Free nhs ivf as a single woman

[Kwills198619]

I wondered if anyone can shed some light….I’ve done 4 self-funded IUIs and am about to have my 5th. I’ve just turned 40, have no known fertility issues and good AMH, and I don’t generally need stimulation medication.
For anyone who was referred for free NHS IVF as a solo woman after completing the required number of self-funded IUIs (6), what evidence did they ask you to provide?
My clinic app currently shows 6 IUI cycles because it includes a cycle that was cancelled due to hyperstimulation. Did the NHS accept your treatment history/screenshots from the clinic app, or did they contact your fertility clinic and ask for full records/confirmation of each completed cycle?
or do they not ask for anything?
What actually happened during your referral and what documentation were you asked for?

I’m not sure if the NHS should pay at all?

I think it’s generally understood that you need sperm and an egg to bring another child into this overpopulated world, and if you’ve made life choices that preclude that, it shouldn’t really be the taxpayer’s job to pick up the bill. But then I fully disagree with IVF, surrogacy, and commissioning babies in all its forms, given the world is overpopulated. I also disagree with optional medical intervention being available on the NHS until they sort out the basics where they are letting the country down eg emergency treatment. MN is very pro IVF though so I’m sure that among the posters tearing my opinion apart there will be lots telling you how to do this.

It’s a rather large assumption that OP’s life choices have led to her seeking fertility treatment in order to become a mother don’t you think? Luck and circumstance might also have a part to play.

I happen to agree with the poster you are replying to. Becoming a mother is not a right.

At the end of the day, the NHS do offer it. I work with 4 people who have transitioned on the NHS, why shouldn’t I take advantage of what they offer to help me. Why should illegal immigrants and others get free healthcare when they've not payed in? I don’t expect much from this life, I’m just asking for a little help.

and no, I didn’t expect to have to do this alone but also thank god I didn’t have a child with the man who was abusing me for 5 years and who wasted my prime years.

I think if you’re not going to be helpful in answering my question, then just don’t respond.

It depends on the area. I was told i was too old at 35. Good luck with it, it’s not an easy journey. X

Are you likely to get pregnant though? 6 failed attempts at IUI doesn’t bode well. Not sure why you’d put yourself through IVF as well regardless of who is paying.

I think it’s a postcode lottery about whether you’re eligible.

I know a little bit about this because of a colleague who’s about the same age and has tried IUI.

Unfortunately, where we are, she is ineligible as single women are excluded from NHS-funded fertility treatment. The same applies to donor sperm (her route).

This post has done you absolutely no favours. This isn't a "why shouldn't I" situation.

I had 6 cycles of IVF/ICSI - due to the operation the NHS performed, incorrectly, at the age of 2 on my husband. We had to pay for them all ourselves. Because, due to criteria at the time, I was ‘too young’.

Fertility treatment on the NHS in a postcode lottery - they are not bothered whether a man ‘wasted’ 5 years of your life, they’re not bothered about the whys and what does, they’re bothered about whether you fit their very small criteria. I’m not saying I agree but those are the rules and they change constantly. Go to your appointment, give all the information but don’t go into it expecting your referral because it may not happen.

You’d be better off paying privately. You might not qualify anyway depending on the criteria for your area, but even if you do the waiting lists are very long so unfortunately you may be too old by the time you get to the top of the waiting list.

Every child should have the right to at least start their life with a mother AND a father. ☹️🙁

You were declined IVF because you were 35 years?

Intetested to know if you have been blessed with your own children?
And do you also disagree with alcoholics getting liver transplants on NHS, for example?

So you don't agree with single people adopting? Do you think all women who get pregnant and are single should have terminations?

My understanding of solo IVF is that it is incredibly difficult to come by, and - as others have mentioned - a real postcode lottery. The best thing you can do is contact your doctor in the first instance - they’ll be able to advise/refer you to someone who can tell you whether it’s possible. However, the age limits are really strict, and I know some places ask for many more rounds of self-funded treatment, so it’s likely not going to be a smooth journey, I’m afraid.

If you can afford to go private I would skip the NHS option. It’s difficult to get through the eligibility criteria, which seems to change, and then there’s the waiting time. At 40, go private for speed, and perhaps go straight to IVF instead of IUI.
Ignore the patronising criticism here!
I had five IVF attempts with no success, I always wish really good luck to anyone trying, I hope it works for you.

Where I live, 40 is the age cut off for anyone doing IVF. I would be surprised to hear if other areas have higher cut off ages, as I’ve heard of some areas with lower ones. NHS ivf can also take a while.

Yes. Because of where I live.

OP sorry all these posts are so nasty. I fully support women going alone! It’s a hard road
but hopefully it will all be worth it. I don’t have any advice other than it really varies by area!

how incredibly judgemental! You know nothing about this person or indeed anyone else who has undergone fertility treatment

IUI is only like 12% success rate. Most don’t get success until between 6-12 attempts. Theres nothing wrong with my fertility thankfully, with iui it’s just luck but ivf would be more successful

Thank you for your kindness. People are entitled to their opinions, but you’re right, no need for the nastiness or negativity. I just ignore them, they’re not changing my mind or opinion so they’re wasting their time commenting

To answer your actual question OP- no the screenshot from the app is not enough. They request an official treatment summary from the clinic confirming the dates of each cycle, whether each cycle reached insemination, whether donor sperm used, what meds were used, outcome & details of any cancellations that took place too. I would also check the info for the funding criteria for you locally if you haven’t already, our area for example does not offer funding to single women regardless of how many private cycles you have had.

Bearing in mind most women don't start having babies until their 30's, 35 years sounds very unfair