How to get started

The first step

The first step is usually the hardest - making that initial call.  But remember, you are not alone; simply phone us in the strictest confidence and one of our friendly team will help guide you through the options open to you.  Whether you have recently become concerned about your fertility, looking to have treatment as a single woman or lesbian couple, or looking for a second opinion we will do our best to help you achieve a successful outcome.  

We can generally offer an initial consultation within a few days, and for your convenience we offer appointments Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm as well as some Saturday appointments.

Here at the LWC, the first step is to come into the clinic for an initial consultation. All of our patients require a consultation before they start any treatment with us.  This is a chance for the specialist to meet you, discuss your medical history, advice you on your fertility and start to plan your treatment.  During the consultation the female partner will have a pelvic ultrasound scan and where applicable the male partner will need a semen analysis.

Please call us on 020 7563 4309 to speak to one of our helpful staff with any questions you have and to book your first appointment. 

Please note that we require credit/debit card details in order to confirm your appointment. You will need to give 24 hours notice for a change or cancellation of an appointment or this will be chargeable (the full consultation fee). In cases of appointments scheduled for Saturdays, there is a charge applicable for any changes or cancellations (the full consultation fee) made at any time after the initial booking. 

Your treatment will be overseen by a team of professionals including consultants, nurses, counsellor and coach, working together to provide a seamless journey from the moment you book your initial consultation.  It may not always be possible to see the same nurse or consultant but the clinic will do the utmost to make sure your treatment is stress free.

Pelvic ultrasound scan

One of our experienced Sonographers will perform a pelvic ultrasound scan of your womb and your ovaries on the day of your consultation.  The ultrasound will detect any cysts or polyps that may cause any problems with your fertility.  The ultrasound proble (covered with a sterile probe cover) is placed just inside your vagina.  The scan does not take long and is not usually painful, but may be a bit uncomfortable.  You do not need to attend with a full bladder unless you are unable or uncomfortable to have an internal scan.  It is also important that you tell us if you are allergic to latex rubber.

Semen analysis

Prior to the consultation, we would suggest that the male partner has a semen analysis.  The analysis will test for 

• the number of sperm present
• the number of sperm that are moving (motility)
• the number of sperm that are normally formed (morphology)
• whether there are anti-sperm antibodies present (MAR)
• whether or not an infection is present in the sample

The male partner will need to abstain from any form of sexual contact for three days (no more, no less) before the semen analysis takes place.

Consultation with the specialist

You will meet with one of our experienced consultants who are all specialists in fertility, gynaecology and/or IVF.  The consultant will complete a detailed review of you and your partner's (where applicable) medical history and discuss your pelvic ultrasound scan results and semen analysis report.  If you have have test results or treatment notes from previous clinics that are relevant to your future treatment, we would suggest that you bring these along to your consultation for the specialist to review.

Following the review of your medical history and results, the specialist will advise you on your fertility and the treatment options that you may need to consider and discuss these with you in detail.  This is a good time to ask any questions that you might have about your results and the treatments you have been recommended.  We understand that a large amount of medical information may be overwhelming and difficult to comprehend so the specialist will do his/her best to help you understand your results and the treatment options available.

Nursing consultation

Following the initial consultation you will meet a specialist fertility nurse who will talk you through your treatment plan, including any necessary drugs and further tests that you may need, and answer any further questions that you might have. Your nurse will also go over your paper work.  

By the end of the consultation you should be clear about your next steps towards treatment with us.  You will be given the nursing team's contact details so if you do have any questions you can be sure that someone will be able at the end of the phone and ready to help.