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. The information on this page can be downloaded below, please note to save time it is important to have both the couples details at the time of the referral.

Referral Guidelines


Guidelines for fertility assessment

  • Couples should be advised to lead as healthy a lifestyle as possible while trying to conceive (see NICE Guidelines).
  • Recommend Rubella Antibody Screening plus Folic acid 0.4mg daily while trying to conceive and through first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
  • 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.

Suggested referral criteria to the fertility clinic

All couples should have been co-habiting in a stable relationship for at least 2 years or have a stable marriage if registered with a Shropshire or Telford and Wrekin GP. This criteria is not specified for Welsh patients, however as with all patients, the welfare of the child will be reviewed by the Fertility Centre and treatment may not go ahead if the couple is not co-habiting. The woman must be <35 years of age (Shropshire) or <36 years of age (Telford and Wrekin, Wales)

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

Please refer after 2 years of regular unprotected intercourse, if progesterone and sperm function are satisfactory and if the woman is aged under 35 years.  Refer after 1 year if progesterone or sperm test are abnormal or the woman is aged 35 or older.  In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin the woman must be treated before her 40th birthday. Please refer in plenty of time.

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 after 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.

WHSSC Specialist Fertility Services Policy

 

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Requesting a referral

If your usual electronic referral system is not available please write a letter addressed to the Fertility Centre and send to the address below:

The Shropshire and Mid Wales Fertility Centre,
Severn Fields Health Village,
Sundorne Road,
Shrewsbury,
Shropshire,
SY1 4RQ