IVF and the NHS (in the UK)

[kazah]

Hi. I have just finished my first round of IVF.  Unfortunately unsuccessful, I had three eggs and not one fertilised.
However, I was wondering if anyone else has done the IVF on NHS?  Because I automatically assumed that IVF meant that they would inject the sperm directly into the egg.  Since, I have discovered this procedure is called ICSI.

Has anyone done the IVF on the NHS and had the sperm inserted straight into the egg?

Also, I was referred for IVF in July of this year. A new law came come out in my primary care trust that says from the 1 September people are entitled to two cycles.  I rang today to see if there was any leeway, as it just seemed so unfair and they said no, I was only entitled to the one cycle.  So much for trying to avoid the 'postcode lottery' with NHS funded IVF treatment!

Anyway, was just wondering what other peoples treatment was like on the NHS?  I want to make sure that I didn't miss out on the ICSI if that was suppossed to happen.

Thanks,
Karen x

[Heather5]

I totally understand! My DH and I actually had a big fight last week, because of all the TTC stress. It almost seems like it's taken over our lives....and everything we do has to be "scheduled" around doctor's appointments, IUIs, ovulation, etc. We're going to try to focus less on all of this too. Hopefully we'll both be able to celebrate a BFP soon, so we can look back at all of this and laugh at all the craziness ;-)

Take care, Karen, and best of luck with the home renovations. Sounds exciting!

[kazah]

Thanks Heather for your kind words.  I was very dissapointed but in a strange way right now I feel like a weight has been lifted of my shoulders and I don't even have to think/stress about it.  I have been doing some reading on the net, and yes the IVF does seem different to the ISCI, and you have to pay extra for the ISCI here too.  We would be in a position in about six months (after our house is fully renovated) to try again.  It gives me and DH time to just concentrate on our own relationship, because when I did IVF it felt like I was just focused on having a baby oblivious to anything else.  It just dominated all your thoughts.

So, thanks again.  I hope everything is going well with you.
xx

[Heather5]

I'm not really familiar with the NHS, but just wanted to say that I am so sorry to hear about your failed IVF cycle. And I agree that it really isn't fair that you only get one try when the laws have just changed. How much does IVF cost in the UK? Is there any way you could try again on your own?

As for ICSI, I'm not sure if that should have been part of your protocol or not, but I know that here in the US, you have to pay extra for that. Hopefully someone else from the UK can give you some more info on this.

Take care of yourself, Karen! I hope everything works out for you.

HUGS!