We try to see patients as quickly as possible and, in an ever-changing world, short notice appointments sometimes become available due to postponements and schedule changes. See below: 
Bridge Opening Hours
Investigations of Infertility
Hormone Assessment of the Female
The first step in the investigation of a woman's fertility is to establish whether or not she ovulates (produces an egg) every month. This can normally be confirmed by performing blood and urine tests to measure the level of hormones at specific stages of the woman's cycle. The hormones responsible for the development of eggs within the ovary include Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH),while Progesterone and Oestrogen are produced during this time by the ovary. The levels of these hormones will rise and fall depending on the stage of the woman's cycle.
The ovarian assessment test combines all the hormonal tests into a single evaluation of the chances of a successful egg collection.
Laparoscopy
If conception is to occur easily and naturally, it is essential for a woman to have patent (open) and undamaged Fallopian tubes in order for the sperm and egg to meet (Figure 1) In order to check the patency of the Fallopian tubes as well as the condition of the uterus and ovaries, a Laparoscopy can be performed. This procedure involves inserting a small telescope known as a laparoscope through the abdominal wall when the pelvic organs can be clearly seen. A laparoscopy is performed in the operating theatre, usually as a day-case under a general anaesthetic.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
A hysterosalpingogram may also be used to check whether or not the Fallopian tubes are blocked. This is an x-ray procedure involving the injection of a special dye through the cervix and into the uterus. The passage of the dye through the Fallopian tubes can be observed on the x-ray. If the dye fails to spill out through the end of the tubes, this indicates that they are blocked or that a spasm has occurred and needs further investigation. (Laparoscopy and Dye Test).
Post Coital test
A post coital test can be performed. Collecting mucus from the cervix at the time of ovulation about eight hours after sexual intercourse has taken place and viewing it from a microscope to assess whether there are any sperm present and their movement. The presence of antisperm antibodies within the mucus may be indicated by sperm demonstrating a shaking movement.
Hysteroscopy
A small telescope connected to a camera is inserted through the cervical canal. This is done either under general anaesthetic or under sedation as a day case. The uterine cavity will therefore be seen and examined under direct vision. Pathology best seen with this technique includes sub-mucous fibroids, ie fibroids developed within the uterine cavity, endometrial polyps or adhesions.
Ultrasound Scan
Based on the the principle of sonar, an ultrasound scan is a non-invasive technique allowing internal organs to be seen on a screen. A small probe is inserted in the vagina so the uterus and both ovaries can be seen. Ultasound scan is a major tool to monitor ovarian stimulation during IVF, to check patients for fibroids or ovarian cysts and also to monitor pregnancy.
Screen for Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis is the commonest genetic disease amongst caucasians, 1 in 25 persons being carriers of this defective gene but being otherwise normal. However, the incidence of Cystic Fibrosis is a lot higher in men having congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens thus justifying a systematic screening.