Eligibility on NHS if medical issues stopped you TTC

[hopefulsquirrel]

I’m 42 and DH is 48. We’ve only recently started TTC because I was previously on medication that’s potentially very harmful in pregnancy. Not just advised against, but the kind where they have special warnings due to the risk of birth defects. I couldn’t come off the medication to TTC because it would have made me too unwell to work or function at all (it was for a physically disabling condition).

Incredibly I am now completely recovered and not on medication, and we are TTC - but in potentially the twilight years of my fertility. If this cycle doesn’t work we’re going to the GP for investigations as they said to come back in six months due to our ages.

If we need fertility treatment, we’re not eligible because we haven’t been trying for two years (as my recovery was only recent) and my CCG only funds women under 35 anyway.

I was talking to a friend who asked if they’d make any special dispensation for me because medication prevented me TTC. I assumed the answer was no, but now I’m wondering if that’s right and who I can even ask. Does anyone know anything about this?

I am so, so upset that nobody advised me to freeze my eggs, or otherwise gave me any help or advice to preserve my fertility - I guess we all assumed I’d never be able to conceive. So if this seems premature to ask when we’ve not been for investigations yet, please bear in mind that I’ve been under informed the rest of the time.

Please be gentle in your replies, thanks for any advice.

Oh bless you, what a nightmare. I think you could have a good case for extenuating circumstances and would seek support via your GP to advocate for this. That said, it will very much depend on your area as to what flexibility there can be. Wishing you luck after all you've been through x

I looked at challenging my local ICB’s policy on what they would/ wouldn’t fund with regards to IVF last year (but ultimately didn’t go ahead). I found the email address for my local PALS online and asked for an up-to-date copy of the assisted conception policy plus other relevant documents (e.g. the form to make an individual funding request) and what the ICB’s stance would be on what I wanted to have funded. PALS collated all the information from the ICB and got back to me within a few days, I would definitely recommend contacting PALS as a first step (my GP surgery is not great so I didn’t bother with them but as a PP said if you have a good GP they might be useful to ask too). Sorry to hear you were so unwell and good luck with everything!

Even if you were eligible, there’s likely to be waiting lists. You would be eligible to have sperm and ovarian reserve tests from your GP, maybe try that immediately and see what your chances are?

Thanks so much for your replies, lots to think about here and much appreciated.

PS sorry for such a short reply, I’m just feeling very sad about it all right now.

I have a phone appointment with my lovely GP on Thursday to discuss. Still holding out hope I’ll be pregnant this month, mind. Thank you all so much for your help and kindness ❤️

Thanks again for the replies. My GP is requesting an urgent referral to the fertility clinic citing special circumstances - fingers crossed they accept us.

Everything crossed for you x