GPs lack knowledge and empathy when it comes to fertility problems...

As you may remember reading on this blog a few months ago (yes, we're often ahead with the news...), research for the National Infertility Awareness Campaign has found that nearly half of all GPs lacked knowledge about infertility and treatment and many found that their family doctors were very unsympathetic.

It's a great shame as showing a little compassion can go a long way when it comes to fertility problems, and the NIAC research makes me realise how fortunate I was when I first went to see my GP about not getting pregnant as he immediately offered to do some tests and set us on our way.  He was very matter of fact about it all, which was actually really helpful as it made me realise that this was a common problem and that there were things we could do.

What's even more depressing about the NIAC survey is the fact that a third of women who should qualify for fertility investigations and treatment are turned away by their doctors and made to wait.  The results of the survey would suggest that it's always worth getting a second opinion if you feel your doctor isn't taking the problem seriously.  I know how hard it can be as not being able to conceive often erodes your self-confidence and you may not feel able to argue your case when faced with an unsympathetic GP - but it may make all the difference in the long run.

You can find more details about the NIAC research on the Infertility Network UK website

   

IVF cuts - make your feelings known...

It was depressing to get back from my holiday and discover that one Primary Care Trust had decided to stop funding fertility treatment due to the recession.

It's an easy way to look as if you are being thrifty - but the ridiculous thing is that it actually saves a very small amount of money whilst causing a huge amount of heartache. I heard an estimate the other day that in total fertility funding was less than 0.1% of the NHS budget. I suspect far more could be saved by a more careful monitoring of exactly what can be covered by executive expenses - and that wouldn't cause any heartache to anyone.

Clare Lewis-Jones MBE, chair of the National Infertility Awareness Campaign and Chief Executive of Infertility Network UK has made her feelings clear, urging Warrington PCT to rethink the decision; “We are very angry indeed at the decision taken by Warrington PCT to suspend funding for IVF treatment. The PCT has suggested that infertility does not affect general physical health but we deal with patients every day who contact us and whose health has been adversely affected by this illness. NICE Guidance issued in 2004 recommended eligible couples should receive up to three full cycles of treatment. It is high time that PCTs realised the impact infertility has on patients."

I think sometimes Primary Care Trusts are too quick to listen to the small but vociferous minority who oppose fertility treatment and to take their views as being representative. People who are living without the children they'd love are often so adversely affected by their situation that they feel unable to make a fuss when PCTs make decisions like this. Maybe you could help them. Tell Warrington PCT Chair, Mr John Gartside, what you think about the decision.

Mr John Gartside
Warrington Primary Care Trust
Headquarters
930-932 Birchwood Boulevard
Millennium Park
Birchwood
Warrington WA3 7QN