If you’re having problems getting pregnant, see your GP.
Your GP will look at your medical history and give you a physical examination. They may also recommend some lifestyle changes to help fertility.
Unless there are reasons that may put you at high risk of infertility, such as treatment for cancer in the past, you’ll only be considered for infertility investigations and treatment after you’ve been trying for a baby for at least a year without becoming pregnant.
Your GP will be able to refer you to an infertility specialist at an NHS hospital or fertility clinic.
Referral to an infertility specialist
The specialist will ask about your fertility history, and they may carry out a physical examination.
For women, you may have tests to check the levels of hormones in the blood as well how well the ovaries are working. You may also have an ultrasound or X-ray, to see if there are any blockages or structural problems.
Men may be asked for a sperm sample to test sperm quality.
If the specialist thinks that your infertility could be treated by IVF, or if you’ve been unable to conceive for at least three years, you may qualify for funding for IVF treatment.
The specialist will advise your GP whether IVF is the best treatment for you. If it is, they will refer you to an assisted conception unit (see below).
For more information, see the Health A-Z topic on Diagnosing infertility.
The assisted conception unit
Once you’re accepted for treatment at the assisted conception unit, you and your partner will have a blood test for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis, and to check that you’re immune to rubella (German measles). Also, your cervical screening tests should be up to date.
The specialist will investigate the amount of eggs in your body and their quality (your ovarian reserve). It will be assessed by measuring your anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) level. This is a blood test that can be done on any day of your cycle. It will show if there’s likely to be any difficulty in obtaining eggs.
Additional semen samples may be required.
The specialist will then discuss your treatment plan with you in full detail.
For more information see IVF – How it is performed.
You will need to sign consent forms giving permission for the use or storage of your eggs, sperm or embryos throughout the procedure.
You may find that you need support and guidance while going through this process. Some people find counselling helpful. For more information, go to HFEA: benefits of counselling and how to access it.
