Confused about IVF in my area (Merthyr Tydfil)

[Squirrel75]

Hi all, can anyone enlighten me on this subject please?
I have 3 children, 15, 13 and 9 now, all really healthy and happy :), I had all 3 of them by c-section and I was sterlised (tubal Ligation), on my 3rd child back in 2003.

Im 37, I have been together with my partner for nearly 3 years now, he hasn't got any chidren and would love to have at least one of his own, after much deliberating, we decided we'd like to try to have a little one of our own.

We have been to our local IVF clinic to hear all about it and the procedures they do. What I need advice on is, does anyone know if we can have a free first try of IVF or not? or do we have to pay from the start ourselves? Very confused about this as Iv heard different things.

We've been told its going to cost around 4000 pound approx, which is a lot of money. Can we get it cheaper sumwhere else?

If anyone can help, please get back to me soon.. thanks x

[freelancescientist]

You need to check if you are eligible for NHS funding - either ask your nearest clinic (who will know which PCTs fund and what) or your GP (who would need to refer you for NHS treatment anyway). HOWEVER - in england it is common not to get funding if you have been sterilised, sorry.
£4000 is about standard I think (and there will be drug costs on top most likely). Some private units offer reduced price IVF if you would be willing to share your eggs but they all have different cut offs for age limits for that.
I'm sorry, it is a real postcode lottery.

[MissSlapAndTipple]

As I understand it if either party has a biological child you are not entitled to NHS funding. Your GP should be able to confirm that anyway.its worth asking though? As said above these things tend to be very postcode lottery based

[freelancescientist]

Missslap that is not always true - it really depends on the area - some of the PCTs who fund treatment at my unit will pay as long as the couple have no children together (as one of many many criteria).

[itsmekatielou]

Hi squirrel, I live in pontypridd an have been reading up on this myself ( I'm in a same sex relationship). The ivf funding for Wales won't accept me for treatment as I am not 'subfertile'. I'm sorry to say that according to the guidelines in Wales, you won't be eligible because you already have children. We are going to the London women's clinic in cardiff and they currently have n fifer on ivf here you could potentially save up to £1200, however that does only run until Christmas. In all honesty, I would budget for about £5000. It's not cheap at all. The drugs alone are £1350. If you'd like more info, just let me know. Best of luck xx

[Squirrel75]

Thanks for all your messages peeps :) itsmekatielou, we went to the CRGW in Llantristant, for a first visit, got lots of info there about prices and what they do etc... I think savin up is going to be our only option atm, can't get a loan unfortunately, which would help us so much time wise, as my age is going in the wrong direction now lol! Every professional Iv seen or spoke to about this have all said the same thing, no to NHS funding, no to any kind of help at all tbh... asked also if they would do some pre IVF tests for free or reduced cost, but nothing... just hope it doesn't take to long to save up, wish us luck with that 1 hey... :/

[Squirrel75]

Also while Im on the subject of money, does anyone know of any company or group etc etc that would be able to help us find some or all of the cost? Any help with this would be brill.. :)

[PicaK]

Sometimes your GP can get some of the blood tests done for you. Worth asking anyway.

Time isn't on your side i'm afraid. Have you looked at the stats properly. Don't take on debt you can't afford by any means but do look at how you can achieve sooner rather than later.

Don't know of anyone who gives out money - wish we did!