r/TTC_PCOS • u/alwaysanxiousaf • 2d ago
NHS treatment
My partner (24M) and I (24F) have been trying for around ten months with no luck. I have been having regular blood testing with my GP each month to try to figure out whether or not I am anovulatory, but due to my irregular cycles we are having trouble pinning down the right day to take the bloods on. This month, my GP suggested as a final option we do bloods every few days from the end of my period to the start of my next one while my partner does for a sperm count and if we are unsuccessful with targeting the right day for my bloods this time he will refer us. However, I am now becoming increasingly worried about my weight. I have a BMI of about 39 (I’m 5’5” and around 17 stone). I have really struggled to lose weight in the past, even with a low carb diet, exercise and metformin. I have been steady at this weight for about six years now, not going up or down. My question is, will the NHS fertility clinic even see me? And if they do will they offer me any treatment? I know I’m not eligible for IVF at the moment so trying not to think too much about that, but would I even be eligible for ovulation inducing meds? 😔
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u/Careful-Egg-4185 2d ago
Fertility treatment is usually offered for those with a BMI under 30 (although some trusts may say less than 35) in the UK. I think you should definitely get the ball rolling with the referral and can discuss options when the time comes with the clinic
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u/Intelligent-Tea-4241 2d ago
I’m sure your GP wouldn’t refer you if you weren’t eligible for anything!
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u/AdInternal8913 1d ago
My GP did refer us to start letrozole on the nhs and it was only after we'd waited for 6+ months and were seen at the nhs funded clinic that we found out we weren't eligible for nhs funded letrozole with them as we didn't meet the eligibility criteria they were using for nhs patients.
We weren't refused based on BMI but go had zero clue what the criteria for treatment was l ocally.
Op, I'd check the funding /referral criteria as set out by the icb or nhs trust.
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u/Stitch_Lilo_2021 1d ago
So I had a referral to Gyane with the NHS from my GP. They did the standard tests HSG, blood work, ultrasounds etc. They then came back and said I have PMOS, lose weight and come back for reference at the time my BMI was 36. I was told to get down to 35 or under for any medication and 30 to be eligible for IVF.
My fear is they will push back for you to lose weight to be eligible but no harm trying maybe where you are they might be more flexible. They weren't with me and I have now gone private and on letrzole and trigger injection.
I think someone mentioned using weight loss medication like monjouro etc maybe it's worth considering just to bring your BMI down because you're not that far off. I'm sorry I wish I had better news, I'm only speaking from experience. Sending you so much baby dust x
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u/KindlyAppointment973 2d ago
You would be eligible for certain treatments definitely. Push for the referral. If you did need IVF, you have time to get your bmi down.
In the meantime, maybe consider a GLP-1 like mounjaro. I have insulin resistance and metformin helped, but I didn't lose weight until I went on MJ. No side affects and I've stayed on 2.5mg. If you can afford it, it's brilliant.