Cryopreservation is the freezing of cells or tissue in order to preserve them for future use. Egg/embryo freezing may be considered for certain medical conditions that require treatment which is likely to cause premature infertility e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, drug/hormone therapy.
Information for Referring Staff
All documents, including the referral form and patient information can be found in the Document Library at the bottom of this page.
Referrals
We accept referrals for patients who live in the Lothian and Borders areas. Referrals must come from an appropriate NHS Lothian and Borders clinician or nurse specialist. We work closely with a number of oncology nurse specialists who will be able to go through information and consent forms. Similarly, we work with nurse specialists and consultants at the Gender Identity Clinic at the Chalmers Centre and can accept referrals for transgender patients via this pathway.
Fertility preservation may be NHS funded or self-funded, depending on eligibility, which is detailed on the referral form. If the eligibility criteria for NHS funded egg/embryo storage is not met, we may be able to offer a self-funded option (see Self Funded Treatment page for costs), although this may not always be possible based on clinical grounds which would be assessed and discussed on an individual basis.
Check to see if you meet the NHS criteria – HERE
Special considerations apply to patients under 16 years old. The referring clinician will need to confirm in writing that you have capacity to consent (be Gillick competent) before referring you for egg/embryo storage. You may wish to be accompanied by someone over the age of 18 years (preferably a parent or family member) when going through consent forms.
Fertility Preservation- Information for Patients
We appreciate this is a very difficult time for you.
We have put together some basic information for you prior to your appointment.
Before your appointment:
One of the nurses will call you to arrange an appointment for you.
If you need to change this appointment or have any questions, please call the nurses office on : 0131 242 2450.
Ensure you are using barrier contraception (condoms) even if you have a coil/IUD or contraceptive implant in situ- these may or may not need to be removed.
If you meet the NHS funding/eligibility criteria, the cost of egg collection and storage of your eggs/embryos will be covered by the NHS.
Consents/Human Fertilisation Embryology Association (HFEA)
We are governed by the HFEA who provide our licence for treatment. They have specific consent forms we require you to complete in order for us to communicate with other healthcare professionals caring for you.
Upon accepting an appointment, you will receive a text message with a link to IVF Scotland and the initial consent forms for you to complete. Please try to complete these forms and upload and photographic identification prior to the appointment.
Initial Dr Appointment: What to expect
You will meet one of our specialist fertility clinicians who will take a brief medical history from you and discuss treatment options as well as eligibility criteria for NHS funding of this expedited treatment.
We will likely take a blood sample and perform a transvaginal ultrasound.
You will likely meet with one of our specialist nurses and discuss a potential treatment plan.
There can be a lot of information given to you at this appointment, so we encourage you to bring someone with you for extra support. If you have a partner, you may wish to discuss creating embryos, therefore we would encourage they attend the appointment with you.
We have access to a specialist fertility counselling team who can provide additional support for you at this time- this will be offered to you at your initial appointment.
Although not essential at this time, you can learn more about the process of egg freezing by following our Patient Journey Video
