East Hertfordshire IVF criteria

[NotSoElatedPanda]

Hello everyone,

sorry for the long message in advance…

my husband and I have been trying for a baby for coming up two years. We were pregnant and he was due in August 2024 but unfortunately we lost him at 16 weeks on Mother’s Day in March 2024. Our hearts shattered into a million pieces. Since then we have had no luck in conceiving. Sex is almost a chore now at 2-3 times a week especially after work sometimes 😂😂

I’ve had blood test and scans, all apparently normal and no concern. DH has had his swimmers checked too, all apparently normal but with a 3% morphology rate which is a reduced rate as a normal rate is 4%. So potentially we are looking at IVF. I’ve got an appointment with the GP tomorrow to be referred to the fertility clinic.

My question is though…

DH has 3 children from 2 separate relationships (16, 14, 11). I have a daughter who is 14 from a separate relationship. I’m 37 and DH is 49. I’ve read on the NHS website that IVF in East Hertfordshire is only available on the NHS for childless couples regardless of the NICE guidelines not saying anything about that! Has anyone managed to get NHS funded IVF in East Hertfordshire with having children from previous relationships? I’m just wondering if it’s even worth starting the process or giving up now. I’d hate to take an appointment up just to be told no out straight. Private IVF is out of the question, we just can’t afford it.

In the mean time I’ve told DH that he is not to do the following…
• no laptop on lap
• no tight pants so it’s a trip to M&S this weekend!
• reduced caffeine
• reduced alcohol
he has to also remember to take his tablets!

I’m also on a strict list…
• go to the gym to reduce BMI (I’ve lost 2 stone since Jan with gym, healthy eating and Mounjaro (stopped WL injections now!))
• reduce Caffeine
• reduce alcohol
• must take vitamins and Folic Acid every day!!

Thank you!

I’m so sorry for your loss ❤️

I’ve not been in your circumstances but didn’t want to read and not reply.

I’ve checked a few CCG’s and their eligibility criteria and they seem to vary from both individuals not having children from previous relationships to at least one person in the “new” couple not having children. Maybe you could also your GP to see about putting in an exceptional circumstances request for funding (and talk through what exceptional circumstances might apply to you?)

Definitely a great start to implement lifestyle changes - my husband’s morphology improved from 3% to 7% in a few months with weight loss and a regimented vitamin protocol (but we still ended up needing IVF for unexplained infertility).

We started taking omega fish oil vitamins, coq10 200mg minimum a day, vitamin d, selenium and then I added in collagen and folic acid. A true cocktail and honestly don’t know what part of it was helpful, but via IVF we managed to get lots of good quality embryos so something clearly worked!

Wishing you all the best for your rainbow baby to make their presence known soon!

I'm so sorry for your loss ❤️

I'm in West Essex with the same criteria for NHS, no children at all either naturally, IVF or from previous relationships etc. I would speak to your GP and see what they say and go from there - don't ask don't get!

What I do know is that even if you get referred and meet the criteria, the area is allocated a set amount of funds for all treatments - so those who need knee replacements, hip replacements, IVF it ultimately all comes out of the same pot. My mum worked as an infertility nurse in the NHS for over 20 years and she said herself the system is very unfair and a postcode lottery. Fingers crossed for you x