Fertility investigations
Investigations are often initiated by the GP for either the male of female, or for both at the same time. Occasionally patients can refer themselves, or be referred by a doctor other than their GP. In this case, investigations are organised by our nursing and medical staff.
Firstly, we need to find out whether the female is ovulating (releasing an egg every 4-6 weeks), and her fallopian tubes are not blocked or damaged. These are checked using a series of hormonal blood tests and a tubal patency test called a HSG. For more information, visit our Investigations page.
We also check whether the male is producing sperm that are of the right number and quality. This is checked using a semen analysis.
Treatments
NUH Life’s holistic approach to treatment is to utilise therapies with a proven track record, and to start with the simplest first.
This often begins with a simple form of drug treatment to help to encourage regular ovulation, such as Clomid or Letrozole. We may suggest moving onto intra-uterine insemination (IUI) if this is unsuccessful, which is the least invasive/complex form of assisted conception.
We only recommend more complex therapies such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) if it’s right for you. If the investigations suggest that intervention with IVF is necessary, there will be no delays in organising this. For further information, visit our Treatments page.
Fertility preservation (sperm banking)
Sperm storage, often referred to as ‘sperm banking’, is a means of preserving male fertility by processing and freezing sperm for later use.
NUH Life has considerable experience in this area and have provided the service in Nottingham for many years, usually for patients embarking on a therapy which may render them infertile or sterile. These include:
- Chemotherapy/radiotherapy
- Urological surgery e.g. Prostate, Bladder, Testicular Biopsy, Vasectomy
- Spinal Surgery
- Gender re-assignment
- Men who have what is considered a ‘high risk’ occupation such as the armed forces
- Some men also store sperm as part of a treatment for infertility, although this is not usually ‘long term’.
If you are a patient and want more details on sperm banking, click here for more detailed information.
Fertility preservation for the female
As we are not an IVF centre, we cannot offer egg (oocyte) or embryo storage as a means of preserving female fertility. However, if you speak to our senior nurse specialists we can put you in touch with high quality local IVF centres that can help.