Feeling really upset and defeated with TTC during pandemic.

[Fumblebee8]

I have been TTC since 2019 and feel that GP’s are totally unwilling to help. I am ovulating and my husbands sperm tested fine. I am waiting to be referred to check my tubes but the GP’s told me this isn’t urgent and I need to ring back in 3 weeks to ask again. I know I sound like I’m being harsh expecting the NHS to help me during a pandemic but I started TTC when I was 30 and I’m 33 1/2 now. I just feel like I’m being fobbed off and because I don’t kick up a fuss they are just waiting for me to turn 35 when they don’t have to help me.

Sorry for the rant but I haven’t told anyone about this because it upsets me too much. Everyone around me keeps having babies and I am trying so hard to be happy for everyone and not show how sad I am. Is there anyone else in the same position waiting for appointments or advice?

I just wanted to say that you shouldn't be taking no for an answer, and if you're getting nowhere with that GP then change GPs. Fertility help has been carrying on in the entire country and the pandemic only really slowed it down in the first lockdown. I went to the GPs in July 2020 and all my treatments have been carried out without a hassle since.

You should have had a referral for a fertility assessment after the one year mark really so call back tomorrow to push again. Read up on your CCGs infertility pathway in case the GP is being a knob again.

Thanks so much for the advice. I will be more persistent.

@Fumblebee8 you can do this! Basically don't feel guilty about it and don't let the GP fob you off - you have every right to get the investigations started!

Absolutely, tell them to put the referral in as urgent and backdated as they wouldnt refer you when they should have a year in! If they wont, change GPs or even practice and also complain. It is not the GPs job to gate keep other service pathways. It takes long enough even when you have been referred so push push push!

Thanks so much, I feel so much better to know I’m not being unreasonable by asking. If I get nowhere soon I will change GP’s.