TTC GP appointment - high BMI

[Blue8793]

We’ve been ttc for almost 18 months now with no sign of a positive test. Have a first GP appointment next week but I’m worried as I have a high BMI (39). Am worried we will be quickly dismissed, told to lose weight and nothing will happen. Any suggestions on what to expect/ask for? Am so worried about being fobbed off.

They will tell you to lose weight, that’s not fobbing you off, but unfortunately a high bmi does affect fertility and even drastically reduces IVF success rates.

However, they will likely discuss lifestyle, alcohol, smoking, if you’ve tracked ovulation etc, how often you are having sex and then probably request blood tests.

I had a bmi of 35 when I first went to the GP, after trying for 12 months, they ordered blood tests and DH’s GP did the semen analysis. I got referred to the ACU after the bloods but they advised on their maximum bmi to start treatment so couldn’t continue at that point. I then lost weight and got re-referred and they offered me letrozole (I have pcos) to try while I lose the remaining weight for IVF. This is in Kingston Surrey so might be different in your area.

I have been following keto so far and lost 2 stone in 6 months, advised by my doctor.

I completely appreciate that it might not be what you want to hear but I found the whole process of initially getting rejected from the clinic very upsetting so I think it would have been easier if I’d have known what to expect.

My consultant has been very good at giving me more time to lose the final few pounds to be eligible for IVF, I was scared she would just discharge me from the clinic until I was at the goal weight but she has seen how much progress I’ve made and has actually been really kind.

wishing you all the best with your journey and sending you baby dust 🌸 xxx

You will probably be told to lose weight - but the good thing about it is that it is something fixable (I know losing weight it not easy but it is something you can work to have some control over). I am speaking as someone who also had a high BMI and had to drop 15kg but my dr didnt just dismiss me. However, he explained the impact of excess weight including that a healthier weight also helps you have a healthier pregnancy. So for me that was a huge motivation. Needing to lose weight also does not mean that you should not get other things checked out to give you peace of mind. I would ask your dr about other tests to make sure there are no issues with things like your ovaries, fallopian tubes etc. Your partner could also get their sperm quality checked. Wishing you best of luck :)

I was told that I had to lose weight prior to commencing treatment for infertility. My BMI was 36.4 in October and I started the 1:1 diet by CWP and by January I'd lost 3 stone and my BMI was 29.1. I'm now on my first round of Gonal F for our first try of IUI. Our clinic has been very prompt with appointments since I informed them my BMI was under 30 (that was the requirement). I was told either to get my BMI under 30 or I'd have to pay £1195 per cycle for private IUI. I've seen a lot of women in the 1:1 community using the diet for weight loss for fertility and for me it was a really quick way to get treatment started😊