IVF and high BMI

[InanimateCarbonRod]

I'm waiting for our first appointment to have IVF. We had treatment in the last two year that resulted in 2 pregnancies. Due to complications we have zero chance of natural conception so we're on to IVF.

The history is that I've underactive thyroid so am overweight. I've a BMI of nearly 40. That being said I exercise daily and my diet is excellent. I don't eat dairy or gluten and eat home made good quality food every day. My weigh problems are directly caused by my thyroid which is under control.

Does anyone else have experience of this? I'm so afraid that the consultant will take one look at me and say no way. IVF is our only hope now.

[SamM84]

Sure, it was Concept Fertility, based in Putney.

[Jdaviesclare]

SamM84 can I ask what London clinic you used? THANNKS XX @SamM84

[Gemsy144]

Thankyou 😁

[SamM84]

Good luck with it all! I really hope you can start soon :)

[Gemsy144]

Oh wow that’s amazing I can’t wait I want to loose as much weight as possible I’m just so excited to start our journey at the same time I will definitely have a look into some more clinics 🥰

[SamM84]

The more you can lose the better chance of success for sure. But do enquire at more clinics too as your weight loss progresses. I spent a few years losing weight and then struggled at a certain point to lose more. At that point my bmi was 40. I found a clinic in London who were happy to treat me. I live 2 hours away so it was a lot of travelling but so worth it. Our treatment worked first time and we now have a 9 month old baby boy :) x

[JuJu234]

I know.... I’ve had to wait two and a half years with weight loss and then Covid delays. We are now eventually on the waiting list. It’s been tough!
Well done losing 1.5 stones! What a great start! You can do it!

[Gemsy144]

Awww wow that’s absolutely fantastic well done... it’s slimming world I’ve joined too I’ve lost a stone an half my husband is doing it with me too we’re both loving it. We’re just being quite inpatient really we did ring round a few clinics an they said about the BMI being 36 xx

[JuJu234]

Hi.

My BMI was 44 when I started. I joined slimming world and lost 5 stone in 10 months. Carried on and lost a further 1 and half stone. I found having to lose the weight for the IVF really helped keep me on track. I had a reason. It helps if your husband eats the same meals too.
Maybe work out how much you have to lose in pounds and break it down into mini targets.
I had to get down to BMI 30 for NHS. I’m sure some private clinics don’t ask fir weight if you maybe look around.

[Gemsy144]

Hi I’m new here ... just woundering if anyone could help... me an my husband are planning to use a private fertility clinic for IUI treatment my husband has 0 sperm count so we have decided to use a donor sperm for pregnancy I have had all checks and I’m completely fine unfortunately my BMI is high I have been dieting I have lost some weight but my BMI is still at 44 currently I live in the Manchester area is anyone has any advice for me please it would be much appreciated I did speak with a clinic who said my bmi would need to be 36 x

[SamM84]

That’s great news! Mine was private but at your first actual appointment I imagine it will be the same. They will most likely do an internal scan to see how many follicles you have on your ovaries (to give them an idea of how many eggs you can expect to retrieve) and will discuss a start date for treatment. Treatment will start at the beginning of your period. They will talk about the process and let you know how it will all work and what to expect. Good luck!

[JuJu234]

My BMI was 30.8 on the day but he still put me on the waiting list so I was over the moon. I am trying to get below for next time. I have a telephone appointment in March. Do you know what usually happens after your initial appointment and you are added onto the waiting list? What happens at your second appointment?

[amylouwilliams]

@JuJu234 how did the appointment go? Xx

[SamM84]

From what I understand they like it to be under 30...but go to the appointment and see what they say. Each area may be different. 30.4 may be ok. Or they may just ask you to lose a few more pounds to get under 30 which wouldn’t take long. Good luck!

[JuJu234]

NHS

[SamM84]

Is your appointment with nhs or a private clinic?

[JuJu234]

My BMI is 30.4 and my first appointment is on Tuesday. Will this be ok do you think?

[SamM84]

Hi Ringorabbit. I want to thank you. After reading your post last year I contacted Concept. They accepted me straight away, I started IVF in August and it worked first time. I couldn’t believe it. We now have a beautiful 4.5 month old little boy. If I hadn’t read your post I would never have found Concept so thank you. I hope you have had success too.

[Alebg]

Samm84 I was just wondering how you got on with concept? I am thinking of trying them also

[SamM84]

Ringorabbit, after seeing your post I have contacted Concept Fertility and they are willing to see me to discuss treatment and my bmi is currently 40. Really hoping they accept me. Hope your treatment is going well.

[ViolaD77]

My local NHS require a bmi of 28. Mine was 36 and there was no way I'd lose weight that quick so I tried the keto diet and only lost 22lb but lost more inches than actual pounds on the scales so my bmi went down to 32 which is still 'obese'...we ended up going private and was told to keep an eye on my bmi. I do believe this diet has helped me so much with my egg quality though with eating high fats and protein and cutting out sugar. I'm in my second icsi attempt at the moment and the Dr's were very surprised with my higher egg count and egg quality from last time. I even had a few to freeze this time which we were all shocked at!

[physicskate]

The thing is, there are very good reasons for the concern about bin during ivf. The overweight and obese women have a higher risk of complications. Studies also show they have lower success rates of ivf working - so it hits you coming and going.

www.univfy.com/fertilitychronicles/IVF-success-body-mass-index

www.manchesterfertility.com/learning-centre/blog/post/ivf-faqs-all-about-age-health-bmi-and-fertility-treatment/

[MuddlingThrough1724]

Just popping in to say hello since I am currently working on my weight to give us the best chance when we try ivf (hopefully next year). We are struggling with secondary infertility so will be self funding. Would be really interested to hear your experiences of the process, initial tests etc, and of individual clinics, especially those less weight focused!

[ringorabbit]

Hiya! I've just joined to give some information!
I have a high BMI (over 40)
And we were accepted by Concept Fertility in London. I've had 2 fets and so far I've had a blighted ovum and chemical pregnancy. I'm sure my weight will affect my fertility, but I've always had regular periods and have no issues. (My husband has a zero sperm count).

I definitely recommend you get in touch just in case it's something they can help you with. I'm from Derbyshire so I have to travel (it's a pain) but obviously if it's a success it's worth it!