Hi Cassie,

I haven't posted on this form for ages but just saw your post and wanted to reply

When we found out that we would probably need IVF to conceive, I started looking at websites and specialists. After thoroughly reading through several sites, Sydney IVF was at the top of my list. There was 1 specialist there (Dr Derek Lok) that I wanted so badly to see as he specialises in Male Factor and thats what our problem is, he sounded so good. He operates from 3 city clinics but even the closest clinic to us was a whopping 9hr drive away! So I reluctantly chose a regional SIVF clinic which in hindsight was a massive mistake.

Anyway, the regional clinic (in Lismore NSW) was basically a gyno's office and he had an IVF programme that ran every 3 months which was when the scientists came up. This Dr put me through the ringer with 1001 tests and after I checked out fine he wanted to put me on clomid for 6 months 'because we're only young' (me 25, DH 26 at the time) and if that didn't work then we'd do IUI, then IVF then ICSI even though DH had a motility rate of 1%!!!

I thought this was outrageous and after lots of thinking I decided to email Dr Lok (who I originally wanted to see) to see if he'd give me his thoughts on our then Dr's plan. In a careful way he basically said it was pointless and that from what we've told him we would definitely need IVF, probably ICSI and that because we were young and hadn't fallen pg in 18months that it meant that there was a problem and that we needed help, rather than brushing us off due to our age.

So I had a phone appt with him, then we were off to Sydney for DH's test.

To cut a huge long story short (lots of complications inbetween) we are now in teh 2WW of our first IVF/ICSI cycle and we cannot speak highly enough of Dr Lok regardless of the results. From the first time we met him, during EPU, ET etc he has put us at ease straight away, made us feel comfortable, I am happy to leave everything up to him, I feel safe and trust his decisions. (We saw him at the Liverpool clinic). The nurses were also really good, very friendly, happy to answer any questions etc. I have felt a bit neglected being in a regional area, but I cleared all of that up with them in Sydney last week.

Honestly, ring SIVF. On their website I think they have a number to call that is specifically for feedback/complaints. I have found them to be fantastic (haven't been to the city clinic though, well, I have once but only for DH's 2nd sperm test) very thorough and careful, helpful and supportive.

Feel free to ask any questions and best of luck to you.