Making an Appointment
It is usual to have to wait one to two weeks for an appointment. You will need to bring a referral from your GP, and any tests or scans results you already have.
However, we do appreciate it can be a stressful time, and would like to reassure you that you will be cared for professionally and with care and respect. You will always be greeted warmly, and seen by familiar faces. It is a time to express your concerns and ask all the questions you need answered.

Starting your treatment
You can start treatment as soon as you are ready, following your initial appointment.
Each treatment is divided into cycles, starting with the beginning of your period and ending either with your next period or a pregnancy 4 weeks later.

About IVF
Are there any risks with IVF?
Overall IVF is a safe treatment. Some women notice the side effects of extra hormone levels in the body, but this usually passes after the next period. Occasionally, the effect of stimulating the ovaries results in hyperstimulation, resulting in enlarged ovaries and fluid accumulation in the abdomen. This may require hospital treatment.
On rare occasions IVF may result in ovarian infections or bleeding.

What tests are usually performed?
We will routinely specify some testing to determine the reason why a pregnancy is not occurring.
In the female partner we will seek to determine any problem in the pelvis, such as endometriosis or blocked tubes. This usually involves ultrasound, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.
We will also request some tests at the time of your period, which can include hormone levels, chromosome abnormailities, pelvic infection screen, and tests to determine and increased risk of blood clots.
In addition to these we will usually require 4-5 blood tests are taken during the cycle to determine whether ovulation is occurring normally.

For the male partner tests can include determining the vitality of the semen, and blood tests to determine hormone levels, chromosome abnormailities, and the presence of any infections.