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Fertility services

Fertility clinics are held each week at our hospitals, under the direction of Miss Despina Mavridou. Miss Despina Mavridou is a Consultant Gynaecologist with a special interest in fertility problems.

Referral to one of these clinics is made through the couple’s General Practitioner, usually after some basic investigations have been performed. It is recommended that both partners attend the fertility clinic for at least the first appointment.

About infertility

Around 1 in 7 couples may have difficulty conceiving.

More than 8 out of 10 couples, where the woman is under 40, will conceive naturally within a year if they have regular unprotected sex (every 2 or 3 days).

For couples who have been trying to conceive for more than 3 years without success, the likelihood of getting pregnant naturally within the next year is 1 in 4, or less.

Some people get pregnant quickly, but for others it can take longer. It’s a good idea to see a GP if you have not conceived after a year of trying.

Women aged 36 and over, and anyone who’s already aware they may have fertility problems, should see their GP sooner. They can check for common causes of fertility problems and suggest treatments that could help.

Types of infertility

  • primary infertility – where someone who’s never conceived a child in the past has difficulty conceiving
  • secondary infertility – where someone has had 1 or more pregnancies in the past, but is having difficulty conceiving again

What do we do

The following investigations are available:

  • Ovarian reserve testing (Anti-Mullerian hormone)
  • Follicular tracking scans in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • Tubal patency assessment – HyCoSy (Hysterosalpingo Contrast Sonography)
  • gynaecological imaging
  • urology referrals for male factor infertility
  • manage recurrent miscarriages when in combination with infertility

Treatment:

  • Ovulation induction fertility treatments with Clomid, Letrozole in combination with follicular tracking scans

Surgery:

  • Laparoscopic surgery: treating endometriosis, removal of ovarian cysts, dye test, laparoscopic tubal exploration and resecting adhesions which is known to increase spontaneous conception success rate
  • Hysteroscopic surgery: we perform transcervical resection of fibroid and hysteroscopic resection of uterine septum which is the main treatment of recurrent miscarriages.

We also provide advice for women with premature ovarian failure, transgender individuals and same sex couples.

Contacts and organisations

  • Blood tests required by the clinician – if the patient requires a blood test, an appointment with the phlebotomist can be arranged by contacting 01622 477 708/709.
  • Gynaecological imaging required by the clinician – if the patient requires gynaecological imaging, the appointment is arranged by the Ultrasound Department.

Contact us

Fertility Office
Gynaecology Department
Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury
Tonbridge Road
Pembury
TN2 4QJ

Tel: 01892 633181
mtw-tr.fertility@nhs.net