IVF funding

[vebanfield80]

Hi there, can anyone shed some light on if nhs ivf funding is provided if you haven't reached the 3 year ttc mark? Our GP has referred us back to the nhs fertility specialist for ivf/icsi (we sat there while he dictated the letter) - all of our tests have been "normal". I didn't think to ask those questions at my appointment today, just assumed that he wouldn't have referred us if he didn't think we'd be considered for treatment - I don't want to get my hopes up and just want to be prepared - do some pcts relax the NICE guidelines? thanks in advance for your help

 

[serendippy]

I got told last week that im not elidgible for NHS funding as im too old. I think each PCT has its own criteria so some are more stringent than others. Try this website..its the website my clinic had on its leaflets. I found it quite useful.

https://www.hfea.gov.uk/index.html

Hope it works lol x

 

[vebanfield80]

I got told last week that im not elidgible for NHS funding as im too old. I think each PCT has its own criteria so some are more stringent than others. Try this website..its the website my clinic had on its leaflets. I found it quite useful.

https://www.hfea.gov.uk/index.html

Hope it works lol x

Thanks Serendippy, i'm sorry to hear you can't get funding. It's all so confusing...

 

[FBbaby]

The 36 months rule normally applies to unexplained fertility. The FS should investigate more before giving you the diagnosis of unexplained. If your diagnosis means that you are unlikely to get a bfp within 3 years, then you should be able to access treatment sooner.

 

[jeanettekaren]

There aren't many pct's that choose to offer more than the NICE guidelines, many raise the requirements significantly unfortunately. Much of this is based on age, bmi and whether one partner has children though. I know my pct doesn't have a time you have to be ttc but you do have to have had all the investigative tests. That said, my pct have put a complete blanket ban on all ivf treatments at the moment.

 

[vebanfield80]

The 36 months rule normally applies to unexplained fertility. The FS should investigate more before giving you the diagnosis of unexplained. If your diagnosis means that you are unlikely to get a bfp within 3 years, then you should be able to access treatment sooner.

Thanks for your reply. We've had all the investigations - I.e. Bloods, SA, Ultrasound, HSG - all have come back "normal", so would guess we're classified as unexplained - but surely my gp wouldn't have referred me for Ivf/icsi if he knows it's been less than 36 months? Thanks

 

[vebanfield80]

There aren't many pct's that choose to offer more than the NICE guidelines, many raise the requirements significantly unfortunately. Much of this is based on age, bmi and whether one partner has children though. I know my pct doesn't have a time you have to be ttc but you do have to have had all the investigative tests. That said, my pct have put a complete blanket ban on all ivf treatments at the moment.

Thanks for your reply, it's good to know that some pcts don't require you to have been ttc for a particular length of time - our gp is very good and actually worked with our local fertility specialist so I'm sure he wouldn't be referring me if he knew it would be turned down. I just don't want to get my hopes up - I'd rather be prepared - I may give him a call today to clarify. Thanks for your help again.

 

[FBbaby]

He could have referred you for more investigations maybe? Also, for unexplained, they normally consider iui first and maybe they can do that before the 36 months?