Moving forward after IVF NHS funding ended - fibroids

[Undermilkgood]

Hi,

I've just found out that as I turn 40 in October I'm not entitled to any more NHS funding for IVF. I've had one round, including one frozen embryo which failed in February this year, and I've waited since then for this 'review appointment' where I was told there isn't time to book me in for another cycle before my birthday. I'm pretty blindsided and devastated about it, but I'm trying to move forward and figure out what to do next.

During the investigations into our fertility, they found two fairly large fibroids in the wall of my womb. They couldn't decide whether they were the reason for our fertility problems - one doctor would say they were, another would say they weren't. One doctor who did think it would be an issue is the one who transferred the first embryo so I'm inclined to think it may be the problem (but that's just my gut feeling). There were no other issues with our health/sperm count etc. so the fibroids is the only thing that wouldn't leave us 'unexplained'.

The waiting list for fibroid removal is long, so we're going to have to find the money to go private for that if it's necessary. What I'm not sure of is whether we should be focusing on the fibroid specialist, get the surgery done if they recommend it and then see how we go, or go to a general fertility clinic and see what they think about our overall fertility. If the fibroids are the main problem there's a chance we won't need IVF which would be amazing, but I don't know whether a general gynecologist/fibroid specialist is the right person to comment on the fertility angle.

So after all that, I'd be grateful for any advice on what our next steps should be - get the fibroids looked at, or start straight in with a private IVF provider? Sorry if this isn't the clearest message, I'm still processing the news!

I’d probably get the fibroids looked at.
If you went straight into IVF and we’re not successful, you would wonder forevermore if fibroids were the reason. IVF is brutal enough without wondering “would it have worked if only I’d done X?”

Thanks very much, that's exactly my line of thinking so it's good to see :)

I agree get the fibroids looked at first. We went to an IVF clinic and the consultant referred me straight back to a gynaecologist and wouldn’t proceed with any IVF treatment until I’d been treated for my endometriosis.
Obviously a different condition but I’d want the all clear one way or another on the fibroids before going down the IVF route.

Similar position here, I have secondary infertility and have one small fibroid which they think may be causing problems with implantation. My fertility clinic have done the initial tests but won't offer us any interventions until the fibroid has been dealt with. I've been waiting for an NHS gynaecology appointment since being referred in February but haven't heard yet. I feel like we're running out of time so finally bit the bullet and booked a private consultation which is in a couple of weeks. Different professionals have had different opinions on my fibroid, some say it can cause fertility problems, others say not. And I'm fairly sure it would've been there when I conceived three years ago! So removing it might not make any difference but I want to try and give everything and anything a chance at this point.

Thanks so much both. After I posted this the clinic phoned back and offered me a cancellation appointment for another IVF cycle starting next week - a real surprise. We've agreed I should go ahead with this as it's my last chance of NHS treatment, and if it fails get the fibroids looked into asap. It's so difficult dealing with a situation where the professionals can't agree - I'm not sure how I'm supposed to decide when they can't!

@Lucy304 I hope the private consultation goes well and gives you the answers you need.

Such brilliant news about the appointment,OP.
All the best

Hi. I am glad you managed to get the next cycle.
I have had 3 IVF cycles on NHS and also have fibroids. We have managed to get money for one more cycle and now I am 28 weeks pregnant 😊. One thing which I have to tell you my fibroids started to grow rapidly in the first trimester and I was hospitalised at some point due to pain.
i have now 6 large fibroids with the larger one of 10cm. I am not saying this can happen to you but just watch out for the symptoms like stronger cramping. I wish you all the best for the future and good luck on your journey.
just to let you know I am now 42 and will be first time mum so don’t give up 😘

Hi. I am glad you managed to get the next cycle.

I have had 3 IVF cycles on NHS and also have fibroids. We have managed to get money for one more cycle and now I am 28 weeks pregnant 😊. One thing which I have to tell you my fibroids started to grow rapidly in the first trimester and I was hospitalised at some point due to pain.

i have now 6 large fibroids with the larger one of 10cm. I am not saying this can happen to you but just watch out for the symptoms like stronger cramping. I wish you all the best for the future and good luck on your journey.
just to let you know I am now 42 and will be first time mum so don’t give up 😘

@Undermilkgood I'm currently a cautiously optimistic 10 weeks pregnant and during early scans they found a large fibroid in my womb- so it can work :)

That's a fantastic news. Congratulations
Stay positive I was also very positive throughout. You can do it!!!
I wish you all the best. 💕👍🏻🙏

@Ladyd666 Thank you so much. Congratulations to you too. :)

Thank you 😊 I still have few weeks to go and with fibroids at the back of my mind sometimes scary thoughts creeping in.
But I am positive I've came so far looking back at the history waited 18 years for my miracle baby. I can beat that. As long as my baby is healthy all that's matter.