Fertility clinic referral what to expect

[Hedgehugs]

TTC since 2017. Period non existent maybe twice a year if I am lucky! Had blood tests and scans to confirm PCOS. Was on metformin for a year or so but stopped taking it. I am 29, overweight which I know doesn’t help, husband is 33, fit & healthy.

Gp has arranged for me to have my smear as it’s due, and a blood test. And has also arranged for husband to have sperm analysis. She says once she has results for all of these we will talk again, and she will then refer us to a fertility clinic, but to focus on weight loss in the mean time.

I know that fertility clinics are strict with weight, and I also know that the area I live with are limited with their NHS funding re fertility.

What should we expect at the fertility clinic? How much will they help someone who’s overweight in an area that does not have the NHS funding?

I am assuming they will want to hear our story/ history/ will do their own checks and give a load of advise.

Just not sure what to expect next so would be happy for anyone to share their experiences?

@Hedgehugs I dont know your exact area criteria but most NHS boards limit their support to people with BMI under 30. I would anticipate their first move will be letrozole or clomid. Letrozole has a better evidence base.

Look up your CCG assisted conception policy. My area you can't have any help unless your BMI is below 35 (you can't be referred to the clinic until you've met this criteria here) and that allows access to ovulation stimulation drugs and the tests they need to do (HSG and scans etc.). To have iui or IVF you need to be BMI under 30. Just to give you some idea. I've got PCOS and have been working had to lose weight but it's a massive struggle - makes no difference though as still have to lose it for any help.