The process
When an initial enquiry is made an information pack will be sent to you with no obligations. After reading this information you may choose to contact our central office to make an appointment to discuss your needs with a consultant. If this is the case, we would ask you to fill out a proforma which includes your contact details, and the treatment programme you are considering.
Initial consultation
Before joining our programme you will need to have an initial consultation with a consultant gynaecologist, during which the consultant will take full medical history and assess your suitability for treatment. All consultations and screening tests will be carried out in the UK.
Blood tests
All patients are requested to undergo blood tests, but if you have had these tests done within six months of the anticipated time of your treatment, some of the tests may not need to be repeated.
Ultrasound scan
An internal ultrasound is necessary to check the pelvic organs, especially the uterus. The uterine cavity may need to be assessed in more detail using special scanning techniques such as aqua scan/saline hysterosonography, 3-D scan or keyhole diagnostic surgery, called hysteroscopy.
A mock cycle
Prior to your treatment, a mock/rehearsal treatment cycle may be advised to ensure that the lining of your uterine cavity develops normally whilst you are on the medications to be used in your treatment and also to assess your tolerability of these hormone medications.
Counselling
The social, ethical, legal and clinical implications of treatment by egg donation will be discussed with a counsellor at a separate appointment. Counselling support is also available at any time during or after treatment.
The drug/medication regime
The details of your drug/medication regime will be fully explained by our Fertility Nurse Co-ordinator.
Egg Donor matching
A donor matching appointment will be held with the assistance of our Nurse Co-ordinator.(see below)
Semen analysis
An appointment will be made for your male partner’s sperm to be analysed.
Follow-up consultation
The following matters will be discussed with you at the follow-up appointment. Once the pre-treatment screening tests have been completed, your details will be communicated to one of our network clinics abroad likely to have available screened suitable donors. Once matching with the first suitable donor is done then we shall be able to advise when and where the treatment is likely to be performed. You will then be advised of the detailed characteristics of the donor to confirm which, if not all, of your preferred characteristics have been addressed.
At this stage, payment in full for the treatment cycle is required to confirm and continue the donor selection process.
Once these matters have been addressed, we shall contact our network clinic to determine the possible specific dates for treatment. These dates will be influenced by the cycle of the donor. When your cycle has been synchronised with the donor’s cycle, the proposed dates can be confirmed, your medications will be prescribed and appointments will be arranged for the monitoring in the weeks and days prior to travelling abroad.
Continuity of care will be provided by our specialist team both in Europe and elsewhere abroad.