Support and advice from a GP is the first step in managing what can be a long and very emotionally draining journey.
Dept of Health Eligibility Criteria for publicly funded treatment.
As a GP, it is very helpful to the Regional Fertility Centre if anything specific can be identified as being a factor in the couple’s or patient’s infertility. Relevant information to be included in the GP referral letter:
- Menstrual history
- Medical history
- Previous pregnancies
- Frequency and timing of sexual intercourse
- Lifestyle factors
- BMI
Appropriate investigations carried out prior to referral will allow more information to be given to the couple at their first consultation. IVF/ICSI assisted conception treatment is provided to the patient within 12 months from the date the patient’s name is put on the waiting list and that their name cannot be added to the waiting list until all the investigations have been completed. Early investigations should speed up the pathway for fertility treatment. Waiting times vary due to demand over the year. Investigations are as follows:
- Rubella screening
- Chlamydia screening- female
- Hormone levels – Day 2 or 3 FSH and Oestradiol of cycle if regular cycle
- Random FSH, LH, Oestradiol, Prolactin if irregular/infrequent periods
- Semen analysis (if available)
If semen analysis shows azoospermia, examination of the male as well as blood tests – hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin) and male karyotype, would be useful information to have in advance of Regional Fertility Centre consultation.
We do not provide a recurrent miscarriage service.
When to refer
Normally referral should take place after the inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy after one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, or the inability of a woman to carry a pregnancy to live birth.
Address referrals to:
Appointments
Ground Floor East Wing, RVH
Belfast Trust
Grosvenor Road
Belfast
BT12 6BA