About one in seven couples in the United Kingdom have difficulty conceiving and the chance of spontaneous conception is reduced when the woman is over 30. Couples are generally advised to seek medical advice if they have not conceived after 12 months. In cases where there is a known history of tubal damage, problems with ovulation, a sperm disorder or endometriosis, it may be appropriate to seek medical advice earlier.
Mr Pickersgill's expertise is keyhole surgery, particularly for people with fertility problems
85% of women under 35 will conceive within the first year to trying if they have regular unprotected sex. This figure increases to 95% by the end of the second year. For women over 35 years old, the proportion who will conceive within the first and second year will be lower. Couples are generally only diagnosed as infertile if they have not had a baby after two years of trying. There are a number of causes of infertility however in up to a third of cases a cause cannot be identified.
The key to understanding infertility and increasing your chance of conception is seeking medical advice and specialist treatment.
Spire Regency Hospital offers the following services:-
- ovulation induction clinic (for women with problems with ovulation)
- reproductive endocrinology clinic (for women with polycystic ovary syndrome or other female hormonal disorders)
- ovarian reserve screening (for women who wish to have tests to investigate their ovarian reserve)
- satellite scanning for women having treatment in other IVF centres (e.g. in Spain or elsewhere in the UK)
If appropriate, specific blood tests and ultrasound scans are carried out at each visit.
Our consultant gynaecologists Mr Andrew Pickersgill and Mr Edmond Edi-Osagie will offer you the investigations, treatment and support you require.
To make an appointment
Your GP can refer you or you can self refer. Private medical insurance may require a GP referral but not all companies will cover infertility investigations. Mr Pickersgill and Mr Edi-Osagie have regular clinics and you will normally be given an appointment within 7 to 10 days
When should I make an appointment, can I visit at any stage in my menstrual cycle?
You can attend the consultation at any stage of your cycle.
Will both my partner and I be seen at the clinic?
Yes, infertility can be caused by both male and female factors.
How long before I get the results?
Most test results are available within one week. Some hormonal blood tests will be available after 10 days.