Hello I'm new

[Tinkles]

Hi All,
Wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I am 37(just!) and DH is 47. We have been TTC since we got married just over 2 years ago.
Had an appointment with the Fertility Clinic this week but it has left me feeling very low.
Have had bloods and DH has has SA both with GP and all fine. However Dr we saw this week has said IVF is now our only option and that we have to pay for it ourselves as I am too old! I am waiting for an appointment for HSG but Dr said not really worth it as results won't matter if we are having IVF. Feeling really down about it all, has anyone got any advice? x

 

[Sazaroo]

No advice Im afraid but wanted to welcome you and wish you luck!
Loads of the other lovely ladies on here will be able to help, between us all we're like a walking book of knowledge x

 

[Tinkles]

Thank you, I do certainly take comfort in knowing there are others out there who feel the same as I do x

 

[MarsMaiden]

Hi there, did your dr explain why ivf was your only option? If you have unexplained infertility issues, that seems like a big jump without trying other assisted conception methods like clomid or iui first.

Are you in the UK? I am fairly sure the guidelines say that 40 is the upper age limit. Especially if you have no other issues, i don't see why you wouldn't be offered it. Maybe you could ask to be referred to a different clinic?

Hope you get some better news soon *hugs*

 

[Tinkles]

He didn't suggest any other options which I have to say did surprise me. He just said IVF was the only option. Apparently our PCT will not fund IVF over the age of 35, I am in Oxfordshire

 

[ineedaseed]

just wanted to say hi and wish you luck! xx

 

[MarsMaiden]

that really surprises me if all the tests you have had don't indicate any specific issues. It may be because of your age that he feels you should head straight for the method with the highest chance of success but given that you have to pay for that and that you could have a few tries at IUI for free, it would be nice if they would at least give you the option so you can make an informed decision!!

These postcode lotteries suck so much!! And I hate with the nhs that we are stuck with the fs we are given, if we were paying for it at least we could go elsewhere. Really sounds like yours has treated you very poorly, especially if you have come away unclear as to why you are being pointed in the direction that you have.

I think it really may be worth having a chat with your gp and seeing if there is anyone else you can see or ask to see the FS again, then prepare a list of questions that you want to be answered before you go and make sure that they all get answered!

 

[DragonMummy]

i would pay to go and see a private consultant, get all the tests and what not done (semen analysis, HCG and pelvic ultrasound plus 21 day bloods if not done already) and try something like clomid first. that will be a lot less expensive and stressful than ivf and hopefully will be all that you need. x

 

[purechaos109]

Ya I agree!! If you already have to pay for IVF out of pocket what could it hurt to try a less expensive route! Good luck! Welcome to the boards!

 

[Tinkles]

Thank you all, will do what you suggest and maybe try for a second opinion. Have to say my GP was great but FS really wasn't very inspiring!
As my Mum lives abroad (Cyprus) I wondered about trying treatment abroad, has anyone had experience of this? Is it significantly cheaper? x