Sara's story
Sara, 34, a civilian in the police force, has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and her husband Kevin, 40, a police officer, has a variable sperm count. After treatment the couple, who live in the Midlands, are expecting their first baby. Sara tells their story:
Treatment time
"We were treated on the NHS and only had to pay an extra £270 to have our embryos frozen. We had no problems getting NHS treatment as I'm under 38 and have no children. We couldn't have had treatment if we had not been eligible because we were not prepared to bankrupt ourselves for a baby. I took fertility drugs and was offered several other treatments before being offered IVF. Our first two attempts failed but on the third attempt we used ICSI as well and I conceived."
Feelings
"We've been open right from the start and friends and family have been very supportive. Several couples at work have approached us for help and advice. You feel different but we have joined a support group which has helped."
Our relationship
"On the whole it hasn't affected our relationship. As we have been so open with everyone else we don't feel we have to talk about it with each other all the time and so far we have been alright."
Our tips
- "Find out what you can about your options. We knew little when we started and sometimes I feel we don't know very much as there are always new things coming out. I have tried to look up things but until you are lying there you don't know what's going to happen or how it will affect you."
- "Keep a sense of perspective. At the end of the day it's not the end of the world if it doesn't work."
- "Get support. There's nothing to be ashamed of. Just because you can't conceive you are not a freak."
Page last updated: 28 August 2009
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In vitro fertilisation (IVF) literally means ‘fertilisation in glass’ giving us the familiar term ‘test tube baby’.