IVF in Northern Ireland

[clairehbear]

Hi all I am looking for some help and advice. I am 34 years old and had a MMC 2 years ago and since then i have had irregular periods and have been unsuccesful in trying to fall pregnant. I have had hysteroscpies and an MRI which shows no problems and that I am ovulating and everything theoretically looks good.

I was seen by the NHS clinic here in Belfast and was told potentially all I will need is a cycle of Clomid however I do not qualify for treatment as my BMI is too high. I will mention that I was heavier than I am at present and my periods were always regular so I know that my weight has nothing to do with it. I also have been loosing weight and go to the gym 2-3 times per week.

I have contact several clinics in Northern Ireland and they all seem to have a BMI cut off so i still do not qualify privately. I can go down south to Ireland and have treatment with no BMI cut off however it is going to work out around 7,500 Euro as the medication is around 2,000 - 3,000.

Does anyone have any advice on my options. I am getting Married in May 2025 and that money is a lot with a wedding coming up and dont get me wrong if this is my only option then I will do it but I just feel so hopeless and discriminated against.

Thanks

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Before starting fertility treatment it is important that both you and your partner are as fit as possible That is why you are advised to be non smoker - no alcohol - little or no caffeine- no excessive exercise regime and to try to have a healthy BMI [ being to thin can be a problem too as this can also effect hormone levels ] . Take a look at our website fertilitynetworkuk.org for info about all fertility issues and support is also available There is a closed Facebook group that could be helpful for you meantime " Fertility Weight Loss Group "

Thinking of you

Janet-Partner

[Behind_Hazel_Eyes]

Hi! I am also from NI and currently hoping to get IVF. I understand where you are coming from regards the weight issue. I did look at other clinics in the republic but I figure it is better trying one closer to home for the first round, so you know what to expect and how often you would need to travel to the clinic for monitoring. Private IVF in NI seems to have a cut off of BMI 33 and NHS BMI 30. I have my first private consultation with a clinic in Belfast in January and frantically trying to get my weight down to BMI 33. The website itself was a bit misleading as it stated a max BMI of 35 (which I am!)…. Then then the forms say max BMI of 33??? Hoping to lose another 7 pounds in the next few weeks to meet this criteria…. Fun Christmas ahead (not!). We have been trying for 6 years but I know it’s mostly down to my severe endometriosis and my kissing ovaries…. Hoping the clinic will still be able to help us despite the condition of my ovaries! Although the test I had done earlier this year showed my tubes were clear but abnormal and that my womb was normal. I was discharged last year from NHS fertility because of my BMI, which was at that stage 59! 😱 I have lost just over 11 stone in the last year. If I can lose the weight, you can as well! I did it through going on an anti-inflammatory diet (no gluten, dairy, caffeine, processed foods, sugar or alcohol), lots of vegetables, nuts and walking at least 30 minutes everyday.