Has anyone experienced any fertility struggles in the UK? And if so, what was your experience under the NHS?
It seems very different than the US where you seem to have more control.
I am under testing at the moment but even though they keep finding things wrong I just keep being sent for more and more tests. I guess I'd just like to know at what point they actually start treating rather than just testing, blood draws and scans don't get you pregnant unfortunately.
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im a uk bee. I was just wondering the same thing. I'd be interested to see how your journey progresses. I'm presuming you will have to be very proactive and pushy here as I'm sure there are waiting lists and all sorts of obstacles. the NHS want to save money after all.
I was told by my doctor I couldn't do anything until I have been trying for a year (I have only just started trying so not there yet). she was pretty rude to me though and told me I should have started in my 20's! I'm only 30 which I thought was an ok age but she said I would be classified as a mature mother! lol
good luck, keep me updated!
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@Mrs.Lilac: how rude! Maybe you weren't in the position to try in your 20's! Plus, I really don't think it makes as much difference as they make out anyway!
I went for tests early when I told my doctor that I was having weird 1 day periods. She doesn't really listen to me when I say I have a short LP though and the major problem they found was actually through a test the practice nurse decided to tag on to my blood work.
I'll update you on here if anything other than being sent for more tests happens! -
I really get the feeling that infertility would be a bit of a battle here in the UK. it's only a guess though but when I read about all these American ladies getting scans and tests etc done I think we would have to wait months for that! I guess we have the option of going private but I'm pretty sure that would cost crazy money!
I'm currently stalking the TTC threads on mumsnet to get some ideas of how they are getting help...
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@Mrs.Lilac: @Snowdrop: A friend of mine had a completely different experience with regard to age discrimination.... she was 24 when they first started TTC and it took them 6 years of trying unsuccessfully to get any testing done because they said she was too young to need it. Outrageous.
I have three friends who have been through fertility struggles in the UK (one had twins through IVF, the second had a tube unblocked and conceived a son and a third is still going through the battle). All three had to fight tooth at each and every step. I'm so sorry you're going through this - the only advice I can offer is to question everything and fight for what you know you need.
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@Cherrybee: I'm 26 and my doctor just old me this week that it is totally normal for a healthy couple to take two years and that i'm young and have plenty of time....what?! Basically they are willing to do the testing but unless I have PCOS, anovulation, or sperm issues then it's going o be classed as unexplained and I will have to wait two years to be referred for IVF... Does not make sense to me to go from no intervention straight to IVF!! Apparently my high prolactin is not an issue if I am still ovulating and my short luteal phase and scanty period are just 'normal variation' hmmm yeah right!
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@Mrs.Lilac: any info from mums net?
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@Snowdrop: well from what I can tell, it really varies massively from doctor to doctor. Some GP's sent kafirs off to specialists early, others have to wait years. Some get Clomin, others are not allowed. Like @cherrybee says, you really have to fight for it I think xx
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