When and how to refer

When and how GPs can refer a patient to the fertility centreIVF might be the answer to fertility problems

This page provides information on the referral criteria for the Shropshire and Mid-Wales Fertility Centre. Please note to save time it is important to have both individual’s details at the time of the referral if they are seeking treatment as a couple.

Referral Guidelines

Guidelines for fertility assessment

  • Couples should be advised to lead as healthy a lifestyle as possible while trying to conceive for example maintaining a healthy BMI and not smoking (see NICE Guidelines).
  • Recommend Folic acid 0.4mg daily while trying to conceive and through first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Consider screening for Rubella antibodies.
  • If there is no pregnancy after 1 year of regular, unprotected intercourse, check luteal phase progesterone level (7 days before next expected period) and request a sperm function test.
  • Please refer your patient after 2 years of regular unprotected intercourse, if progesterone and sperm function are satisfactory. Refer after 1 year if progesterone or sperm test are abnormal.

 

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin the woman must be treated before her 40th birthday in line with local policy. GPs are therefore asked to refer in plenty of time.  Where a patient is under 35, they can be referred after 2 years of regular unprotected intercourse if progesterone and sperm function are satisfactory.  Where the patient is 35 years or older, they can be referred after 1 year or if progesterone or sperm test are abnormal.

Below is a link to the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Policy.  In particular note pages 9-10 which cover the conditions of referral from Primary to Secondary care.

Policy for the Management of Fertility – Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

Wales

Please refer couples who have been trying to conceive for 2 years, or sooner if there is a known reason for the infertility or if the woman is 36 years or over.  Women aged less than 40 years are entitled to two cycles of IVF compared to 1 cycle if the woman is 40-42 years of age.  Please ensure a timely referral is made.

Referrals can also be sent for single women and same sex couples to investigate whether they have any infertility problems.

WHSSC Specialist Fertility Services Policy 

Requesting a referral

All referrals must be made via your usual electronic referral system.