Ivf on nhs

[Firsttimetrying89]

Hi hope everyone is well I'm looking for some advice as this is my first time I've been looking at getting help to get pregnant I've got appointments coming up to cheak everything but I've already been told that I carnt have ivf on the NHS cause my partner has a child already which I dont think this is right any advice please

[Boo718]

I think it may depend on areas. A friend of mine was in the same position. Her hubby had a child so they weren’t able to get ivf xxx

[Tnthketnf]

It depends on which part of the country you live in. You can look it up online or your gp should know eligibility criteria.

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi. Have a look at your Integrated Care Board and see what the criteria is for your area, as it varies around the UK . If one of you has a child, it is often seen as a child within a relationship so NHS treatment with IVF is not allowed. Diane

[Firsttimetrying89]

I just dont see how it's fair is the anyway I can try and get it changed or does anyone know who to speak to cause I'm working 3 jobs to save in case ivf is my best option sorry to ask all these questions

[Pippy28]

Sadly it does seem to be case in most areas and it’s terribly wrong. The Fertility Action Network is trying to get changes to even up fertility support and this is one of the areas they are passionate about. But change is a painfully slow process. They have an insta page to follow if you’re interested.

[Firsttimetrying89 in reply to Pippy28]

Hi yes I'm interested can you send me the link please I'm really shocked at it why carnt I get given the chance on the nhs to have ivf just because he has a child I dont see the child he ain't mine I haven't given birth to him it's just not right .

[Pippy28 in reply to Firsttimetrying89]

instagram.com/fertilityacti...

This is the insta link. It’s just such a terrible thing that infertility isn’t supported well within the NHS but as Cyclingaddict says, many people are going towards private as the NHS tends to largely adopt a “one size fits all” approach. Having seen a loved one through two rounds and three transfers I know this is infuriating as fairly important issues have been totally missed/ignored.

[CyclingAddict]

That's standard practice unfortunately. All the people I know whose partner has a child from a previous relationship were not approved for treatment on the NHS.

If it's any consolation, more and more people are actively opting for private treatment, even if approved for NHS treatment (I was one of many who moved to private from NHS). Not blaming the NHS at all (it's stretched to the max), but the reduced waiting times and better success rates can make private worth it if you can afford it.

[Lana89]

Hi lovely it does depend on where you live and yes it is not fair and not right in my view being infertile because of what ever reason is a illness and one none of use would won’t it’s a joke . Some clinics are doing much cheaper ivf with meds included now if you are 37 and under for 2750 which is good wish they would have done that when I was 37 . Good luck with everything lovely xxx

[Firsttimetrying89 in reply to Lana89]

Thank u I'm 34 and I've got to go private I haven't been told how much it is yet as just at beginning of tests I know I've got pos that's all I know

[Lana89]

your welcome lovely dont no what part of uk your in but abc ivf do a cheap package 150 for scan and consultation to let you no what’s going on then 2750 for everything meds and treatment give them a look that’s really cheap I know a girl who went there said it was good and she was successful best of luck with everything lovely xxx

[Pink090]

hey, unfortunately that is the criteria, it's disgusting and needs to change! again as someone said above, I think the NHS is stretched and use the cheapest drugs and a basic protocol, so if you can get in with 1 of the clinics that offer a cheaper option including meds that maybe an option . good luck with your journey xx

[NemoFish]

Going against the grain here but I was entitled to one cycle of IVF on the nhs despite by partner at the time having a child. This was in Bristol but also a few years ago. Things may have changed since then. That’s not the norm though, most CCGs don’t allow it.

[Novbby]

As most of the others have said it depends on your local ICB board criteria. Some NHS trusts do have a self funding option mine is about £4500. If I was in your position I would change my doctors to an area that the rules are different, but I guess this a bit difficult especially as you would need to travel to the hospital the GP refers you to.

nhs.uk/nhs-services/find-yo...

I want to have another baby so I’m even looking at companies that offer IVF treatment as a work benefit.

Did you say you have ‘POS’ as in ‘ PCOS’? do not give up hope I have PCOS and someone I know also has it and is now pregnant. I will be trying some remedies.

[NemoFish in reply to Novbby]

With regards to changing gp area I think you have to be living in that area for a certain amount of time (2 years?) for them to make the referral, otherwise people would be registering all over the place to try and get more funded cycles.

[Novbby in reply to NemoFish]

Possibly, I haven't checked, but you can only get a maximum of 3 cycles (or less depending on the area) as the HEFA know how many cycles you have done regardless of area I assume.

[Loveelou in reply to NemoFish]

Yes you are right. I also checked on Bristol as I was intrigued and they don’t offer to heterosexual couples where either partner has a living child. I came unstuck as was refused down in Hampshire as they don't offer to anyone over 35!

The rules are strict and unfair but working in the NHS I can imagine the service to be substandard as there are so many cost cutting measures going on right now.

[CyclingAddict in reply to Loveelou]

In my experience being turned down for NHS treatment can be a blessing in disguise. We had 4 failed transfers on the NHS (despite being very good quality embryos). Had tests done privately and they found they had been putting the embryos back a day too early and I needed another day of progesterone. It would've been a simple blood test, but because every thing is standardised, they just kept putting the embryos back when I was pre-receptive. Still get a little upset when I think about those embies. They weren't given a fair chance. But I'm now 37 weeks pregnant after going private x