Possibly stupid question - how to get private referral to start fertility drugs?

[LoopyLa]

Hi all.

Am 38, have 1 dc and have been TTC dc2 for a year now. Saw GP last week who've said that as I already have one child, they can only offer a blood test to see if I'm ovulating but that's it.

I'm not getting any younger so I'm considering fertility drugs before IUI/IVF option, plus we can't really afford IUI/IVF either.

How do I approach this? Contact a private fertility specialist or referred by GP? Does anyone know the cost of Clomid & the other fertily drug options?

Thanks for your help

I don't have an answer Hun, but shocked to read that your doc won't offer any other options?!
I'm in a similar position (37, have a 6 year old) & seeing my GP on Monday to be referred for tests...well hopefully. I didn't know they'd only offer bloods though, that's crap!!!

I was told because I already have a dc then, aside from the blood test, I'd have to be investigated privately

Let me know you get on Youngoldmum, I'd be interested to know if it varies by area!

I'll let you know xx

I know people in the Manchester area who've been prescribed Clomid in the same circumstances as you (children already, late 30s/early 40s)

You could look at your Trust's policy on fertility treatment to see if your doctor is being obstructive or following guidelines

Loopyla - I got the same response from my GP.

Thankfully I fell pregnant on cycle 3

Best of luck

As far as I can remember you can just call up a private clinic and make an appointment. Good luck!

Just find a consultant (ideally a recomendation), phone the clinic/hospital, and make an appt. you don't need to involve your GP. If you are in London I can pm you details of a great consultant.

Thanks all. CarrotVan how do I find my trusts policy? Google area/health trust?

I checked my local trust policy and sadly GP is correct. I haven't been trying for 2 years and we already have a child - boo

Apart from blood test to check if you are ovulating and whether u have a thyroid problem etc. They can also book you an appointment for a scan to check if ur ovaries are the normal size etc and if you keep at them and specifically ask for the test where they use dye in the tubes to check if the tubes are blocked (hysterosalpingogram). Up to date smear test can rule out anything there causing problems.

Clomid treats ovulation problems, as I understood your post you don't yet know what your problem is. You need a referral to a fertility clinic for investigations not for drugs at this stage.

Just to add, if you do take clomid you should really be monitored and scanned while on it.

Look at your CCG infertility policy. I would expect you to have to pay for any investigation or test that doesn't usually happen in primary care. Very few areas will pay for you to conceive if you or your partner have a living child.
GP does not need to offer tests either if not going to be offered in secondary or tertiary care unless you have signs and symptoms of medical disease such as thyroid problems.
There is no point taking closed unless it is clinically indicated and infertility of unknown cause is no longer an indication as evidence is poor.

You would do better and more financially robust to have basic investigations and assessment and discussion as to what is appropriate for you.
Your other half should be able to get a sperm count which is essential

Good luck