New here…help please

[fantasyworld]

My partner and I have been together for nearly six years, TTC for just over two. I have a child from a previous relationship, conceived naturally with no problems (first attempt). My bloods have all come back normal, his tests however have shown low sperm count, which is being investigated, but so far no clear cause. I’m just wondering where do we go from here? I’m 41 and he is 40. Do we still qualify for IVF on the NHS? We can’t afford to go private. Any experiences/insights would be really appreciated 🙏🏻

Hey! Unfortunately every area is different you local ICB should be able to let you know what you are entitled too, some areas say it's ok if one partner doesn't have children or some say no all together
Good luck x

With both of you being in your forties, it's best to get a move on with any potential treatment! I don't have experience of the NHS but I'm sure there will be potential waiting lists so I'd make contact with your local hospital and start asking questions about criteria.

We are doing IVF in the Czech Republic because it's cheaper - happy to answer any questions about that.

Good luck!

In my area you would be entitled as you’re still under 42 and the child only belongs to one of you.
But having said that, the wait times can be a few months so depends when you turn 42. You need to look up the rules in your area and if entitled ask your GP to do it as an urgent referral.

I asked for a referral just after I turned 40 and my GP was kind enough to put it in as an urgent request so got the appointment within a couple months. For a number of reasons, I didn’t actually end up going to the appointment and we ended up private anyway cause I knew I wouldn’t be entitled to any treatments (we have a child already).

Check your local guidance but as per pp you really need to get a move on. Your age would put you out of the category in many places even without your child. Most say you have to have started treatment before their age cut off and it can take quite some time to get to that point on the NHS anyway, good luck.

Thank you everyone for your messages, it sounds like the GP is the next stop.

@fantasyworld this may help. You may also have to look at the policy document for your area too. I didn't qualify because AMH was below the accepted threshold

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-funded-ivf-in-england/nhs-funded-in-vitro-fertilisation-ivf-in-england

Thank you @Coldcar , based on this it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen for us.