fertility clinic advice needed Post Reply

[muffintop]

Hello,
I am reaching out for your recommendations for fertility clinics. I have found myself ages 41 with a partner who is still not ready for children yet. I fear that my chances may have gone, I know that it now could be very difficult for me to conceive but I cannot convince him that the clock is ticking.....
I have therefore, decided I should arm myself with the facts and take the conversation from there. I don't know if I have no eggs left, a few or lots, can anyone recommend a fertility clinic that would be able to help me assess my position. If it is already too late or if I only have a few eggs left it may not be worth having the constant arguments about having children anymore and I will need to deal with that but I think having all the facts will at least enable me to talk with facts to him rather than the unknown "don't worry you've still got a few years left' response I get. I'm worried that perhaps he doesn't want them at all but that's another conversation, I do and I need to know what my position is in terms of time.....

can anyone recommend where I might go to find out and indeed if this is even possible?

Many thanks for any / all advice

[Jen66]

The first thing I would do would be to get a set of blood tests done - and your GP will probably do those for you, which will save you some money. Fertility tests are very expensive.

That will give you an initial indication of your ovarian reserve and be a good starting point.

Have a look at a website called Fertility Friends - there is lots of feedback there on IVF clinics.

[IrenaP]

Like the previous poster said, get your GP to do the tests but you may need lie and say you have been trying for a year!! Also the key test is your AMH which I don't believe you can get on the NHS. Do not read fertility friends yet - in my opinion - as it might stress you out unless you know your exact issue (besides man with head in the sand, been there!!.)

I highly recommend ARGC on Wimpole Street if you need to go the private fertility clinic route. They have excellent success rates. They also have a waiting list so you could make an initial enquiry now, but their method is bespoke and rigorous if you need them.

[NoodleFan]

Highly recommend The Bridge Centre near London Bridge. It's small and personal.

http://www.thebridgecentre.co.uk/fertil ... treatments

[Cocopops1975]

As suggested you need your AMH levels tested (egg reserve) it is approx £90 and you can not get it done through your GP. Lots of places do it. I found a clinic on Harley street. Don't keep putting it off after all every month counts Good luck

[SwallowsandAmazons]

This sounds like such a tough situation to be in when trying to talk things through with your partner and interestingly it is worth remembering that there are lots of areas that may need to be supported when thinking of conceiving a baby. We can get fixated on ovarian reserve but it is worth beginning a support of all areas: hormonal balance, mental wellbeing, good nutrition, talking through different viewpoints in a relationship as egg numbers can be irelevant if other things are not in place. It is definitely initially worth getting blood tests at the GP first. Follicle stimulating hormone and progesterone levels are important too. I am a fertility doula who tries to support women in thinking what they can do before going down the clinic route. And am happy to have an initial chat with you, no charge, no obligation to help you think about the first steps you would like to take. I know many first time mothers in their 40s so even just knowing that it is entirely possible to start a family at 41 or even later is absolutely on the cards. If you want to talk I can be reached through my website www.youniquebaby.co.uk and my name is Victoria Greenly

[norfolkgirl]

Hi,
I used The Lister by Chelsea Bridge. They were very helpful, informative and supportive.
I know a friend also went there for egg collection.
It's definitely worth knowing your specific situation through tests, but in my case even though everything was fine we still had to have IVF and I wish we'd started trying earlier. Good luck xx