IVF on NHS after failed private trea... - Fertility Network UK

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IVF on NHS after failed private treatment?

Cahoots profile image
9 Replies

Hi. I've been waiting for NHS to contact me after a referral back in April, but since they hadn't (and I'm impatient), I decided to go down the private route.

All the tests have come back fine (unexplained infertility), but as we've been TTC for years the private consultant recommended IVF. We're booked in to start at the end of this month (and have paid)

My question is whether (if our first round fails), the NHS still allow me to have treatment after that? Does anyone know?

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9 Replies
DianeArnold profile image
DianeArnoldPartnerNurseFertility Network UK

Hi Cahoots. Best to check with your CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) attached to your GP's postcode. Your Practice will tell you who it is, then look them up online and check their criteria for treatment and check whether you can mix NHS with (before) private treatment. Good luck! Diane

Cahoots profile image
Cahoots in reply toDianeArnold

Thank you. I've never heard of CCG, so that's helpful. I will look into this

Tnthketnf profile image
Tnthketnf

Not in Scotland. If you still meet the criteria for funded NHS treatment, a private cycle will not affect your entitlement, provided you are not successful.

Obviously if you reach top of the list for NHS and you're in the middle of a private cycle that might put you back on the list. Another thing is that if you have stored embryos from your private cycle the NHS will not let you have another egg collection. You will need to transfer all embryos privately first.

I don'tk know about other areas in the UK but in here I have read about parts of England where they deduct the number of private cycles from your entitlement.

Cahoots profile image
Cahoots in reply toTnthketnf

Ah ok, that's interesting. I'm in England so I think I need to get on to my GP ASAP in that case. I'm 39 so probably only have time for 1 round on the NHS if I am eligible anyway!

I just want to get it started before I turn 40! Ideal situation obviously would be that it works first time! 🤞 Good to know what the options are though, thank

Ivfgotadream profile image
Ivfgotadream

most England NHS trusts deduct any private rounds from your NHS ones so if you were entitled to 3 on the NHS you’d get 2 but if your NHS only did 1 then you’d get none. Also you need to check your age sharpish as most NHS places state treatment must be started before a certain age cut off eg 40

Cahoots profile image
Cahoots in reply toIvfgotadream

Thanks. Yes, I think if you're 39 and under you're eligible for 3, but if you turn 40 during your first treatment you're not eligible for any more.

Newbies1 profile image
Newbies1

think you would be best checking on the ccg website first for your area before you contact your go or clinic as in my area if you go private first it means you are no longer eligible for any nhs funded cycles

Cahoots profile image
Cahoots in reply toNewbies1

Good point!

Bella_Bee profile image
Bella_Bee

You don't have to tell them!!! The nhs rules are so ridiculous, the wait is so long and your area might not offer it anyway, so I would have absolutely 0 guilt in NOT telling them. I went private whilst waiting for nhs treatment. I got my appointment letter (for the initial consultation) when my boy was 3 months old. 💩💩💩

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