Referral - Assisted Reproduction Unit
The Assisted Reproduction Unit provides self funded treatment to those that need IVF/ICSI, Egg and Embryo Donation, Super Ovulation and Intra-Uterine Insemination. An appointment can be arrange within four weeks of referral. Referral can be made by GPs or Doctors that have undertaken investigations within other hospitals or clinics. Contact a.r.mctavish@abdn.ac.uk for further information.
Patients that are seen in the NHS Fertility Centre that need IVF/ICSI, Egg and Embryo Donation, Super Ovulation and Intra-Uterine Insemination can be referred for either NHS or self funded treatment. NHS funding waiting lists vary as shown in the waiting times section.
Referral - Fertility Clinic (NHS)
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.
Referral - Andrology Laboratory
For GP's referring patients to the Andrology Laboratory please refer to the Andrology Service User Guide (GL-AN-0001).
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.