Query about fertility clinic referral process - NHS

[Pibbee]

Hi all

I am in the process of being referred to my local fertility clinic after ttc for a year. I have had day 3 and day 21 blood tests, and a pelvic scan. All came back normal. Doc has said she will refer me but in order to do so she needs my partner’s SA results and that the referral would be rejected withot them. however, I’m a bit confused because per my reading online, it seems that the fertility clinic can run those tests themselves - so why does the GP have to do them first?

Does anyone with experience of the referral process know if it’s possible for me to crack on whilst DH gets his test done (which he is aiming to start the ball rolling on this week) or would it be a complete non-starter?

The process seems somewhat unclear and im keen to get going ASAP and I’m not sure why I can’t be referred on the basis of my tests, pending his...

Thanks in advance for any insights!

Depending on where you are, the referral itself could take months. Nothing about the nhs is fast...

My DH had to have husband SA done before our first appointment. Just think of it as saving a bit of time, if it’s already done and they have the results before your first appointment surely that’s a good thing? We had to wait 8 weeks for our first appointment which actually isn’t that long compared to others in other areas I’ve heard about. It’s a long process unfortunately

Yeah I’m aware the process can take forever. However, what I am confused about is the initial referral process itself and whether my GP is right in saying that certain tests have to be done first while the NHS website says that the fertility clinic will run those tests. I have had all my tests done and so would like to proceed with my referral ASAP to get the ball rolling and I’m not sure that what my GP is accurate, based on what I have read, and I wouldn’t like it to unecessarily delay things.

I think that some clinics won’t necessarily redo tests if they’ve already been done, depends on the clinic. I’ve just been referred to a clinic too (all blood tests and SA normal) but I’m expecting a long wait for an appointment. The NHS is brilliant but not notorious for being quick about things!

Also my GP told me the same because she said most clinics will want full tests done and results available as it helps get things moving quicker.

In my experience my DH had to have his SA before we got to the fertility clinic. It's just so that when you see a consultant they have all the facts and at your appointment they can make a plan of action, rather than just sending you off for more tests.

Even though we knew the issue was with me in our case they wouldn't do anything without testing DH first.

My GP sent the referral and just said DH should have the SA before we attend the appointment and gave him the info regarding the process etc so it didn’t delay the referral in that sense. I am assuming you’re saying your GP won’t send your referral at all until SA results? In that case just get the SA done ASAP. They all have different processes I suppose, annoying as it may seem you just have to go with it unless you want to pay for a private referral.

Yeah I am expecting the appointment date to be ages in the future. However, given that it’s my referral I don’t see why his test has to hold things up esp if the clinic can do that test anyway. I’ve done all I need to do to get referred except now I’m being told that my referral is dependent on him, which seems inconsistent with the NHS website. I’d hoped my GP could start the process today, and she gave me a bit of paper with some notes on that I was supposed to give to reception so that they could start things but she also said that without DH’s SA results to attach to the referral letter the referral would be rejected so I didn’t see the point of giving it to reception at this stage. So now I feel like it’s being delayed for no reason.

Also, my sonography at my pelvic scan last week said it’s at GPs’ discretion whether to refer to fertility clinic straight away, or whether To insist on certain tests first, which also makes me wonder. Ho hum.

@happybus28 8 weeks is pretty good going! I hope it goes well for you.

Thanks for replies all :)

*Sonographer, even../

Yeah @happybus28 that is what they are saying. I had hoped my gp would say the same as what it sounds like yours did...

It isn’t just your referral though if you are referred to the fertility clinic it is a referral for both of you. My GP was very clear about that. She said although we had a good idea the problem was with me (irregular periods/no ovulation) DH may well have issues too and what would be the point getting me all sorted out only to find out there are issues with him also? They need to explore all the avenues and that means all tests for both of you need to be done.

I understand how frustrating it is and i hope
you get sorted soon. I hope your road isn’t as long as mine is turning out to be but if it is you really need to be of the mindset that it’s both of you that are going through this not just you. I have to remind myself of that sometimes when I’m being hormonal and grumpy with DH because of the clomid!

See my GP said the opposite in that it is my referral! Hence the confusion

Totally agree that we both need to be tested. I’m just being impatient and don’t want DHs faffing to delay things. He reckons he’s gonna go this week which isn’t really too long in the grand scheme of things...

Hope you are sorted soon too

Hi OP

Myself and DH were referred to the fertility clinic once we had all the basic bloods for me and SA for DH. Once the GP agreed to refer, our appointment was around 4-5 weeks later, pretty quick really (we are in London).

I think it's necessary to have all those tests done first as you are effectively both being referred to secondary case. Plus, once you are seen they can then work out what needs to be done based on the results they have so far.

Good luck with everything

It could be that your local clinic has a protocol that says SA must be done first. If there is a lot of demand for fertility clinic appointments then it makes sense to get all the tests done - otherwise you’d have to have an appointment, then get sent away to get the SA done, then have to wait for another appointment to get the results. Sounds like they just want to be efficient and have as much information as possible before they see you.

Fertility clinics can probably run SA, and probably do ongoing ones for some male related ongoing issues. But the first batch can be easily done via the NHS so that at the first meeting with both of you the easy bit (male infertility) can be ruled out (as it's less likely it's a male issue).