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MNHQ

New NHS guidelines on IVF treatment to extend age limit up to 42 - what do you think?

583 replies

JaneGMumsnet · 20/02/2013 10:26

Good morning,

New IVF guidelines issued by the National Institute of Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) say that women aged up to 42 should be allowed one cycle of IVF treatment so long as it is their first attempt. Previously Nice recommended treatment up to the age of 39.

The guidelines also suggest that all couples who are struggling to conceive should get fertility treatment more quickly ? after two years of trying to conceive naturally, rather than three.

We'd love to hear what you think.

Thanks,
MNHQ

OP posts:
LineRunner · 20/02/2013 23:52

I think the best thing here is maybe to accept that healthcare doesn't have to be a competition. The NHS is capable of funding many things for us simultaneously.

And IVF is available on the NHS, these guidelines are based on evidence and designed to be fairer, and the general consensus on MN has been positive.

TheDoctrineOfSciAndNatureClub · 20/02/2013 23:57

Gaelic, Olivia does an AHEM when she wants us to settle down and play PARD nicely.

gaelicsheep · 21/02/2013 00:00

I see, I was waiting for an announcement of some sort Grin

I don't often get involved in bunfights these days. This was nothing. Did you see last nights' AIBU thread (which I was involved in I'm ashamed to say)? That warranted a special link to the Talk Guidelines.

Northey · 21/02/2013 00:13

No, what was it about, gaelic?

gaelicsheep · 21/02/2013 00:16

1 woman, 11 children and a "mansion".

Northey · 21/02/2013 00:22

Ahhh, yes, I can imagine :o

BlackSwan · 21/02/2013 05:47

LineRunner - entirely naive to think healthcare funding isn't a competition. The NHS successfully funds several things simultaneously, and already pays for a reasonable amount of IVF - let's not stretch it into middle age.

Salbertina · 21/02/2013 08:21

I don't think infertility treatment should be a priority esp for older women when the pot is so overstretched anyway. Would rather resources allocated to improved maternity and children's services, for example. Agree with previous poster that infertility is not an illness.

catweasle · 21/02/2013 08:47

Words fail me about how disgusting that statement is Salbertina. So because my DH and I are infertile due to his coeliac disease we are second class citizens and not worthy of any NHS help.

Salbertina · 21/02/2013 08:51

Not at all disgusting!! Its my view that it should not be a priority over maternity/children's services with a limited pot. Nothing unreasonable about that. I am very sorry to hear about your problems and it is a shame that everything is not affordable on the nhs.

Salbertina · 21/02/2013 08:55

And come live in Africa if you seriously feel like a second class citizen!

Jasmo · 21/02/2013 09:00

I became unexpectedly pregnant at 42 and found it v hard work and now in mid 50s whilst I adore my youngest I certainly dont get to do what my peer group do because of late motherhood. I dont think being an older parent is great for parent or child. My parents were in their mid 40s when I came along so speak from both sides of the experience. I suggest that if you cant have your own baby and reach 35+ you accept it and get on with something else. Life is not ever perfect and we all carry our own disappointments and sorrows ( I have had a child die aged 19.. makes infertility seem realtively easy to cope with!) so find another path and get on with it. The NHS should be to save life, help with disability and chronic non self inflicted health problems, the reckoning day is very close when it will be unable to provide even basic care for the elderly so why burden it still further!

catweasle · 21/02/2013 09:01

I take it you have never been through the horror that is years of infertility or the soul destroying experience is is to have a failed ivf cycle that you have had to pay for as the NHS trust where we live cut of is 38 and there is a 2 year wait. If you had you might have a little bit more sensitivity.

Salbertina · 21/02/2013 09:08

Cat- we all have our health issues, should i list all mine? None of which can be treated for free where i am and where infertility treatment is never state funded- too many people dropping dead v young of HIV/TB/malaria/malnutrition. Now they're the second class citizens! I am not insensitive, just realistic about what priorities should be.

catweasle · 21/02/2013 09:09

Oh god so that's all I have to do to get over never having a child find another path as its oh so easy cheers for that.

Jasmo · 21/02/2013 09:11

I think losing an adult child in tragic circumstances has made me a fairly sensitive person even if I wasnt before! That is a tragedy .......not childlessness which is a lifestyle choice for many and does open other doors in life. Focus on all the things you can do not the one you cant.

Salbertina · 21/02/2013 09:11

Sadly we all have stuff to get over. Did you read the poster's story about the death of her 19 yr old dc??? And you say "yhanks for that" HmmBiscuit

Salbertina · 21/02/2013 09:13

Jasmo, sorry that was yo Cat. Really sorry to hear about yr dc Sad

JugglingFromHereToThere · 21/02/2013 09:13

If you have a baby at 42 your child will be a teenager when you're in your mid 50's. Most people at that age are perfectly active enough to offer everything a teenager needs - mainly providing a taxi service to various social events in my experience ! Wink I don't think they're too bothered if you don't go to the disco with them and their friends !
I just think this sort of argument is over-stated.
Sometimes yes illness may affect your family, but this can happen to any of the family at any age and is largely unpredictable.
IMHO 5 or 10 years in the woman's life is really neither here nor there in terms of their ability to form a good bond with their child.

Am so sorry to hear of your loss Jasmo Sad

catweasle · 21/02/2013 09:18

Sorry no I didn't see that (sad). Having just had a failed ivf cycle I am going to leave as this thread is just to upsetting.

Jasmo · 21/02/2013 09:21

All I was saying is that infertility isnt always going to resolved with a pregnancy and what then.. At some point you have to accept the circumstances of your life and do your best to go forward. I have to accept that I lost a much loved child and wont get him back but that life goes on and there is a path for me, DH and other kids in spite of that. My Sister is infertile and I have the greatest empathy with her plight but she is now 74 so never had the chance of IVF..... so please see the joy and beauty in what you have and dont dwell on what is denied to you!

BasicallySFB · 21/02/2013 09:21

I'm sorry for your loss jasmo

But childlessness through choice (as a 'lifestyle choice' is really very different from infertility, and the illnesses and conditions which are often associated with infertility.

I'm not sure there are that many women who think 'Ace, I'll delay having a child until I'm 40 then expect the NHS to pick up the tab'. There really aren't.

Salbertina · 21/02/2013 09:21

Truly sorry to hear that, Cat Sad

JugglingFromHereToThere · 21/02/2013 09:23

Am sorry cat that it's an upsetting thread for you.

Not something people can just discuss dispassionately is it ?

Much love and luck to all here x

catweasle · 21/02/2013 09:33

Thanks guys nope not a topic we can just discuss. Jarmo I do get what you are saying DH and I have a plan for when we call it quits probably soon as we won't be doing IVF again due to me not agreeing with the drugs and the horror that I was.

I am a nurse in the NHS so know how much money there isn't but these are only guidelines and most NHS trusts don't follow the current ones so its not like its going to cost anymore. Anyhow it's fine and sunny here in Scotland probably the only one we will have so am off out to enjoy it.