Any support would be appreciated. - Fertility Network UK

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Any support would be appreciated.

Tap1987 profile image
7 Replies

Does anyone have stories about being refused IVF for being obese on their BMI? I am at 31 and have been told to lose weight. I have put 4 stone on since an increase of Sertraline to 200mg a day following issues with mental health in 2019. This along with a delay in the process during the pandemic, I was told in April 2022 that I would need to lose weight before I could have treatment. I was diagnosed with PCOS during this process. I was left with a letter that stated I needed to lose weight. I have a history of disordered eating which I have not informed A doctor about and instead revived private counselling. This has triggered the disorder eating and I found a nutritionalist to support me. I have failed to lose the weight and again Themis has triggered disordered eating this year. I have been told to phone the doctor when I am at the right weight. I have been eating healthy with no disordered eating for six weeks and going to a gym. I have not lost weight but know I need to take time with this. I feel like a failure and that if I really wanted a baby I could do this. I find it so difficult and it is like all of my issues around weight are being confirmed as they are saying I can’t have a baby until I am thinner.

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Tap1987 profile image
Tap1987
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7 Replies
JustJane1234 profile image
JustJane1234

I don't have direct experience but just wanted to say it's amazing that you've been able to keep up the healthier eating and exercise for 6 weeks. That's such an achievement and the weight will start to come off soon. Please remember that managing weight is NOT a level playing field: for so many reasons, it's just much harder for some women. It doesn't make you a failure or any less deserving of being a mum. Wishing you lots of luck xx

Tap1987 profile image
Tap1987 in reply to JustJane1234

thank you so much x

Kittykat198 profile image
Kittykat198

I’m so sorry and there are loads of us who were refused treatment based on bmi. I was refused clomid for my weight but didn’t for Ivf because I was too old for funding in my area. My clinic accepts Ivf for bmi of under 35 for private patients so I had to pay.

I have pcos too and completely understand how difficult it is to lose weight. I managed it slowly and with a lot of persistence. It is completely disheartening losing 1 pound in the time it takes to lose half a stone. It is pretty great to have stuck at it for 6 weeks!! It will eventually shift. Our bodies just are very keen on keeping our stores!

I was advised to try insitol by my clinic which can help some people and I thoroughly recommend getting your thyroid checked too because my tsh was too high and the medication really helped me to start losing weight even with the pcos.

Tap1987 profile image
Tap1987 in reply to Kittykat198

thank you this is great advice. X

Kittykat198 profile image
Kittykat198 in reply to Tap1987

it’s totally not you though. Lots of women who have high bmis get pregnant and have healthy babies ever day. It’s incredibly frustrating. You can do it. X

Boo718 profile image
Boo718

I totally get you I had to lose over 5 stone to start my ivf journey and I just couldn’t get the last bit off. So we ended up going abroad as they wouldn’t take me xxx

ADHDPCOS profile image
ADHDPCOS

In the same situation here Tap. It sucks xx

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