Nicky and I went back to the doctor for a follow-up appointment this morning, as he was very honest on Friday and said that he had no idea what fertility options were available on the NHS for same-sex couples. He needed some time to speak to colleagues and find out exactly what the guidelines are for our borough.
He began by saying that he was unable to refer Nicky as she's too young - the guidelines say that she needs to be at least 23, and coincidentally her 23rd birthday is in September - but he can refer me instead! We're referred as a couple, but the referral itself has to be in one of our names so it doesn't matter that I don't want to be the one to carry the baby. He weighed me to check that my BMI is under 30, which it is, said that we would receive our appointment letter in the next week or so, and that was it!
Our appointment at the Assisted Conception Unit will be within the next 18 weeks, which is about mid November, and then treatment should start in the next year. They'll do tests to see what would be the best option for us, but normally the NHS will fund one round of IVF or three rounds of IUI apparently.
Still a long way to go, but it's so exciting that we're in the process! I can't believe it's starting!
That's fantastic that the first few attempts are funded! I wish it were the same here!
ReplyDeleteWe do feel very lucky that we have this opportunity on the NHS. If the first attempt doesn't work, we also have the option of receiving a free round of IVF if we participate in the egg sharing scheme, which is definitely something to consider. Do you have anything similar in Canada?
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