treatment journey with.

We spent literally days researching the various clinics. There is a website called www.hfea.gov.uk which is the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, which was a fantastic resource for us. On here you can search the clinic you are interested in, and see all their stats on success rates, and interim inspection notes. You can really go into as much detail as you need!