Your GP or consultant may refer you to a regional fertility hub if you have problems getting pregnant.
After a referral
After we get your referral, we send you an information pack and questionnaire. If you are in a couple, there are separate questionnaires for you and your partner. You need to complete and return the questionnaires to the regional fertility hub.
After we get the questionnaires, we may arrange tests.
Waiting times
It may take between 3 and 6 months after a referral to see a specialist. Waiting times may vary between regional hubs.
Your first visit to a fertility hub
Your first visit to the regional fertility hub is usually for tests, such as:
- 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
You may have tests on different days.
If you paid for private tests before, you may need to do some tests again at the regional fertility hub.
What happens after a regional fertility hub team gets your referral (video)
Meeting your consultant
After the tests, we will make an appointment for you and your partner to meet a consultant together.
At your appointment, the consultant will talk to you about:
- your medical history
- your fertility problems
- any test results available
- the next steps and any treatment you may need
After you meet your consultant
After the appointment with the consultant, the next steps may be:
- more tests
- treatment
- going to another specialist
Tests and treatment explained (video)
Other tests you may have
You may have other specialist tests such as:
- blood tests
- 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
You may meet your consultant again to talk about your test results and treatment options.
Treatment at a fertility hub
Treatment depends on what affects your fertility.
Treatment may include:
- advice about things that can improve your chances of getting pregnant
- medicines if you do not ovulate (produce 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 carry sperm
- specialist fertility treatment such as IVF if you meet access criteria