Getting started

If you're having problems getting pregnant, see your GP.They will look at your medical history andgive you a physical examination.

They may also recommend some lifestyle changes to help fertility .

Unless there are reasons that may put you at high risk of Infertility , such as cancer treatment, you'll usually only be considered for infertility investigations and treatmentif you've been trying for a baby for at least a year without becoming pregnant.

If appropriate, your GP can refer you to a fertility specialist at an NHS hospital or fertility clinic.

Seeinga fertilityspecialist

The specialist will ask about your fertility history, andmay carry out a physical examination.

Womenmay have tests to check the levels of hormones in their blood and how well their ovaries are working. They may also have an ultrasound scan or X-ray to see if there are any blockages or structural problems.

Men may be asked for a semen sample to test sperm quality.

IfIVF is the best treatment for you, the specialistwill refer you to an assisted conception unit (see below).

Readmore about diagnosing infertility and when IVF is offered on the NHS .

At the assisted conception unit

Once you're accepted for treatment at the assisted conception unit, you and your partner will have blood tests for HIV , hepatitis B and hepatitis C . Your cervical screening tests should also be up to date.

The clinic should also check that you've been offered a screening blood test for sickle cell and thalassaemia if your ancestors come from a country where these conditions are more common. Anyone can ask to have this test forfree on the NHS from their GP or local sickle cell and thalassaemia centre .

If you're planning to use donor eggs, check that these have been screened. All IVF clinics in the UK are required to screen donor eggs and sperm.

The specialist will investigate the amount of eggs in your body and their quality (your ovarian reserve) to estimate how your ovaries willrespond to IVF treatment.

This can be assessed by measuringa substance calledanti-mullerian hormone (AMH) in your blood,or by counting the number of egg-containing follicles, known as your antral follicle count (AFC), using a vaginal ultrasound scan.

Yourspecialist will then discuss your treatment plan with you in detail and talk to you about any support or guidance you may find helpful.

Readmoreabout what happens during IVF and the support available during IVF .