You may be referred to a regional fertility hub by a GP or a consultant if you are having problems getting pregnant.
After we get your referral
We'll contact you after we get your referral.
We'll send you an information pack which includes a questionnaire. There will be a separate one for your partner, if you're in a couple. You need to complete and return these questionnaires to us.
After we get these, we arrange tests for you and your partner, if you're in a couple.
What happens
Watch a video about what happens next when a regional fertility hub team gets your referral from your GP.
Your first visit to a regional fertility hub
Your first visit to your regional fertility hub is usually for tests.
The first 3 tests we do are:
- AMH blood tests - to check how many eggs you may have in your ovaries
- pelvic ultrasound - to check for cysts, fibroids or severe endometriosis
- sperm tests - to check the quality and number of sperm
These tests may be on different days.
We will then make an appointment for you and your partner to meet a consultant together.
Meeting your consultant
A consultant will meet you and your partner.
They will talk to you and go through your:
- medical history
- fertility problems
- any test results they have
They will talk to you about next steps and any treatment you may need.
After you meet your consultant
The next steps may be:
- more tests
- treatment
- going to another specialist
You may meet your consultant again to go through test results and your treatment options.
Other tests you may have
You may have specialist tests at a regional fertility hub.
These include:
- blood tests - to check for other hormones
- HyCoSy scans or HSG x-rays - to check your womb and fallopian tubes
- laparoscopy - to check your womb, fallopian tubes, ovaries and bowel for any signs of infection, scarring or endometriosis
- hysteroscopy - to check the inside of your womb
Treatment you may need
The treatment you need depends on what's affecting your fertility.
The treatment you may be offered at a regional fertility hub includes:
- advice about things you or your partner can do to help your chances of getting pregnant
- tablets or injections for women who are not ovulating (producing an egg every month)
- medicine to improve sperm production
- surgery for ovarian cysts, endometriosis, tubal disease or pelvic scarring
- surgery to unblock or repair the tubes that transport sperm
- specialist fertility treatment like IVF - there is different access criteria for this