How long to wait for referal in SW Herts?

[DrKnowNothing]

We have been TTC for 10 months and as I'm 38 thought I would see the doc just to get an idea about what comes next. We have been told to wait till its been 18 months. Is that right, I thought it was generally a year?

Oh and my username isn't a go at the docs or the NHS, its just a joke at my own expense. I'll change it if I happen to be on here a lot.

No that is not right, after 35 you should be referred after 6 months and udner 35 after a year. Go back and be assertive!
18 months may be the time to actually get seen at a fertility clinic but I would get the ball rolling asap if I were you.

Hmm thanks far, thats what I read somewhere i.e. 6 months of TTC after the age of 35 'should' be the starting point for getting into the system. I assumed that with the limitations on the NHS that point would be a year. I was just wondering if this is their written policy in Herts, and how do I find that kind of info out?

I have been able to get pg fairly easily before, I have a DS who is nearly 2 but also had 3 miscarrigaes before him. The doctors reasoning was that 'you've gotten pg easily before so it should not be a problem'. Being assertive is not my strong point so I want to go back with the right information.

I would just try a different GP at your practise tbh, as they all have different opinons etc. What one dr refuses another can jump at ;)

Also, if you phone the receptionists at the fertility clinic, they might be able to advise you on usual referral periods etc?

Good idea snow, I will try and get hold of that number.

Sounds like a slightly ignorant GP to be honest 'you have been pregnant before' hmmm!

Perhaps have a look at the NICE guidelines and ask why the GP seems to think a different approach is warranted here?
Sorry, I am a bit mardy today, this sort of thing really annoys me!