Age limit for IVF

I'm unsure on what it's like now but for our NHS round (south west) we had to try for two years before even being given investigations. That took a good six months or so. Once testing was done we were referred to a consultant for results and NHS referral sent. Took about 8 weeks before I heard anything. Then we chose our clinic. We only had one free round on the NHS in our post code. I had 4 IVF treatments and two IUIs in the end. We started the process in 2020 so may have changed since.

GPs are not fertility experts.
It’s always quick to get a couples fertility MOT privately - then you can use that when you get your appointment in the NHS. Else you will have to repeat all the tests again and it add time to the process .

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-funded-ivf-in-england/nhs-funded-in-vitro-fertilisation-ivf-in-england

I did my tests privately , and waited for my NHS appointment . Once I had my appointment (4 month wait from GP referral) it all moved very quick, as we had all the results , funding came through , and we started the process . It also depends on the indication for IVF that will dictate how long to start etc ( if extra tests needed, counselling , and so on).

I have been in your shoes and the waiting around is the worst.

If you start the process before the age cut off , you will able to finish that cycle . So don’t worry too much about the age limit . I started mine just before I turned 40, and was able to see it through.

thank you. May I ask you which IVF clinic did you choose in the end? Was it the same or you chose private?

@L thank you. At what age did you start the process? My age might dictate how to approach. Cannot wait longer to try naturally after 8 years. It may not happen and the thought is devastating.

I used BCRM (Bristol) for three rounds of ICSI and the IUIs. Our circumstances were very different to the norm though. We didn't get to transfer each time due to egg arrest which was devastating when you pay so much money. So I had to undergo egg collection each round as none were being frozen.

I chose to move clinics for my final round which we used Creat Fertility ABC. One round and I have my 9 month old.

All I can say is, price of treatment does not way over quality. ABC was considerably cheaper than BCRM and some other circumstances (efficiency and administrative) although I know a number of people who had positive outcomes with them with less complex infertility.