Referral
The Fertility Centre only accepts referrals from GPs, hospital consultants and other health boards but do not accept self referrals. Couples can contact the centre directly for information and advice.
Couples who have been trying to become pregnant for 12-18 months should consider attending their GP for discussion and possible referral to the fertility clinic. Some couples may seek referral sooner than this as there may be an obvious reason why a pregnancy is not being achieved eg absent or irregular periods, abdominal/genital surgery, previous fertility treatment and advancing age.
Couples who have had IVF treatment elsewhere and wish to come to the Aberdeen Assisted Reproduction Unit should be referred by their GP or the doctor that has provided the fertility treatment.
What can I do?
A few lifestyle issues have been linked to both male and female fertility, these include smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, body weight, diet and exercise.
For further information see Lifestyle (PI-GN-0019) and BMI Calculator (PI-GN-0029)
What should my GP do?
When you attend your GP surgery he/she should take a full history from both you and your partner highlighting any potential problems. They should discuss and if necessary arrange basic investigations such as blood tests to confirm ovulation, immunity to German Measles and sperm analysis tests. If you are under 30 years a Chlamydia test is recommended for all females. Your GP may examine both of you including an internal examination for the female and a genital examination for the male. The results of these tests should be discussed with you at your surgery and if referral is appropriate your doctor will write to the Fertility Clinic forwarding any test results that are available.
For further information see Semen Analysis (0577)
What happens next?
When your referral letter arrives at the Fertility Clinic a patient questionnaire is sent to you. This questionnaire should be completed by both partners and returned to the clinic as soon as possible. It is only when a completed questionnaire is received that an appointment for the clinic will be sent out.