hiya I went to see my GP today as it's been since we started TTC, and I am 39, she said they can't do anything on the NHS, I have to be trying more than 2 years to be even considered. I couldn't believe it, I thought after 6 months they could do some checks/tests but nope. She said I am doing everything I can and it's one of those things and it might or might not happen. I came home and all hit me, I cried for a bit as the reality eventually hit me, getting my hopes up every month for something might not ever happen. I never ever thought that this would be me, as I have DD conceived very easily. I thought it would happen again quick but nope and there is nothing I can do about. I just wanted to write here. I know 6 months isn't long but my DH will only try for another 6 months than thats it. I think I have to prepare myself for not having another child, feel sooo sad right now, and in a lonely place, I can't share my feelings with anyone. Thanks for listening x
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GP said they can't do anything
- Thread starter Maximus17
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Big hugs. I know my sister had this problem; she was 36 and still couldn’t be given any help as she went to GP at about 7 months of trying. BUT she did then fall pregnant at 11 months! I hope this gives you some comfort today after your sad day. Take care. Xx
thanks poppy , hopefully it will happen for me as well, I have decided to just move on with my life and not put things on hold as it might never happen. Its quite a shock to my system to accept this, I think 6 months was a big line for me x
JemRose
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Hi Maximus, I'm a bit confused about your GP tbh. I used to work in Obstetrics & Gynaecology in a local hospital as a secretary.
From the knowledge I gained working there, you are entitled to help on the NHS after 12 months of trying if you are a healthy, young couple. However if you are older then you are entitled to help on the NHS after 6 months of trying.
Your GP is wrong in not doing anything for you and saying there is nothing that she can do, because she should be referring you to your local Gynaecology or Fertility Service. There is usually a long waiting list for a first appointment and sometimes they won't do anything for another 6 months, but she should at least do the referral to get the ball rolling, especially if you have already been doing everything you can for 6 months.
Can you ask to see a different GP or get a second opinion?
There is also the option of seeing a consultant privately in the first instance and then being referred to the NHS from that initial appointment.
(I'm a medical secretary at a GP surgery now, so know the ins and outs) It may well be different in other areas, but I have worked in 3 different counties (all close to each other but every county works differently) and this is the case in all the counties I have worked in.
If you need any further advice, feel free to contact me and I'll try to be of any help that I can xx
From the knowledge I gained working there, you are entitled to help on the NHS after 12 months of trying if you are a healthy, young couple. However if you are older then you are entitled to help on the NHS after 6 months of trying.
Your GP is wrong in not doing anything for you and saying there is nothing that she can do, because she should be referring you to your local Gynaecology or Fertility Service. There is usually a long waiting list for a first appointment and sometimes they won't do anything for another 6 months, but she should at least do the referral to get the ball rolling, especially if you have already been doing everything you can for 6 months.
Can you ask to see a different GP or get a second opinion?
There is also the option of seeing a consultant privately in the first instance and then being referred to the NHS from that initial appointment.
(I'm a medical secretary at a GP surgery now, so know the ins and outs) It may well be different in other areas, but I have worked in 3 different counties (all close to each other but every county works differently) and this is the case in all the counties I have worked in.
If you need any further advice, feel free to contact me and I'll try to be of any help that I can xx
xMillie
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I'm pretty sure based on your age they can still offer you basic tests after 6months. I think they just can't offer you some treatments if you have a child already xx
JemRose
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Yeah if you have already had a child, they won't offer you certain treatments on the NHS.
But you are entitled to be referred for the tests such HSG (hysterosalpingogram, which is a scan of the fallopian tubes) , blood tests (day 21 progesterone and hormone levels), lap and dye tests etc (this is done under general anaesthetic, where they check if your tubes are obstructed or not).
Even your GP can do the general hormone blood tests.
I would definitely get a second opinion if you can xx
But you are entitled to be referred for the tests such HSG (hysterosalpingogram, which is a scan of the fallopian tubes) , blood tests (day 21 progesterone and hormone levels), lap and dye tests etc (this is done under general anaesthetic, where they check if your tubes are obstructed or not).
Even your GP can do the general hormone blood tests.
I would definitely get a second opinion if you can xx
Sunflower1
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yes, see a different GP!
Thanks all. I am going back to insist on getting blood tests. I already had lap and hyteroscopy privately to remove endo 3 months ago and I have been told mild endo won’t affect my fertility. Maybe that’s why she couldn’t offer me anything else. However since having my lap I started to get endo pains again I am sure it’s coming back.
I also think this GP doesn’t know anything about hormones as she said once you get LH surge you have already ovulated!!! I think I know more than her when it comes to ovulation. I think what made me upset and emotional is that being told there is nothing they can do about this. I am going to try a different one.
I also think this GP doesn’t know anything about hormones as she said once you get LH surge you have already ovulated!!! I think I know more than her when it comes to ovulation. I think what made me upset and emotional is that being told there is nothing they can do about this. I am going to try a different one.
Sunflower1
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She doesn't know what she's talking about.
MoominGirl
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Agreed. I would definitely go back and push for basic investigations. You're entitled to those after 6 months if you're over 35, even if you have a child as far as I know. It's things like IVF that you likely won't be entitled to. Good luck. If answers are what you need then you are definitely entitled to push for them.
I agree - see a different GP if you can. The NHS website says they can look into it after 6 months if you're over 35. My doc said 7-8 months for some reason but she actually agreed to book in my scan and blood tests before then so that when the time does come around I would already have all of those things done (I think because I showed her my chart of temperatures, LH tests etc and because I have a history of complications around hormones and ovaries). I think it is very dependent on your GP. I also had a similar situation where she didn't really know about luteal phases and LH tests - my acupuncturist told me to request the gp who is a gynae specialist if there is one at your local gp clinic. I think the key is showing them your chart if you have one, explaining your situation and requesting the tests to get more info.
Also, when my doc wasn't wanting to refer me (initially) I did look at a private consultation. I think it was about £200-300 for initial consultation + a couple of tests
Also, when my doc wasn't wanting to refer me (initially) I did look at a private consultation. I think it was about £200-300 for initial consultation + a couple of tests
Sunflower1
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Yes, private fertility tests and treatments isn't that expensive as long as you don't need IVF.
Thanks just an update. I saw another gp and he booked me in for hormone blood tests. I have to have them done when I am on my period so not for a bit yet. But that’s all they booked me in for. What else can get tested for with NHS ?
That is great news! I had the blood tests that you have to have during your period and also had what they call day 21 test (for progesterone) - but I've since learnt that the day you have that test depends on how long your cycle is! Apparently it should be half way through your luteal phase if you know when that is. The other thing they booked me in for is a scan (haven't had that yet but I think it's to look for fibroids, cysts or other problems down there?). I'm not sure if there is anything else. I think theyll look at the results and take it from there. I'm pretty much at the same stage as you. Good luck with it!
Hi Sylva thanks for this. Before I had my lap I had a scan and she said all looked ok and during my lap she checked my tubes etc. Let’s see what my blood results come back with and than I can ask for more tests
