Is PGD/IVF available in the UK?
No. Sex selection for ‘social’ or ‘family balancing’ is illegal in the UK. PGD can only be used by couples in the UK who at risk of transmitting an inherited condition or for chromosomal issues.
How do I start?
You will need to decide on a clinic that will perform Gender Selection (GS) for “Family Balancing”. Most UK couples choose either the US, Jordon (Farah hospital, Amman) or Cyprus, of which there are a few clinics (North Cyprus Fertility Clinic, Cyprus IVF, aka Jinemed or UKCFA which is based in Northern Cyprus.
There is also the option of the Rainsbury Clinic, (www.genderselection.uk.com) which offers pre treatment here in the UK, although you will still need to travel overseas (Cyprus) for Egg Retreival (ER) & Embryo Transfer (ET).
Can I do Pre-Cycle Testing in the UK?
Yes, it is possible to complete all the required Pre-Cycle Testing in the UK. You will need to pay out of pocket for all expenses, through a private practice, unless you are lucky enough to have your GP order some of the testing (which can then be carried out by the NHS).
To find a clinic, I suggest calling around (Google “fertility clinics” in your area) and ask if they offer “local monitoring” for overseas IVF cyclers. This is a very common request as many UK couples cycle abroad due to cost. The clinic will be able to tell you straight away if they can help. They will often offer a ‘package’ for overseas cyclers which will include blood tests and 2-3 ultrasounds.
Your chosen “Local Monitoring Clinic” (LMC) should be able to perform all the required blood work either on site, or in conjunction with an affiliated pathology lab. You will need to check that they can have any results back within the same day. This is very important as when you cycle your IVF clinic will need to have any blood results the same day.
If your IVF clinic requires a “Sonohysterogram” you may be required to provide the original orders from the RE you are working with, and, participate in a consultation with your LMC’s consultant gynecologist. This is usually a “paid for” consultation which can be expensive (around £150-£200).
Prescriptions for Birth Control Pills (which may be needed to begin your IVF treatment) and Clomid, can be often be re-written by the consultant you meet with, allowing the orders to be filled at any chemist. In the UK, BCP is free of change and Clomid will carry the standard prescription charge of £7.20.
Other Prescriptions.
As it is illegal for chemists here in the UK to fill overseas prescriptions, you will need to either have them re-written by your LMC or have them filled by an online or overseas clinic. Your IVF clinic can provide you with further information and will often suggest a pharmacy which they have worked with successfully before. The online pharmacy, www.ivfmeds.com is a popular choice for UK cyclers, as they supply generic or European forms of popular drugs, at lower prices. However, most US based fertility pharmacies can have your prescription filled and shipped via Fed-ex within days.