Patient stories

"We were treated on the NHS"

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.

 

"There are long waiting lists in our area"

Helena, 34, a business management consultant, and her husband Ian, 34, a surveyor, had private fertility treatment.

They live in London and now have a daughter, Sienna, who is a year old. Helena tells their story.

 

 

"Ask about support or counselling options"

Caroline, 35, and her husband Andrew, 36, a farmer, live near Sevenoaks, and have unexplained infertility.

Their daughter, Adelaide, who is now four, was born after IVF. Caroline tells their story.

 

 

"Learn what you can about treatment"

Seeta, 33, and her husband Tahir, 40, had been trying for a baby for a year without success. Initial tests suggested PCOS, which later proved not to be the case. After treatment the couple, who live in Kilbarchan, Scotland, had their daughter, Hema.

Seeta tells their story:

 

 

"What do you do when you want children and you are single?"

Ruth was 39 when her sister challenged her to make her dream of motherhood a reality.  Aware that her fertility was declining, but without a partner, Ruth remembered a friend´s suggestion that they should have a baby together.

Ruth tells her story:

 

"We felt left out, not having a baby"

Kate, 37, a self-employed advisory teacher and her husband Rupert, 40, programme manager at a college of further education, live in Twickenham.

They had their son, Louis, aged 18 months, after three attempts at IVF. Kate tells their story:

 

 

"Give yourself time"

Annette, 35, a civil servant and Alan, 39, a chartered surveyor from Rhondda in South Wales, had been trying for a baby without success for two years.

Tests revealed that poor sperm motility could be the reason. Annette tells their story.

 

"A child has the right to know"

Judy, 52, and her husband Matthew, 42, have a son, Patrick, 12, who was conceived by donor insemination (DI).

Judy tells their story.

 

 

"Our decision evolved over about five years"

Barbara, an IT consultant, had to have an ovary removed as a result of an ovarian cyst, and she also had blocked fallopian tubes. Her husband Jeremy has low sperm motility. Despite four attempts at IVF, treatment failed to work and they decided not to carry on.

Barbara tells their story.