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.
These tests are free. You may choose to do these tests privately. But you may still have to do some again at your regional fertility hub if needed.
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