Infertility In The United Kingdom
The above Map is of the UK.Provided by Issue.
For more information and help in the uk regarding Infertility issues
check out louise,s site click here
Hi I,m joe Binky to most of you and this basically covers my quest so far in the UK.
I have been Trying to concieve for 4 years now and two years of that charting.I always thought that after no successful pregnancy within that time that when i would see my doctor I would just get the right Medication, How wrong I was and nieve I guess too.Hence the waiting time and learning to chart. Also my Doctor wanted to run the obvious tests first before even doing the referral letter. Then the waiting list to see the Fertility doctor at the hospital.Which is where I am at today, Only 1 more cycle and I have my appt.After being on the Waiting list for a year.Emotionally it has crushed me at times but at least some good has come out of it where as I can give others the knowledge and the Importance of planning when to ask for a refferal. A good start is to Chart at least then your doctor can see that you have tried yourself.Also try to take notice of any silly changes that may be occuring around the time of your period.
If it wasnt for my American Friends here who have supported me I would definately have Quit they have kept me going, With there successes and Inspiration that we can get there in the end.
At the end of this page will be a link so as you can goto the Map directly and select your county and Fertility Clinics available for both NHS & Private.It also provides details of meeting groups within your Area.
Before you do this please read on some Important Facts you should know before considering going Private.
Waitng Lists
The waiting lists in the uk to get treatment or help with Fertility on the NHS are long.Anything between 1 year and 18 months depending on the Area.If you are over 30 and been Trying to concieve for over a Year I would certainly start talking to your GP about getting referred to A fertility Doctor.
Going Private
You are entitled to seek both Private and NHS referrals at the same time so long as your GP does two seperate letters for each option.If you have paid for private treatment you may then be excluded for help by the Nhs so check first with your Local Health Authority.Dont just jump into thinking its ok I can be on both lists CHECK FIRST.
Obtaining Drugs from your GP
General Practioner GP
Some women will have problems obtaining Fertility Drugs from there GP,Even going to the extreme of changing GP,s to obtain them,If however you have already been funded for IVF treatment and your GP is unable to provide ovualation enhancing Drugs, speak to your IVF unit they may be able to get the health authority to cover the cost. This means you will not have to change GP,s for that reason as i,m sure like most of us we have good communications between our family doctors.Also GP,s will be more likely to prescribe the fertility meds after you have seen a fertility doctor, GP,s always welcome having the knowledge of how and why these drugs are used.whether follow ups should be taken.
Treatment NHS
National Health Service.
The type of treatment you recieve on the NHS depends on where you live and your circumstances.Each district health authority has its own criteria, Which determines which treatment you can recieve if any.
For example
You may be able to get fertility drugs but not IVF
You may be able to have tubal surgery and not IVF
You may be offered IVF if you are married with no children.
You may only be offered IVF if you fall between a certain age bracket.
You may get funded for treatment and asked to pay for the medication.
So you must check what funding and treatment criteria may apply to you and see if you are eligible for treatment under the NHS.Your local Community Health Council will have a list of the criteria in your area and which treatments would be available.
Questions to Ask yourself and your Partner
Do we want Nhs or private Treatment ?
Is there a choice ?
How long are we prepared to be on a waiting list ?
Is it more stressfull to tell our family & friends about deciding to have fertility treatment ?
Do we both equally feel the same about this ?
How much will it cost especially if going private ?
Can we honestly afford it ?
Is the treatment manageable both emotionally & Financially ?
Full list of UK fertility Organisations http://www.issue.co.uk/records2/table2.htm
Information Obtained from http://www.repromed.co.uk
Issue Fertility Support uk http://www.issue.co.uk/records2/table2.htm
Page created by Joanna (Manager)
