Looking for FS for IVF

[nat-]

Hi ladies, I'm new to this forum but was hoping that some of you might be able to help me in choosing a clinic or FS, as I found out a few days ago I will need to do IVF in order to conceive.

I am tossing up between Sydney IVF and IVF Australia, as these 2 seem to be the biggest and most well known.

The doctors I am looking at are -

Prof Peter Illingworth (IVFA)
Dr Robert Lahoud (IVFA)
Dr Andrew Kan (IVFA)
Dr Arifa Khan (SIVF)
Dr Derek Lok (SIVF)

If anyone has any feedback or experiences with any of the above, or can offer me any advice or suggestions, I'd be so appreciative.

[{sarah}]

Hi Nat

I think it depends on two things who you go with.... Why you need IVF (male or female factor) and how well you get along with the Dr.

We are with Derek Lok at SIVF (he is the best in NSW for male factor so we're told) & absolutely adore him. He answered all of my questions even when they were pretty dumb (in hindsight) and was there for all of our procedures. The nurses at SIVF were perfect as well. I rang several times during the cycle & they were more than happy to answer questions about different symptoms I was having etc.

I can't say anything about the other doctors, but we were more than happy with SIVF & Dr Lok

[nat-]

Thank you so much Sarah...

The issue we have is the male factor, but on top of that, I have PCOS, although my endocrinologist has told me I have been ovulating most months, which is a positive thing.

I'm just so nervous about it, I'm scared about choosing the wrong doctor or the wrong clinic and thats why I was hoping some of you may be able to help us in making our decision. I am scared about going through 6 cycles of IVF by choosing the wrong doctor, and thinking if I choose the right doctor I may only have to endure 1 or 2 cycles. I know its not good to think that way but its hard not to I guess!

[{sarah}]

Oh absolutely, it is a very very hard decision. I suppose at the end of the day you have to be comfortable with the treatment you are receiving. It sucks though that you have to pay xyz amount of money for a first appointment so it's not like you can go & check them all out. Did your GP or endocrinologist have any opinions on where to go?

[nat-]

My husband's urologist referred us to Prof Illingworth, but we can't get an appointment with him until December...I don't think we can wait that long. We have heard he is good, but I think I might go crazy if I have to wait so long just for the consultation. I'd rather get things started and want to find someone who people have used and had good experiences with...

[{sarah}]

You'll probably find that everyone will have a 4-6 week waiting period, maybe longer. I do know what you mean though, the waiting allll the time is such a pain in the butt.

[Baby Dreamtime]

Hi Nat, I can't help you, but you might get some more recommendations if you post in the LTTTC threads. I have heard of Dr Lok and heard great reports, but don't recall seeing any of the other FSs names around (not that that means anything). There are some threads about SIVF versus IVF Aust also.

Wishing you all the best xx

[nat-]

Thanks so much baby dreamtime xx