IVF treatment

[gingerflaps]

hi.

can you recieve I.V.F treatment on the N.H.S, if you can then what are the conditions (if any) and also how long does it take. I have been off the pill or over a year now and me and my partner want a child, so i think its time we considered IVF but we dont know much about it, apart from the fact that its quite expensive and we cant really afford it.

[lady_p_gold]

Not sure of your age, but one year sounds a little early to think of something like IVF ... are you taking your temperature or using an ovulation kit to see if you are ovulating .... ???

[gingerflaps]

yes i am keeping my eye on my ovulation days. i fell pregnant 3 years ago but had a miscarriage, and just recently my mum told me that all the women in my family have got problems concerning pregnancy and my aunts and my nan had several miscarriges, also we think my partner may have a low sperm count. We are going to see the doctor for a chat and some check-ups. by the way I am 25, and he is 33.

[malaise]

I believe (and this is just through watching documentaries!) that you have to be trying naturally for 2.5 years before the NHS will fund IVF. Your doctor should be able to confirm this, though.

[Slooow_Jo]

gingerflaps after your mum's information I would not be surprised if your 'stressing' which wont help you conceive :( try not to worry a year is too soon to start thinking its not going to happen :)

Just enjoy the practise in the meantime ;)
Good luck xx

[kazzianne]

I have had IVF but I had to pay for it privately as at the time the NHS wouldnt allow me a free attemt as I already had 3 children.Having said that I was speaking to my friend lastnight and her sister has had free IVF -she has children already and she is 41.So different rules in different areas I would say.

[Sparkles3]

Obviously don't know your exact circumstances, but after not conceiving for about a year or two, my husband and I were checked out by the doctor and I was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries.

I had fertility treatment for my 2, but it was just Clomid/clomiphene for the first and clomid and metformin for the second. This just means taking a few tablets each month to regulate the cycle. If the clomid hadn't worked the second time, then I was going onto some hormone injections. This was all before IVF needed to be considered. Hopefully the doctor will be able to pinpoint your problems (even if it's nothing) and advise you on the best course of action.

With a low sperm count, IVF may be the only available option, I don't know. Other useful things that apparently improve sperm count is zinc, Vit C, and cutting down on alcohol. I'm sure there are lots more suggestions if you google it! Good luck, I know how frustrating it can be.