Private tests

[user0987637829]

Is it worth going for private fertility testing if you don’t have the funds to realistically do much?

I have been trying to ttc my 2nd child now for 12 cycles and no joy. I had a c section for my first and I do wonder if there is any problems lurking due to that. Or it could just be my age! (I’m nearly 39)

My GP was no help and suggested I go private for testing but realistically I can’t afford lots of private fertility treatment like IVF (it would wipe my savings and leave nothing to cover maternity leave) so I do wonder if I just carry on as we are and hope for the best but prepare for only have 1.

Under the NHS over the age of 36 you qualify for being referred to specialists when you’ve been trying for 6 months with no success, regardless whether you already have children or not

I would go back to the GP (maybe try a different one) and get the referral through them

mention the NICE guidelines which they have to follow if they are funny about it again https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs73/chapter/quality-statement-2-referral-for-specialist-consultation

good luck 🍀

Thank you! I thought that but my GP dismissed me when I went 2 months ago and said she wouldn’t even begin to send me for tests until after 12 months. I mentioned my age and what I read and she told me ‘that would be bending the rules’ . I wonder if is different in Wales, I will try again though!

We paid (in 2023) about £650 for full testing for DH & I. I was then going to have a hycosy which is about £500 but fell pregnant while I was waiting for it.

I think it is worth getting private blood tests and a scan done if you can afford a few hundred quid. The latter might eg show scar tissue or lining issues. Better to know your situation fully. Also get your partner checked in case low count or motility is lowering chances.

I’m a specialist fertility acupuncturist. If the NHS won’t refer you you should see a private specialist as soon as possible. Your chances of pregnancy overall after 39 are around 50% but only around 25% will conceive after a year. With assisted fertility your chances will increase with each round (although not overall) which is why time is of the essence. It’s unlikely that tests will find anything other than low AMH but it’s worth having. If it’s very low - assisted fertility may be a necessity.

NHS, I was referred by my GP for a full fertility work up as I hadn't conceived after 12 months. I had an appointment within 6 weeks of that too, although I appreciate that will be area dependent.