The Isis experience
The Isis Experience
Initial Assessment:
For as many as one third of couples it can take up to twelve months to conceive. Delayed conception is therefore quite common and may not be a real problem.
However, one in seven couples will need help, often for a number of different reasons – some medical and some non-medical. For some couples the solution may simply be awareness of the timing of important events in the biological process such as ovulation. Other problems may require surgery or the use of assisted conception techniques such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
Patients are usually referred by their GP or consultant for investigation and treatment (if required) at Isis Fertility Centre. Although some patients may refer themselves, we would always recommend that you seek the advice of your GP as we need to receive your medical notes and history to be able to confirm whether you are suitable for treatment.
Fertility treatment can be very demanding and may cause considerable emotional and physical stress for a couple. It is therefore essential that the correct treatment is recommended based on an accurate diagnosis. At Isis, we aim to establish diagnosis by careful investigation through the course of one menstrual cycle. This usually involves three appointments:
Nurse Consultation:
The first consultation is usually with one of our fertility nurses who will take details of the medical history of both partners and any previous infertility treatment. Both partners will also undergo a standard blood test and the male partner will be asked to produce a semen sample for analysis.
Diagnostic Consultation:
The second appointment involves a more in-depth consultation with one of our fertility specialists to discuss your medical history. A full pelvic ultrasound scan will then be performed on the female partner and a detailed assessment of the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity undertaken. Following this, the doctor will review the test results and explain the diagnosis. A treatment plan will then be formulated with you. At the end of this consultation, you will be given a full report of the test results along with all the relevant treatment literature.
In some cases diagnostic surgery may be required to investigate any abnormalities identified by the ultrasound scan. This may also be necessary if the woman has a history of heavy, painful periods or previous pelvic surgery.
Treatment Plan:
A third appointment will then be made following your confirmation that you have read and understood all the information made available at the previous consultation. At this third appointment, the fertility nurse will explain the treatment and its implications in more detail. If you decide to proceed with treatment, she will then schedule your treatment cycle and ask you to complete all the relevant consent forms.
Counselling:
Fertility treatment can place enormous emotional, physical and financial strains on a couple. Our clinical and nursing staff have received training in counselling and are happy to discuss your concerns at any stage of your treatment. In addition we encourage you to see our specialist fertility counsellor for an independent discussion. There is no fee for the first session of counselling.