How do I get an appointment?

You will need to contact us directly as the timing of the consultation depends on the day of ovulation in the cycle (see below for details). We recommend that you discuss this with your GP and/or your Hospital Consultant, as they may wish to send a referral letter.

Who will I be seen by?

You will be seen by Professor Siobhan Quenby or Professor Jan Brosens.

Siobhan Quenby is the Director of the Biomedical Research Unit in Reproductive Health, Professor of Obstetrics at the University of Warwick, and Honorary Consultant at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS trust.

Siobhan has twenty years of experience in translational research into recurrent miscarriage and dysfunctional labour. She serves on several international and national committees:

• European Society for Human Reproduction and Endocrinology Early Pregnancy Special Interest Group
• MHRA Expert Advisory Panel for women’s health
• Scientific Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)
• RCOG Preterm Labour Clinical Study Group
• RCOG Early Pregnancy Clinical Study Group

Jan Brosens is Head of the Division of Reproductive Health, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Warwick, and Honorary Consultant at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS trust.

His research centres on the role of steroid hormone signalling in the human endometrium, especially in the context of prevalent reproductive disorders, such as infertility, endometriosis and endometrial cancer. His major translational interest is focused on improving the management of miscarriage, the most common complication of pregnancy.

He was awarded a Wellcome Trust Clinical Scientist Fellowship in 1998, then joined Imperial College London as Chair of Reproductive Sciences in 2004 and became Chair of Reproductive Medicine in 2008.

What will happen at my appointment?

You will have a detailed consultation with Professor Quenby or Professor Brosens in which you will discuss your reproductive history and general health. You will then have a transvaginal ultrasound scan, which is an internal scan to examine your pelvis. You will need to have an empty bladder. We will then take a biopsy from the lining of the womb. This is taken in a similar way to a cervical smear but using a fine tube to remove a small piece of your endometrium. You may experience some mild discomfort whilst your biopsy is being taken. In total, the consultation will last between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

Are there any complications?

It is important that you are not pregnant when the procedure is performed. So you must use barrier methods, such as condoms, for the four weeks prior to having your sample taken. If the sample is taken whilst you are pregnant, it could possibly cause a miscarriage, although the risk is small.

The risk of any damage to your womb during the procedure is absolutely minimal. If any damage does occur, it should heal without further treatment.

How long do the results take?

The sample will be processed in a laboratory at the hospital and then analysed by Biomedical Research Unit’s staff. On average, the results should be available within five to six weeks.

If I want to have the test done, what should I do next?

You will need to buy an ovulation kit from your local Chemist shop.

You must then start to use an effective barrier method of contraception and start monitoring your ovulation according to the instructions provided with your ovulation kit.

When you ovulate, contact Professor Quenby immediately to make an appointment via Kerri Geraghty, Biomedical Research Secretary: Kerri.geraghty@uhcw.nhs.uk

What is the cost of the test?

The test costs £540 and covers a package of:

• Professorial consultation
• Ultrasound scan
• Endometrial biopsy
• Biopsy processing
• uNK cell analysis
• Test results
• Telephone consultation to discuss the results.

You can pay by Chip and PIN at the time of your appointment. We also accept cheques payable to University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.