How long before infertility can be tested on the NHS?

[MamaPixie]

Hello all - TTC #2 (first was as 20) now at 36 I'm 3 cycles in post implant and TTC. I've had 2 non-ovulatory cycles out of 3 so I'm not driving myself crazy with worry yet (only slightly) and have heard different things about fertility testing over the age of 35.
I spoke to my gp when we first decided to TTC and she told us that they will only investigate after 12 months - I was under the impression it was 6? How long have you had to wait before investigating fertility further? Have any of you done home tests and are they reliable? 🙈 We're rather poor, CB OTK are just about bankrupting us atm 😂xx

[GrumpyHoonMain]

The rules are different if it’s not your first child- my area doesn’t offer nhs infertility related referrals / investigations at all for example. Just double check with your GP

[Beach11]

My friends had to wait a year before getting referred for fertility tests and two years before could start IVF treatment. They didn’t have any DC.

It depends where you live though.

Could you get one of those Clear Blue OPK kits to test for ovulation.

Are you taking the folic acid, vit D and vits to help your body?

[itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted]

6 months if you are over 35 but as you wouldn't be eligible for NHS treatment anyway and the waiting lists for testing (which are actually rather limited anyway - they'll do a blood test to check for ovulating and maybe a sperm test on your husband and that's it) I'd have the tears done privately

[Leala20]

I am 39 and never pregnant and have my first nhs appointment end of the month. I was under the impression it would me immediate due to my age, does this mean I should expect a few months waiting list? I did all my tests privately and would like to do it via nhs first obviously. Thank you for any advice. I understand this depends on the area.

[MamaPixie]

Thank you lots everyone @beach11 I've been on pregnacare vits for months and have made my other half start taking vitamen for conception - I'm not sure how much good they do but I'm willing to try anything.

Sounds like there's not much to do but to either wait and hope for the best or hope I can get some clarification in time. The private tests may be an option but I'll keep taking the clearblue ovulation tests and try and monitor my ovulation or non-ovulation as best I can for now.

Did you ladies have any support, medication or supplements after your tests? Did you find it useful to have them?

[itwasalovelydreamwhileitlasted]

@leala20
It will be different for you as you don't have children already (unless your partner does)

[Leala20]

Thank you. None of us have children. I was told all I can really do now to help it is to reduce stress and it’s slow steps of yoga hypnosis and self talk of positive messages that we can I hope it will work. I must say many messages here in this forum show things are possible so I hope I can beat the challenge of low amh I have. Even ovulation tests don’t work for me s the time and add to stress so I ditched them and we follow the 2-3 day advice

[EL8888]

My understand is it’s 6 months at your age. They would investigate but not treat any fertility issues under the NHS -you already have a child

[EarlGreyT]

@MamaPixie
I really don’t think infertility is the place for you to post this.

You’ve been trying for 3 cycles by which I assume you mean 3 months. Many people on here will have been trying for 3 years. 3 cycles to most people on here means 3 cycles of IVF, not 3 periods. Most people on here are either undergoing or about to undergo treatment.

I appreciate that you’re obviously anxious about things, but I think your post will seem insensitive to many people on here. You’re not infertile, trying for up to 12 months is normal and although if over 35 you can be investigated after 6 months the NHS guidance for this relates to people who don’t have any children. You would probably be better off posting in the conception area.

[Marmite83]

@MamaPixie I have a 3.5yo dd and am 36, been ttc number 2 for 2 years but went to my gp after 6 months as just turned 35 and he referred me for fertility investigations. It did take 18 months to conceive my dd though so maybe that played a part in the decision to refer me. I had scans and blood tests, then a laparoscopy for endo and then Clomid so I don't think it's accurate that you won't get any fertility treatment if you already have a child. IVF however isn't an option on the nhs if you have a child already.