Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
FAQ General
I have read about the HFEA allowing extended storage, what does this mean for me?
Information for patients regarding the proposed increase to storage limit to 55 years for frozen Gametes (eggs, sperm and embryos)
Storage limits for eggs, sperm and embryos will go up to 55 years under government plans that ministers say will give people greater choice over when to start a family.
Research from the Royal College of Obstetricians has suggested that modern freezing techniques mean material can be stored indefinitely without deterioration.
Currently, when the 10 years is up, prospective parents must decide whether to undergo fertility treatment or have their gametes destroyed, unless samples have been stored due to medical procedures, such as chemotherapy for cancer.
Under the new system, they would be given the option to keep or dispose of the frozen material or embryos at 10-year intervals.
The government therefore intends to bring in legislation to offer renewable 10-year storage periods to a maximum of 55 years for eggs, sperm, and embryos, for all, regardless of medical need.
The plans need parliamentary approval and the government will legislate when Parliamentary time allows.
Click for HFEA information
Click for Government information
What happens next?
Until the legislation is passed by parliament the storage period s and charges will remain the same.
When the Leicester Fertility Centre receives further instructions we will update our information and processes in line with HFEA and government guidance.
How do I know my samples (eggs/ sperm/ embryos) are safe during treatment?
Alongside robust witnessing procedures involving trained, competent and registered members of staff, Leicester Fertility Centre was one of the first clinics in the UK to use an electronic witnessing system known as RI witness. To find out more please visit the company website or ask a member of the team for more information
Is there any parking at Leicester Fertility Centre?
There is a multi-story car park at the Leicester Royal Infirmary (please ensure you leave sufficient time for parking as there are sometimes queues).
There maybe additional parking within council owned car parks around the Welford Road area of the city and we recommend patient conduct their own research to determine which car parks best suite their needs.
I don't know if I'm funded by the NHS or if I need to pay privately, how do I find out?
You can find the latest NHS criteria in Leicester Fertility Centres General Information Booklet
If you have any further questions or unsure on your funding please ask your GP to refer you through to gynaecology at the Leicester Royal Infirmary where a specialist doctor will order any investigations needed and inform you of your eligibility.
FAQ Semen Samples
I've lost my semen analysis request form, do I need it?
Yes. Unfortunately we are unable to test any sample which does not have a request form as. Please contact your GP or other healthcare professional for a replacement.
Do I need an appointment for a semen analysis?
Yes, samples cannot be accepted unless an appointment is booked. If your G.P. or hospital consultant has referred you for a semen analysis you will need to call us on 0116 258 5922. If you would like to book a private semen analysis please call 0116 258 5922.
FAQ Treatments
Do I need to have a full bladder for my internal scan?
No. All internal scans require an empty bladder. You will be told if you need a full bladder. Only patients having embryo transfer require a full bladder
Why do I need a full bladder for embryo transfer?
Without a full bladder we are unable to see the uterus and where the embryo is being replaced. If the clinician cannot see the uterus properly then you will be asked to drink more water to fill the bladder before the embryo transfer can go ahead.
I've been told blastocyst transfer is better, but I am having a day 3 embryo transfer. Does this mean I won't get pregnant?
No. The embryologist will have monitored your embryos and decided the best day for transfer based on your embryo development to give you the best possible chance of pregnancy. Replacing embryos on day 2 or 3 of growth does not harm the embryos or reduce your chances of pregnancy.
I have eggs/ sperm/ embryos in storage that I no longer wish to use, what are my options?
We understand there often comes a point where stored eggs/ sperm and/or embryos are no longer needed and it can be a difficult decision as to what to do with them. For information on what is and isn't possible please click here for our information sheet. We also recommend visiting Fertility Network UK (https://fertilitynetworkuk.org) for help and support as well as contacting our own fertility counsellors.
FAQ Feedback
I have a complaint, what do I do?
We are sorry that your experience has not met our normally high standards. If you have any complaints or concerns regarding your treatment, please contact the unit, we will be happy to discuss matters with you and act on your behalf. You also of course have full access to the University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) NHS Trust's PILs service.
Complaints Procedure
The Leicester Fertility Centre aim to ensure that you are completely happy with the treatment you receive and that we maintain the highest standards of clinical and personal care. We welcome both positive and negative comments, but if you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your care, please speak to a member of staff, who will try to resolve the problem immediately. If you wish to pursue your complaint formally you can contact PILS free phone: 08081 788337 or email pils@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
All formal complaints will be acknowledged by the Complaints Office within 3 working days which will then be followed by a formal response to your concerns along with details of any actions identified which we aim to provide within 25 working days.
The University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) Complaints Office are informed of all complaints and can be contacted directly on: 0116 2588901 if you would prefer to do so. All complaints are monitored at the highest level within the Trust.