Fertility testing through GP…. What to expect and will they offer any help as I have children already?

[emhope]

Hi, I am 36 and my OH is 45 and we were lucky to fall pregnant on first cycle trying at the start of the year but unfortunately had a MMC in April. We have been trying for 8 months since and not had another BFP.

Went to the GP and because of our ages they were happy to carry out fertility testing. All of mine have come back normal and just waiting for OH to have his sperm analysis done.

I have 2 children from my previous relationship and OH has 2 children from his previous relationship. And obviously we did conceive once before but thinking this may have just been super lucky…

Wondered what to expect once we get all results? GP said he will refer to clinic but not entirely sure what they do…Will they even offer any help or advice if we both have children previously? I know I am so fortunate to have children already but this 3rd baby (1st together) was so wanted and the MMC was one of the worst things I have ever been through. I guess I’m just after a bit of hope that if there is a problem they will still be able to help us? 😔

You both already have children - they will refer you but you aren't entitled to any fertility treatment on the NHS. If you want to go down the IVF route you would need to self fund. You haven't actually been trying "that" long so most likely advice will be to try longer sorry OP if you don't want to explore IVF

The NHS doesn’t really cater for secondary /tertiary infertility. They may do a HYCOSY to check if your tubes are blocked and prescribe clomid if you aren’t ovulating. But that’s about it. For IVF it’s the private road.

ABC IVF are the cheapest but only cater for simple cases. Worth a look.

Good luck OP 🤞

I think this is maybe the wrong area to post this in.

I'm so sorry about your MMC.

Eligibility for various fertility treatments can vary between CCGs / health boards, so will to an extent depend on where in the country you are. Most areas won't provide IVF in situations where people already have children, though. You might be able to get some investigations and other treatments, but you are likely to have a longish wait given the current pressures on the NHS (location factors into this too!).

You might want to look at whether private treatment could be feasible? There are quite a few finance packages available that could help spread the cost if that's a concern.

Good luck.