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

[BROWNB]

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. 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.

I don't know if this link is of any use, but I found it helpful. It's an interactive map. You can click on your PCT and then it tells you what funding is available. It's quite fascinating as it shows that fertility funding really is a postcode lottery, although the site does also tell you whether current policy is under review, which it is in many PCTs.

It's also of note that the PCTs are in the process of being abolished and collaborations of GP practices will be commissioning services for their patients in the future.

Chlamydia test done. Clear - phew! Thanks for the tip on the smear. Will sort it asap.

Zazen - Thanks for the tip. Spain..
Knackered - Cheers for the link. I don't qualify at all as my DP has a child from another relationship.

Sorry to hear that BrownB - the postcode lottery is so unfair.

They may be wrong, where I am it was something like 37 and a half at the point of referral and when I was turned down for funding I appealed witht eh health commission and had IVF a month before I turned 40. It was successful.

If you have been trying for a year then ask them to refer you to the NHS for fertility investigations. Do you have an IVF unit near you?

Don't give up, you may have to push for this.

What do you mean by "wrong", DF? Each PCT is allowed to have completely different criteria, so as long as they operate within those, no matter how unreasonable they may seem to us, I don't see how it is possible to overturn their decision - but you obviously managed it! What grounds did you appeal on?

sorry - I mean they may be giving out incorrect information. 34 seems awfully young to be denied treatment. Am not sure if the OP is from the USA though?

I appealed on the basis that it took my GP ages to refer me which meant I missed the cut off date by 2 weeks, they count from the referral date on the letter. I used the NICE guidelines to make my case and was told they would allow me to go through so long as I had the treatment before my 40th birthday.

Brown you may not get NHS fundign for treatment with a child but you can get many tests - the smear, general blood tests (thyroid) etc. That all helps - as blood tests are very expensive privately I am finding!!!

Thanks Kez. Am thinking that what my doctor has in mind... Was a bit too upset to really connect with her after she broke the news, but she's pretty great really I reckon.

Move to Wales! You get one funded cycle in Wales, even if you have previous children.
And you are a long way from IVF. DP (who had a DD) and I went to see the fertility clinic after 12 m of trying and after the first appt were asked to come back to begin tests as soon as my next period started......it never did and DD is 2!

Good luck, try not to worry too much.