Same sex fertility consultation

[nicole_44]

Hey all,

I’ve just had my initial appointment through the NHS for reciprocal IVF with my girlfriend. We were told that we are too young and this would need approving my senior clinicians and councillors despite that fact that we were also told we would have to fund the entire thing ourselves. I am 22 and my girlfriend is 20, we were advised the chances of us splitting up were high and we would need approval for my partners eggs to be used for me to carry even though we are going to have to self fund this.

Has anybody got any advice? I thought that some IVF would possibly be NHS funded, however we have just been advised we won’t ever get 1 single round funded, only IUI. Is this the case?

[Kitcat12]

That's disgusting. Did they explain why they wouldn't fund your IVF? Have you been living together for a while? They would want you to be cohabiting for a few years before they fund you but I can't see any reason why they would be able to say no if the IUI cycles don't work. Saying that, I would certainly try the IUI, as you are both young, you would likely have excellent chances of it working x

[aamiller405]

Can I ask where you live? I live in Northern Ireland and Im pretty sure same sex couples get no help at all her from the NHS. However if I do know people who have self funded and Im not sure they had to go through much approval to be honest xo

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi nicole. I think you will find that a lot of this is down to criteria, and age does come into it, whether single or same sex relationship or heterosexual. Privately, you may be able to donate some of yours/or partner's eggs in exchange for treatment or reduced rates. Might be work seeking some implications counselling too, to talk everything through. Obviously I wish you both well with what is eventually decided. Diane