{"id":27640,"date":"2026-04-21T15:43:49","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T14:43:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/?page_id=27640"},"modified":"2026-06-25T10:56:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T09:56:16","slug":"fertilityreproductive-endocrinology","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/fertilityreproductive-endocrinology\/","title":{"rendered":"Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;<strong>Edinburgh Fertility Centre and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology<\/strong>&nbsp;is based at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>SERVICES INCLUDE<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reproductive Endocrinology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fertility investigations and counselling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diagnostic semen analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ovulation induction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fertility preservation for oncology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IVF\/ICSI<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Donor insemination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Egg\/sperm donation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">FERTILITY SERVICES<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please also see:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>details of the <a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/edinburghfertilitycentre\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edinburgh Fertility Service<\/a> (EFC)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the Primary Care Management page for further information on&nbsp;initial investigation of infertility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/guidelines\/fertilityreproductive-endocrinology\/preconceptionadvice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pre-conception advice<\/a> <strong>and information<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>advice about the use of medications in pregnancy: the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicinesinpregnancy.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bumps website<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Following referral, and depending on the clinical picture, the management options for infertility may include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sperm \u2013 discussion of IVF with ICSI treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Absence of sperm \u2013 investigation into the cause of this and discussion of options for surgical sperm retrieval and treatment using donor sperm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ovulation \u2013 test of tubal patency and discussion of ovulation induction treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unexplained at present \u2013 test of tubal patency and discussion of IVF treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Same-sex female couple \u2013 discussion of options of insemination treatment or IVF using donor sperm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>None of the above \u2013 discussion of further investigations and treatment options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>In those where the referred woman is aged 40-42, an initial assessment will be made of the chances of success and the couple then advised whether or not further investigation will be taken forward.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>When to investigate and refer<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People who are concerned about delays in conception should be offered an initial assessment in primary care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A woman of reproductive age who has not conceived after&nbsp;<strong>12 months<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>of unprotected vaginal sexual intercourse<\/strong>&nbsp;(in the absence of any known cause of infertility) can be referred with her partner&#8217;s details for further clinical assessment and investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">But please refer after 6 months if:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Age &gt; 35<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>previous PID<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>previous ectopic pregnancy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>history of pelvic surgery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Immediate\/Early Referral:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Male partner any age with abnormal semen analysis, previous urogenital pathology \/ surgery \/ STI \/ varicocele \/ significant systemic illness \/ abnormal genital examination \/ previous cancer treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Irregular \/ no periods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Severe endometriosis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blocked tubes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Same sex couples<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family history of early menopause.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-alert-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7e89de26a895aa9df5f2ee20be81460f wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>THERE ARE NATIONALLY-SET EXCLUSION CRITERIA RELATING TO THE WOMAN, WHO NEEDS TO BE AGED 44 OR LESS, AND HAVE A BMI of 35 OR UNDER. PLEASE SEE FURTHER DETAIL BELOW<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">The referral process is that:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ONLY the woman is referred<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>But she has to have a named partner with whom she is attempting to conceive \u2013 that can be same sex<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And all male partners need to have semen analysis done in NHS Lothian and written consent for his details to be included in her referral \u2013 please see Primary Care Management for further detail.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Same sex couples will still need to have a consent form for the partner of the referred woman \u2013 please see <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Fertility-same-sex-couple-consent-to-refer-May-2026.doc\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Fertility-same-sex-couple-consent-to-refer-May-2026.doc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fertility &#8211; Same sex couple consent to refer<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">FERTILITY REFERRAL AND THE WOMAN\u2019S AGE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Please note specific advice relating to the woman\u2019s age:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The EFC cannot offer assessments to women aged over 44, in line with national guidance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earlier investigation and referral for specialist consultation should occur where:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The woman is aged 36 or older<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is known clinical cause of infertility or a history of predisposing factors for infertility in either partner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Women aged 37 and older will need <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">two sets of hormonal tests, at differing times of the cycle<\/span> \u2013 please see Primary Care Management for further detail.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">FERTILITY REFERRAL AND THE WOMAN\u2019S BMI<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are now strict criteria for referral on the basis of the woman\u2019s BMI, determined nationally. These differ according to the various treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Referrals can ONLY be accepted if the referred woman\u2019s BMI is 35 or under.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>However, following referral, there are further BMI restrictions relating to specific treatment options which are stricter:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Oral ovulation induction \u2013 BMI &lt;34<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ovulation induction injections \u2013 BMI &lt;32<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>NHS funded IVF\/ICSI\/donor insemination treatment \u2013 BMI &lt;30.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, those with a BMI of 30-35 should be encouraged to engage with weight management services too. Please refer to the weight management service via the usual route and indicate on the SCI Gateway referral this is for prioritisation to the fertility dietetics service: those patients should then be seen within 12 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Fertility-Clinic-Referral-Pathway-Welcome-page-DIAGRAM-2nd-May-2026.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:950px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Fertility Clinic Referral Pathway Welcome page DIAGRAM 2nd May 2026.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-863da60c-7a3f-4785-a936-4e8518eab159\" href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Fertility-Clinic-Referral-Pathway-Welcome-page-DIAGRAM-2nd-May-2026.pdf\">Fertility Clinic Referral Pathway Welcome page DIAGRAM 2nd May 2026<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Fertility-Clinic-Referral-Pathway-Welcome-page-DIAGRAM-2nd-May-2026.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-863da60c-7a3f-4785-a936-4e8518eab159\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>MC&amp; CM 25\/6\/26<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs\" data-active-tab=\"0\"><ul class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__nav-links\"><\/ul>\n<div class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__nav-link\"><span class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__title-wrapper\"><a href=\"#\"><span class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__title\">Referral Guidelines<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__tab-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__tab-content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please see the Primary Care Management page on the investigations required <strong>prior<\/strong> to referral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The GP direct line to triage nurse 0131 242 2449 is available for advice, and please note that there is now a SCI Gateway drop-down for e-advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who to refer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Any woman:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Aged 44 or under who wishes fertility treatment and has not conceived after a year of trying (and sooner if aged over 36 or a known cause \/ predisposing factors in either partner)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wishing to explore &nbsp;IVF\/ICSI care pathway: please see&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/edinburghfertilitycentre\/treatments-and-services\/in-vitro-fertilisation-ivf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NHS Lothian IVF details&nbsp;<\/a>and provide them with a copy of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/guidelines\/fertilityreproductive-endocrinology\/invitrofertilisationivf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Access Criteria for NHS IVF Treatment in Scotland&nbsp;<\/a>to assist in managing their expectations regarding eligibility for NHS funded treatment: &nbsp;the criteria for IVF and ICSI are identical. Couples wishing to be added to the waiting list for NHS funded IVF\/ICSI treatment couples must first be seen at the fertility clinic to be assessed against the access criteria.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Referrals for transgender patients requesting fertility preservation can only be made by the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/guidelines\/sexualreprohealth\/gender-identity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gender Identity Clinic<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who not to refer:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Couples where the female partner is &gt; 44 years of age, as there are no treatment options available in the EFC. Patients can consider self-funded\/ private egg donation treatment and can be directed to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hfea.gov.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HFEA website<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Those where the female partner being referred has a BMI &gt;35.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Those who have not tried to conceive for a year with regular SI (or before that if the woman is aged 36 or older, or the couple has additional risk factors for difficulty conceiving \u2013 see above).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anyone who has been sterilised: the NHS does not undertake reversal (sterilisation or vasectomy), and neither partner is eligible for NHS funded IVF\/ICSI or donor insemination if undergone sterilisation (Section 7 NIG, 2016). They can self-fund at an NHS Centre.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to refer:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SCI Gateway \u2192 Edinburgh Royal Infirmary&nbsp;\u2192 Gynaecology&nbsp;\u2192 Infertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please see above for time thresholds for referral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Please include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>demographic details of&nbsp;both&nbsp;partners &#8211;&nbsp;<\/strong>this will require male patients to have signed for consent when the semen analysis is done (now part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Semen-Analysis-Lab-Form-v15.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Semen Analysis Laboratory Form v15<\/a>) and the partner in a same sex couple to have signed the consent form: <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Fertility-same-sex-couple-consent-to-refer-May-2026.doc\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Fertility-same-sex-couple-consent-to-refer-May-2026.doc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fertility &#8211; Same sex couple consent to refer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How long the couple has been trying to conceive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pregnancy history for both partners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Description of the referred female partner&#8217;s menstrual cycle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Emergency fertility preservation referrals (SECONDARY CARE ONLY)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For patients who want to discuss emergency fertility preservation please phone 0131 242 2450 and email the completed&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Fertility-Preservation-Referral-Form-v4.doc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">referral form<\/a> and direct the referral as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Egg \/ embryo storage<\/td><td>Submit completed form via email to&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:loth.assistedconceptionunit@nhs.scot\">loth.assistedconceptionunit@nhs.scot<\/a>&nbsp;and immediately follow up with a telephone call to 0131242 2450 \/ 2446<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sperm storage<\/td><td>Submit completed form via email to&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:loth.rmlenquiries@nhs.scot\">loth.rmlenquiries@nhs.scot<\/a>&nbsp; and immediately follow up with a telephone call to 0131242 2463 \/ 2456<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__nav-link\"><span class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__title-wrapper\"><a href=\"#\"><span class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__title\">Primary Care Management<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__tab-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__tab-content\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Primary Care Investigations before referral<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prior to referral the GP needs to undertake several baseline investigations in the woman, and her partner needs to arrange a semen analysis&nbsp;and give informed consent for the inclusion of his details in her referral. Please see the table below for full details<em>. The woman should only be referred to the Edinburgh Fertility Centre via SCI Gateway once these tests are completed: his details will be needed for the woman&#8217;s referral.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Please note all female and male tests must be completed within NHS Lothian services: results on tests performed elsewhere will not be accepted.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People who are concerned about their fertility should be informed that over 80% of couples in the general population will conceive within 1 year if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the woman is aged under 40 years and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>they do not use contraception and have regular sexual intercourse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of those who do not conceive in the first year, about half will do so in the second year (cumulative pregnancy rate over 90%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People trying to achieve a pregnancy should be given&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/guidelines\/fertilityreproductive-endocrinology\/preconceptionadvice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pre-conception advice<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also advise:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>sexual intercourse 2-3 days a week<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>both partners to quit smoking, E-cig, vaping (otherwise not eligible for NHS assisted conception)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reduce alcohol intake (and quit recreational drugs, if applicable).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prior to the woman being referred, the male partner must:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have had a <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/guidelines\/fertilityreproductive-endocrinology\/semenanalysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">semen analysis<\/a> performed: if a second sample is required, the female patient can be referred before that is available<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consent to including his details in the woman&#8217;s referral: the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Semen-Analysis-Lab-Form-v15.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Semen Analysis Laboratory Form v15<\/a>&nbsp;now includes a written consent section for this and it is also a required field in SCI Gateway. This is required for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ico.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GDPR<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prior to the referral for same sex couples<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the partner not being referred will need to consent to her details being included in the referral: <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Fertility-same-sex-couple-consent-to-refer-May-2026.doc\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Fertility-same-sex-couple-consent-to-refer-May-2026.doc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fertility &#8211; Same sex couple consent to refer<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fertility Investigations required before SCI Gateway referral:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Male Partner<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Female Partner<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 Semen analysis X 1 <br><br>Please&nbsp;see&nbsp; full &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/guidelines\/fertilityreproductive-endocrinology\/semenanalysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">semen analysis details<\/a><br><br>NB. The EFC&nbsp;can only analyse samples in Edinburgh if the male partner is registered with a GP in the Lothians or Borders. <br><br>For further information, please refer to NHS Lothian intranet advice: <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Reproductive-Medicine-Laboratory-User-Guide-v14-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Guidelines for Users of the Reproductive Medicine Laboratory<\/a><\/td><td>If cycle regular and age &lt; 37 years: <br><br>\u2022 Progesterone<br><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Taken on day 21 of cycle if 28-day cycle, or 7 days before expected menses. <br><\/span>\u2022 TFTs \u2013 any time of cycle within the last year<br><br>If aged 37 years or more: <br>\u2022 Progesterone<br><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Taken on day 21 of cycle if 28-day cycle, or 7 days before expected menses.<\/span> \u2022 LH, FSH, E2<br><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Taken during first 5 days of menses.<\/span><br>\u2022 TFTs \u2013 any time of cycle within the last year<br><br>If absent or infrequent menses i.e. cycle length &gt; 38 days. <br>\u2022 LH, FSH, E2, Prolactin, Testosterone &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Taken during first 5 days of menses, or if amenorrhoeic, at any time.<\/span><br>\u2022 TFTs&nbsp;\u2013 any time of cycle within the last year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Additional tests may be arranged by the Edinburgh Fertility Clinic,<\/span> including chromosomal or hormonal assessments if indicated. GPs do not have responsibility for these additional tests.<\/td><td>Combined Chlamydia and Gonococcus swab (desirable but not obligatory).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u200b<\/td><td>Dates of 2 X Rubella\/MMR vaccinations where available. Please encourage MMR vaccination when rubella vaccination status cannot be confirmed, but referrals are now accepted without this detail. Please see further <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Rubella-susceptibility-and-MMR-vaccine-pre-conception.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">information on MMR vaccination and pregnancy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/guidelines\/vaccine-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lothian vaccination arrangements<\/a> &nbsp; <em>Rubella testing is no longer recommended in the UK as part of preconception care.<\/em> &nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__nav-link\"><span class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__title-wrapper\"><a href=\"#\"><span class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__title\">Resources and Links<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__tab-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-tabs__tab-content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/edinburghfertilitycentre\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edinburgh Fertility Centre \u2013 NHS Lothian | Our Services<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Fertility-same-sex-couple-consent-to-refer-May-2026.doc\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/files\/sites\/2\/Fertility-same-sex-couple-consent-to-refer-May-2026.doc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fertility &#8211; Same sex couple consent to refer<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The&nbsp;Edinburgh Fertility Centre and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology&nbsp;is based at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. SERVICES INCLUDE FERTILITY SERVICES Please also see: Following referral, and depending on the clinical picture, the management options for infertility may include: In those where the referred woman is aged 40-42, an initial assessment will be made of the chances<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_searchwp_excluded":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[921],"class_list":["post-27640","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-fertility-and-reproductive-endocrinology"],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"mariamazoysaavedra","author_link":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/author\/mariamazoysaavedra\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":" <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/category\/fertility-and-reproductive-endocrinology\/\" rel=\"tag\">Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"The&nbsp;Edinburgh Fertility Centre and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology&nbsp;is based at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. SERVICES INCLUDE FERTILITY SERVICES Please also see: Following referral, and depending on the clinical picture, the management options for infertility may include: In those where the referred woman is aged 40-42, an initial assessment will be made of the chances","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27640","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27640"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27640\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28527,"href":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27640\/revisions\/28527"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27640"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27640"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}