fertility treatment

[windycity8]

is it true that you have to pay/go private to get fertility treatment over the age of 30? my sister is 43 and has tried for 5 years for a baby now without success. she was told by her doctor she couldnt be referred on the nhs. surely if youve never had kids before then the first attempt should be nhs.

[sara3]

I'm sure this varies from one health trust to another.. that old postcode lottery.

[karenmac60]

I looked into this recently and although each health authority might have their own regulations, the guidelines (in Scotland anyway - not sure if it's the same all over UK) are that treatment should start before the woman's 38th birthday. They also state that you are not entitled to treatment if either party already has children. There were recommendations to up this to 40th birthday and no kids together as a couple but I don't think they were ever implemented.

[China Doll]

Ask the GP for certainty but I believe the general rule is above 40 then there will be no NHS referral for IVF.

[windycity8]

not particularly talking ivf just being referred to a specialist to question things primarily.