I would recommend CREATE to couples seeking treatment and have done

We had tried for a couple of years with no success. Tests through the NHS revealed ‘no real issues’ but upon further investigation at CREATE it was found I have PCOS and we would require ICSI due to my husbands sperm motility.

We were eligible for NHS treatment but due to COVID the waiting list, even after being accepted, was extremely long. Our daughter had been born thanks to CREATE by the time we had a letter inviting us for our first NHS appointment.  

CREATE was our only clinic, we found it online. We were looking for as natural a process as possible. That was very important to us. We had friends use other clinics and described drugs wiping our their whole cycles and then adapting them to suit the process which in some cases made them feel unwell and meant large waits between cycles. I was keen to allow my body to still do it’s thing but with support.

It’s quite a daunting thing to start and I remember going armed with questions written down. I had never had an internal scan either but the nurse was extremely reassuring. Our consultation was via Zoom and we were both able to ask all of our questions and more. It made us feel excited that we had options.

''I’m very grateful for the mild cycle we went through. ''

The very first part with scans and consultation was kind of exciting as we were told there were issues with both of us but that something could be done about it. To be told repeatedly through the NHS that there were no issues was extremely frustrating. So although it maybe should have been upsetting it really wasn’t.

We ended up having Mild IVF. The drug schedule felt full on but there is loads of support and although it feels like you could get it wrong, the instructions are very clear and you get into the swing of it very quickly. I was quite uncomfortable towards the end just before egg collection but nothing too terrible. 

The egg collection went really well. Quite possibly the best sleep I’ve ever had! The wait to find out how many you’ve got and how many make it to day 5 was easily the most anxious I’ve ever been but I’m not sure how anybody can make that any less so. The embryologists was always good at calling as soon as they could and was straight to the point which was always appreciated. The same applies to the transfer, the procedure itself was nerve racking but the team were always so lovely. Everyone was always so enthusiastic and supportive. 

I’m very grateful for the mild cycle we went through. On both occasion as I was definitely sore and bloated but well in myself and able to do those two very important fresh transfers.

By the time we had finished at CREATE, a couple of the nurses in particular felt like real friends. Everyone was so invested in the whole process and shared in both the tears and the happiness.