To not be 100% truthful to work

[emevol]

So, I've been working at my company for 1.5 years now.

My partner and I have been TTC for 2.5 years with no luck. My GP advised us last year to attempt to loose some weight since we were both very overweight - so we took action and both had gastric sleeve surgery earlier this year. This has been amazing for both of us, and the results we have got already are fantastic. 18st lost between us!
My employer was great about this, letting me attend appointments and have the time off that I needed after the surgery.

We have since been contacted as after a LONG wait, I am now at the top of the NHS fertility list. I've been on the waiting list for over 1.5 years.

Anyway. I'm at the top of the list now and I've already been sent 3 separate dates for upcoming tests and appointments. I've had 2 dr's appointments regarding infertility already this month, and now have another 3 to come (this month, too..)

I'm torn between being completely honest with my manager about why I'm going to be off so often this month (struggling with fertility and going for tests etc) or white-lying.

I'm worried that if I am honest about being tested for infertility and potential IVF in the near future, my company have a reason to keep me in mind for any redundancy etc in the future, as it means I'm going to be potentially needing maternity leave etc etc etc. i also don't want to be discriminated against in any other kind of way.

I don't KNOW that that's how they would react, but it's a worry of mine..

Has anybody else been in this situation? If so, how did you handle it with work?

Would you 'white lie' if this was you; or be completely honest about the reason for needing the time off?

Thanks in advance! Sorry it's a long question!

3 medical appointments in one month for a woman of child bearing age. That she is being evasive about.

I suspect they'll probably jump to the conclusion that you're pregnant.

It might be better for you in the long run to be truthful, to avoid any poorly judged 'congratulations' from your manager or colleagues.

Anyone congratulating a woman on an as yet unannounced pregnancy is a twat, even if it's obvious it's polite to await confirmation from the woman.
It would also be a stupid move from a manager.

I wouldn't tell work about first round of IVF, wait and see how it goes. I wouldn't want to have to update colleagues. Or hear all their stories of people who've had IVF.

I don't understand. Are you planning to phone in sick for all these appointments?

Surely you just say you have medical appointments and make the time up. How does sickness absence even come into it?

The only way this is an issue is if you want to be given free time off.

@tickticksnooze I'm not planning on taking anything off as sick - I was answering in response to a question further up-thread as to what my employers sick policy is.

Also frustratingly there is literally no way that I can make any time up whatsoever - the company is mon-fri 9-5 and that's literally it. I do those hours already.

Well I work for twat, I'll tell you that!

I got congratulated on my fat stomach.