What to Expect From Your GP
You should get enough time with your GP to talk through your difficulties fully, so do not settle for less.
When you first go to see your GP about your problems in having a baby, it may be worth telling the receptionist that you will be some time with the doctor.
If there is an appointment system, you could ask for double time, so that you can explain properly.
You should be able to get basic tests done on yourself and your partner.
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, these may include tests to confirm ovulation, blood checks, hormone tests, temperature charts and semen analysis for the partner.
You should be able to get information about services.
Your doctor should know, or be able to find out, whether the local health authority pays for assisted conception.
If it does not, then the GP should be prepared to ask the local health authority for an extra-contractual referral if appropriate.
The GP should be able to refer you to a counsellor.
The drugs used in assisted conception are extremely expensive.
Even if you have to go to a private clinic for treatment, your GP will often be prepared to prescribe them for you on the NHS.
However, there is some dispute as to whether they should prescribe drugs when they are not supervising their' use.
Some may have a limit on the number of times they will prescribe drugs, or they may ask to see you between treatment cycles.
You will not usually be able to sign on with a particular doctor just to get a prescription for IVF drugs.
If you have difficulty with your GP, then you may wish to change doctors.
Some are opposed to IVF in principle, others are hostile to patients receiving treatment in the private sector.
Yours may have sound medical grounds for opposing your desire for IVF treatment.
But if not, if the opposition is ideological or unreasonable, or if the GP is unhelpful or unsympathetic, then find one who will provide the support you need.
Either ask your friends about neighbourhood doctors, or get information from your local Family Health Services Authority, which is responsible for GP services in your area, or your Community Health Council, which is the local patients' watchdog organisation.
When you first go to see your GP about your problems in having a baby, it may be worth telling the receptionist that you will be some time with the doctor.
If there is an appointment system, you could ask for double time, so that you can explain properly.
You should be able to get basic tests done on yourself and your partner.
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, these may include tests to confirm ovulation, blood checks, hormone tests, temperature charts and semen analysis for the partner.
You should be able to get information about services.
Your doctor should know, or be able to find out, whether the local health authority pays for assisted conception.
If it does not, then the GP should be prepared to ask the local health authority for an extra-contractual referral if appropriate.
The GP should be able to refer you to a counsellor.
The drugs used in assisted conception are extremely expensive.
Even if you have to go to a private clinic for treatment, your GP will often be prepared to prescribe them for you on the NHS.
However, there is some dispute as to whether they should prescribe drugs when they are not supervising their' use.
Some may have a limit on the number of times they will prescribe drugs, or they may ask to see you between treatment cycles.
You will not usually be able to sign on with a particular doctor just to get a prescription for IVF drugs.
If you have difficulty with your GP, then you may wish to change doctors.
Some are opposed to IVF in principle, others are hostile to patients receiving treatment in the private sector.
Yours may have sound medical grounds for opposing your desire for IVF treatment.
But if not, if the opposition is ideological or unreasonable, or if the GP is unhelpful or unsympathetic, then find one who will provide the support you need.
Either ask your friends about neighbourhood doctors, or get information from your local Family Health Services Authority, which is responsible for GP services in your area, or your Community Health Council, which is the local patients' watchdog organisation.
