I'm 42, partner 39 with 1 child. Are we eligible?

Been with my current partner 4 years, trying for 3 years. I don't have any kids but he has a son from previous marriage. The other thing is I'm 42 now. Are we still eligible for IVF? Thanks

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Do you mean NHS funded? The rules have just changed, to local commissioning groups rather than PCTs, so you will need to ask your GP as there is no answer single answer for across the country.

The NICE guidelines have recently changed to increase the upper age limit to 43, but there are a significant number of requirements for that to apply, based around your health, this is because the likelihood of success does lower, therefore if it is viewed as there being only a very small chance of success then you won't get NHS funding. If you pass those tests, and you can't get the funding in your area, then there are letter templates on the Infertility Network UK website to use in an appeal.

From a self funding point of view, absolutely, and lots have.

Good luck.

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Thanks very much. What about the fact that my partner has a son? On the NHS, does that affect eligibility?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi. Having a child(ren) within a relationship often does affect chances of treatment funded by the NHS. Always worth applying though. As Flowergirl says there are template letters on our website infertilitynetworkuk.com under “NHS Funding”. Best of luck! Regards Diane

[SusanS]

The recommendations applying to NHS funding have changed recently as flowergirl says. Unfortunately though they are still recommendations which the new CCGs don't have to follow, and sadly many of them are still not following many of the recommendations including the new suggestion that women aged 40-42 may be eligible for one cycle. The conditions around that include never having had IVF before, and not having a low ovarian reserve. If you meet the conditions then it's always worth an trying an appeal, and equally if you are refused on the basis of your partner's child from a previous relationship then again that's worth appealing against and our template letters will help. If the CCG is using this criteria to ration treatment though they may still refuse to fund you and as NICE is only a recommendation then unfortunately no one can force them to follow it. After age 42 though you won't be eligible for NHS funding at all. First stop definitely your GP and take it from there, and as you are already 42 you will have to push very hard to be seen quickly to have any chance at all of qualifying. I wish you the best of luck,

SUsan

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Thanks for all the useful comments. Just an update. I went to see my GP, who did not know about the new guidelines extending the age to 42. She phoned up the hospital to confirm. However, she was told it's likely it will be funded on the NHS, but referred me anyway. I've just made the hospital appointment due in a few weeks time.

I am really concerned about being let down, and I think I have been burying my head in the sand, and not wanting to hear any rejections, and almost in denial. However, this is my absolute last chance in the NHS, and I am 'just doing it'! It's bad enough with monthly disappointments...

Does anyone have any advice how to approach the hospital appointment? How can I help myself to improve the chances, and to help myself face any possible disappointment.

Thanks!