When and How to Refer

If there is no pregnancy after 1 year of regular, unprotected intercourse, check luteal phase progesterone level (7 days before next expected period) and request a sperm function test.

All couples should have been co-habiting in a stable relationship for at least 2 years or have a stable marriage.

Woman <30 years of age

Please refer after 2 years of regular unprotected intercourse, if progesterone and sperm function are satisfactory. Refer after 1 year if progesterone or sperm test are abnormal.

Woman 30-39 years of age

Please refer after 1 year of regular unprotected intercourse and arrange a Day-2 FSH, luteal phase progesterone and sperm function test at the time of referral.

Earlier referral would be indicated where there are clinical reasons for suspecting pathology, eg Oligo/amenorrhoea, previous pelvic infection/intra-abdominal gynaecological operations, or in the male genital tract trauma, operations or infection. Previous cancer also requires early referral.

Woman>40 years of age

Referral not recommended because pregnancy rates on treatment are poor. Investigation and oral ovulation induction only are provided by the Infertility Clinic.

Man>55 years of age

Referral not recommended because of potential parenting problems, including possible serious illness or death before the child reaches majority.

Requesting a Referal

If possible some preliminary test should be performed prior to referal, find out more on the Preliminary Tests page. If your patient is suitable for referralplease write a letter addressed to the Fertility Department and send to the address below:

The Fertility Centre
Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
Mytton Oak Road
Shrewsbury
SY3 8XQ