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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

NHS say I'm too old at 36...

35 replies

BROWNB · 23/09/2010 20:12

What a smack in the face. I went to my doctor yesterday and said that I have been ttc for a year, and she said that I am too old for fertility assistance on the NHS. Apparently this changed in April this year. Angry I don't know the full extent of this ban on assisting women over 34 (!) with fertility issues, as I was too upset to ask intelligent questions at this point.

I was also complaining of some diffuse lower abdominal pain and super heavy periods however, and so she has signed me up for:

  1. Pelvic ultrasound
  2. A visit to the gynaecology unit
  3. Late cycle hormone test
  4. Early cycle hormone test

She also said that when I go see the specialist I should pop into the surgery and collect copies of all my test results... I may have missed a nudge and a wink here as this all sounds like the beginning episodes on exploration of a fertility problem to me...

Although this being "too old" thing is upsetting, am remembering a conversation I had with a friend from the USA about her health insurance. US$1,200 per month, for 80% cover for her, her husband and adult son. OMG.

OP posts:
Original poster
BROWNB · 23/09/2010 22:10

Skidoodly - I am awfully sorry to hear that.

Am new to mn and am finding so many positive and intelligent suggestions, that I wouldn't have considered.

Very grateful to all..

OP posts:
skidoodly · 23/09/2010 21:49

Well then you need to go back with a list of the sensible questions and ask them.

You are a long way from IVF - there are other investigations and treatments before you would attempt that.

Best of luck with everything.

When my sister was in your situation she decided that all was bleak and so she and her DH got a car and a convertible.

She was treated with Clomid and now has two toddlers squashed into the damn convertible and a cat that doesn't know what happened to his nice quiet life.

It's early days. Don't assume worst case scenario yet.

(I say this as someone who has a cancer ? at the moment, so I'm really trying to take my own advice).

Original poster
BROWNB · 23/09/2010 21:45

Am not sure what the extent of the ban is... As I say - I didn't ask too many questions as I was shocked and ... crying. Am guessing that the investigation is okay, but the IVF is not. But, as I say, I didn't ask all these sensible questions.

OP posts:
skidoodly · 23/09/2010 21:23

That can't be right.

No treatment or investigations for fertility-related issues after the age of 34?

I think you could probably take them to court.

You might not be entitled to IVF, but to refuse to investigate health problems on the basis of your age is clear discrimination.

Your GP must have this wrong.

fedupttcnosuccess · 23/09/2010 21:18

Fetches: where do you live out of interest? Sounds weird that things can vary so enormously between different PCTs.

Original poster
BROWNB · 23/09/2010 21:15

FetchezLaVache - where do you live...?! Wink

OP posts:
Original poster
BROWNB · 23/09/2010 21:14

Ah... I see. I will be moving soon too! Too upset to form that question yesterday!

Self funding fertility treatments are something that will be explored in due course I guess. It does help that my doctor is getting me prelim testing done - my guess is that this all adds to the final cost should I need to go private. Ugh! Tick tock.

OP posts:
FetchezLaVache · 23/09/2010 20:58

I believe it varies from healthcare trust to healthcare trust. Where I live, you can't get IVF until you're 39!

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 23/09/2010 20:54

Oh No. What a shock for you. That does sound like a very young cut off age. I'm glad your GP is being helpful about your other problems though.

ould self funding assieted fertilty treatments be an option for you?

Can I ask where you live?

NervousNelly · 23/09/2010 20:50

Oh dear I've just turned 36 and we've just started TTC. Obviously I hope (fervently!) that we won't need assistance, but not great to know it's not available.

However isn't this sort of thing done on a regional basis, ie decided by each local NHS Trust independantly?

Either way, not great, but at least your doctor is helping with your - ahem - other problems :) Good luck with all of it!

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