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

   

Meeting at the House of Commons

I've meant to tell you about the meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Infertility for weeks, but am only now finally getting round to it - the picture shows Infertility Network UK Chief Executive Clare Lewis-Jones with the group's Chair, MP for Dartford Gareth Johnson.  Sadly, only one other MP came to join the meeting which was a great shame as it was an opportunity to show support and to help to raise awareness. It was fortunate that so many of those with an interest in fertility who had been invited by the National Infertility Awareness Campaign did turn up - making the meeting feel very well attended.

Clare Lewis-Jones presented the findings of some very interesting research carried out by the National Infertility Awareness Campaign which showed that more than half of all fertility patients had found their GP to be either unhelpful or lacking in knowledge about infertility and treatments when they visited. It must be very difficult for GPs who are expected to be up to date with every health problem and every potential treatment, but one of the problems for fertility patients is the lack of time that they have to give in an appointment when discussing a fertility problem is often difficult and upsetting.

Let's hope that more MPs make time to come along to the next meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Infertility to show their support and to help increase understanding.