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Other services

The Regional Fertility Centre provides a range of other services to assist with the fertility process.

  • Semen analysis service

    Please see our Regional Andrology Service (RAS) page.

  • Sperm storage

    The Regional Fertility Centre can store sperm samples for patients who are about to undergo a treatment or procedure that may affect their long-term fertility, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or certain types of surgery.

    If you require this sperm storage service, you will be referred by the doctor supervising your treatment. Sperm samples may be stored for up to 55 years.

    Before your sperm sample is placed in storage, we must check that you do not carry HIV or hepatitis. Blood tests will be arranged by the referring doctor.

    You will also need to complete the necessary consent forms before your sperm is placed in storage. Consent may be withdrawn or amended at any time should your circumstances change.

  • Sperm donation

    For some couples, the only hope of achieving pregnancy is through treatment with sperm, eggs or embryos donated by others.

    Unfortunately, there is a shortage of egg and sperm donors in the UK. This can result in you waiting a longer time before you are treated.

    A donation of sperm to help a couple have a child is one of the most generous gifts anyone can give.

    If you would like to become a sperm donor, please contact:

    Dr Deborah Lutton, Principal Embryologist
    Regional Fertility Centre
    Belfast Trust
    Grosvenor Road
    Belfast
    BT12 6BA

    Alternatively, you can email: embryology@belfasttrust.hscni.net

    We will send you an information pack on becoming a sperm donor.

  • Embryo and egg donation
    Embryo donation

    For some couples who have both an egg and sperm problem, treatment using embryos (fertilised eggs) from another couple may be the only appropriate treatment.

    A couple who have had treatment at the RFC and have stored embryos they no longer intend to use in treatment may consider donating embryos to another couple.

    To find out more about donating eggs or embryos, or if you know you need donated eggs for treatment contact the Ovum Donor Co-ordinator, Joanne Annette 028 9063 5863 / OvumDonation@belfasttrust.hscni.net

    Egg donation

    For some women treatment, using eggs donates from others is the only treatment option available to them. Some women have become sterile due to surgery or chemotherapy treatment for cancer, some may have undergone an early menopause or have some other hormonal condition and some may carry a genetic condition which is passed on by females.

    Egg donation may be by a known donor, such as a friend or a family member, or anonymously by someone wishing to donate eggs. Sadly we do not have a bank of donors but will advise and assist with recruitment of someone who may be able to help. Our Donation Coordinator will be happy to discuss this with you and may be contacted at 028 9063 5863 / OvumDonation@belfasttrust.hscni.net

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