Fertility and reproductive medicine patient information

Find out what to expect from your appointment with our fertility and reproductive medicine service.

Before your appointment

Referrals to this service should include details of any partner, if you are seeking NHS funded treatment together. It is important if you have a partner/spouse and you are seeking treatment together, that you both attend the appointment. You are also welcome to ask for a chaperone. This is to enable us to conduct the consultation in full and agree any subsequent treatment which may be appropriate.

You will be sent some information ahead of your first appointment, which will detail more about what to expect at your initial consultation.

It is helpful if you can bring copies of results from any completed investigations (either from your GP or any previous fertility assessments) to your appointment. You should also bring with you a list of any medications, over the counter or prescribed, and any vitamins or herbal supplements that you are taking.

During your appointment

We are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.

At our clinics, waiting times are typically around 30 minutes, and most appointments take about 30 minutes. At your initial appointment the doctor will review your history, may examine you and will arrange for further investigations and tests. These could include ultrasound scans or blood tests.

After your appointment

We will send your GP a clinic letter summarising your consultation and any plans for tests or treatments. We will send you a copy of this letter, and if appropriate, we will offer you a follow-up appointment.

Overseas visitors

Since 21 August 2017, those exempt from charge under Regulation 10 (health surcharge arrangements) or 11 (transitional arrangements) are not exempt from charge in relation to assisted conception services. Checks may need to be completed to ensure you and your partner, if you have one, are eligible for assisted conception funded by the NHS. If you have any queries with relation to this please contact the overseas office.