What happens after the first appointment?


  1. Firstly we will apply for funding.
  2. We will  arrange for blood samples to be sent to our laboratory to prepare the PGD test. These samples can usually be collected by the GP or nurse at your local surgery. The blood samples are needed to make sure the PGD testing will be possible and accurate. 

Please note: you will not be offered a follow-on appointment until the laboratory work up is complete and we know whether funding has been agreed.

Your second appointment

Once the above is complete you will need to return to our centre for another appointment before treatment can begin. This appointment will include:

  • taking a detailed health history;
  • blood tests;
  • ultrasound scans;
  • consent signing;
  • semen analysis.

Please bring with you any information about previous fertility treatment you may have had, if this applies to you, especially in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) attempts. The doctor will make sure you are suitable to start PGD treatment and will be happy to answer any questions that you might have.

Ultrasound scan

At this visit, you (the female partner) will have a trans-vaginal (internal) ultrasound scan, which involves placing a small probe inside the vagina to look at the uterus and both ovaries.

This is to check for any problems that might reduce the chances of successful treatment. Problems include:

  • cysts in the ovaries;
  • some types of damaged fallopian tubes; or
  • fibroids in the uterus.

 If a problem is found, further investigations and surgical treatment might be needed before you start treatment.  Most women find this procedure is not as uncomfortable as a smear test.