Patients who are concerned about their fertility will first present to the GP, where a clinical assessment and initial investigations are done before referral. This concise article summarises that process, as well as discussing other aspects of fertility care. These include NHS eligibility for fertility treatment, when to refer earlier than usual, the impact of co-morbidities, BMI and lifestyle factors, gamete freezing for medical or social reasons and the tricky area of interaction between the NHS and private sector.

This resource has been produced on behalf of the PCWHS. It is for guidance only; healthcare professionals should use their own judgment when applying it to patient care.