Why the FSH levels should be bellow 9 so that we are eligible for NHS funded IVF?

[elinamonkey]

Hi,

Among other criteria, does anyone know why the FSH levels should be lower than 9 so that we are eligible for the NHS funded IVF ?

I am 37 and I am just starting my infertility/ IVF journey.

Thanks.

[emu2016]

I don’t think that’s true.... unless it varies from trust to trust based on age/readings and how the wind blows.

My FSH was anything between 14 & 19 and we were eligible for IVF. The fact that someone’s FSH is so high is a reason why IVF is needed! Is this what you got told at hospital? x

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to emu2016]

It’s true in my ccg, they require an fsh of below 9. I think different trusts have different rules but all are ultimately about limiting the number of people they have to pay out for. You can still have ivf with higher levels of fsh and it can still work but if your ccg is like mine then they might not fund you so you’ll have to pay privately.

[emu2016 in reply to Lizzielizzielizzie]

Wowser. I guess it’s contributing factors that go with it too like low AMH/AFC?

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to emu2016]

Nope, didn’t have either of those tested until was at ivf clinic. It’s just FSH. It’s just an arbitrary way to reduce eligibility imho.

[emu2016 in reply to Lizzielizzielizzie]

Sounds like it.

[Kattalex]

Same as emu2016. Mine were 12/13! We were rejected due to joint anual income... ask you doctor why the 9.

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to Kattalex]

No income related requirements in my ccg but FSH levels have to be under 9. It’s so wrong how varied the criteria are when we all pay tax and the NICE guidelines are so clear.

[Marta37]

Mine too. But as the FSH fluctuates you could test it privately and go to the nhs when it is below 9

[anna0908]

Hi. My ccg had the same criteria. My lowest fsh was 10.5 and I was refused funding. They did say I could retest and if it dropped below I could have funding but over 3 tests it didn't hit magic mark. I believe it is basically a money saving move! They stated to me when I appealed that they wanted value for money - ie they only wanted to fund those with best chance if success even though there is no evidence fsh being a little raised effects success rates. I was very angry at the time and went all the way to the ombudsmen without success. Basically the ccg can do whatever they want and doesnt have to relate to any kind of evidence. Xx