When to refer
Women should talk to a GP if they want to conceive but have any of the following:
- Very heavy or painful periods
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Previous ectopic pregnancy.
Women should also see a GP if they want to conceive and:
- Are aged 36 or over
- Take regular medication
- Have had more than one miscarriage.
Men with a history of any of the following should talk to a GP before starting a family:
- Testicular cancer
- An infection of the testicles
- Surgery or injury involving the testicles
- A congenital defect affecting the testicles, or when they have not descended into the scrotum.
In general, couples should see a GP if they have not conceived after one year of trying.