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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

TTC- Can I have your advice please?

14 replies

MarkStretch · 07/11/2007 12:39

This is the first time I have posted on this subject before but I would really like some advice.

Bit of background: I have a 5yr old dd with ex partner conceived no probs. DP has a 6 yr old dd conceived using IVF with ex-partner due to the fact he has a low sperm count. We are getting married in May and really want to get pg as soon after as possible. We have used various methods to increase his sperm count over the last 3 yrs, diet, vitamins, etc. but to no avail. We're guessing we're going to need a bit of help...

When should we see the GP? DP says no point just yet as wants to wait til after married but I'm thinking the sooner they know of our plans the better???

Hope that makes sense....help?!

OP posts:
Kewcumber · 07/11/2007 12:40

go sooner rather than later.

Kewcumber · 07/11/2007 12:41

there may be a waiting list for treatment.

Original poster
MarkStretch · 07/11/2007 12:44

Hmmm was thinking that too. What happens when we go?

OP posts:
Kewcumber · 07/11/2007 12:48

can only speak for myself but my GP immediately referred me to fertility consultant. First meeting with him was general stuff - sperm sample to be tested, vitamins and minerals you were both asked to take (from memory folic acid high doses of Vit C, and Zinc). Tests for me but they might not bother if you have already had one child. That all takes time - if sperm count is low enough to need ICSI and you qualify for NHS treatment (you wouldn;t in my PCT becasue you both already have children) then you join the waiting list. If you go privately you are pretty much seen straight away.

Other consultants/NHS trusts may be different.

Original poster
MarkStretch · 07/11/2007 12:55

Thanks for your advice. Didn't realise we might not qualify as we both have children already. That's a bit gutting.

OP posts:
Kewcumber · 07/11/2007 12:58

I'd check my IVF was 5 yrs agio now and I know the rules have changed as they are trying to make them more consistent. What part of the country are you in?

Kewcumber · 07/11/2007 13:00

these are the guidlines but I'm not sure that everyone follows them

Kewcumber · 07/11/2007 13:02

I also found this (my bold)

Provision of treatment on the NHS varies across the UK, but the NHS aims to offer women between the ages of 23 and 39 one cycle of IVF, assuming you meet their eligibility criteria.

Your GP can give you information about the criteria operating in your region. There can be restrictions based on medical reasons (such as whether you are a suitable candidate for IVF, of whether fertility drugs or IUI might be more suitable in your circumstances). There may also be restrictions for people who already have children.

Waiting lists for NHS-funded treatment vary, but can be long. If you have been trying for a baby for a while, especially if you are over 30, it's important not to delay going to your GP if you are hoping to have treatment on the NHS, as you will need a referral from your GP and may have to wait some time for treatment. Treatment can take place at your local hospital or, sometimes, at a private clinic if they have a contract with your local Primary Care Trust or Health Board.

Assuming you are eligible for NHS-funded treatment, you will still have to pay normal prescription charges for your fertility drugs (unless you are exempt from paying prescription charges).

Original poster
MarkStretch · 07/11/2007 13:08

Wow thanks Kew- just rang my Dr's surgery and asked for the number for the PCT so I can enquire- I'm in Norwich by the way. I am only 29 but he is 35 now and had his IVF treatment 7 yrs ago so I'm worried his sperm count may have decreased dramatically since then!

OP posts:
Kewcumber · 07/11/2007 13:25

if you can get one cycle of IVf and you manage to a good number of fertilised eggs (quite possible at your age I would have thought) then you can have embryo transfer much much chepaer subsequently than full IVF - its basically just the last 2 weeks of IVF so you may that approach affordable.

Original poster
MarkStretch · 07/11/2007 17:12

Cool thank you. Have dr's appointment for next Thursday and PCT are sending me IVF guidelines - spoke to them and they said we would be counted as a new couple as we don't have any children together and so eligible for a free go. That was a relief. Thanks for your advice

OP posts:
Kewcumber · 07/11/2007 20:45

glad to be of help - good luck.

Kewcumber · 07/11/2007 20:46

shockingly our PCt used to not fund if either of the coup;e had a child. SO if you met someone who had say a 15 yr old you would not be eligible for IVF

Original poster
MarkStretch · 08/11/2007 19:04

That's rubbish. I'm looking forward to next thursday now rather than panicking, thanks x

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