How to get started

The first step

The first step is usually the hardest - making the 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 available to you.  Whether you have recently become concerned about your fertility or have had treatment elsewhere and want another opinion, we will do our best to help you achieve a successful outcome.  

At the LWC North East, 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.  During the consultation the female partner will have a pelvic ultrasound scan and where applicable the male partner will need a semen analysis.

We can normally book you in for your first appointment within a few days. Appointments can be made between Monday and Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.  

Please call one of our friendly team on 01325 371 070 to book your initial consultation or to ask any questions.

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 probe (covered with a sterile probe cover) is placed just inside your vagina.  If you are allergic to latex rubber you will need to tell the sonographer ahead of your scan so we can use a different cover for you.  The scan does not take long and is not usually painful, but may be a bit uncomfortable.  You will not need a full bladder unless you are unable or uncomfortable to have an internal scan.  In these cases, the scan can be performed abdominally.

Semen analysis

Prior to your consultation, the male partner will need a semen analysi.  The analysis will test for:

• 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 specialists in infertility, gynaecology and/or IVF.  The consultant will complete a detailed review of you and your partner's (where appropriate) medical history and discuss your pelvic ultrasound scan results and semen analysis report.  If you have test results or notes from previous treatments elsewhere it would be a good idea to bring these with you for your specialist to review.  

The specialist will advise you on your fertility and the treatment options you may need to consider.  This is a good time to ask any questions that you might have about your results and the treatments recommended.  We understand that a large amount of medical information can be overwhelming and difficult to comprehend so the specialist will do his/her best to help you understand your results and the treatment options.

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 you may need.  You should be clear by the end of the consultation about your next steps going forward.  You will be given the nursing team's contact details so if you do have any questions they will be able to help you.