ReproMed

Heterosexual couple

Heterosexual couple
Heterosexual couple
Introduction

Whether you have just started thinking about having a baby or have been trying to conceive for a while, the information available on understanding your concerns can often be confusing. In this simple guide below we’ve tried to make it a little easier.

Infertility

Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant despite having regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for at least a year.

Most couples (approximately 85%) will achieve pregnancy within one year of trying, however some will not. We generally recommend seeking the help of a Fertility Specialist if conception has not occurred after a year of trying regularly.

Infertility causes can affect one or both partners. In general:

  • In about one-third of cases, there is an issue with the male.
  • In about one-third of cases, there is an issue with the female.
  • In the remaining cases, there are issues with both the male and female, or no cause can be identified (unexplained infertility).

Age

It can be difficult to know when to visit a specialist to seek infertility treatment, as this can often depend on the individual but one of the most important factors in determining when is right to get support, is age.

The ages and lengths of time trying to conceive before visiting a specialist are shown below:

  • Women under 35 – 1 year without success
  • Women 35 – 39 – six months without success
  • Over 40 – as soon as possible
Scenarios where one may be advised to seek help earlier
  • Infrequent or irregular menstrual periods: If a woman has cycles at intervals of greater than 35 days, it may indicate that she is not ovulating regularly, or even at all. Therefore, we recommend an evaluation if menstrual cycles are infrequent or irregular in a couple attempting pregnancy.
  • A history of pelvic infections or sexually transmitted diseases: Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause inflammation and permanent scarring of the fallopian tubes in women and a decrease in quality and motility of the sperm in the men. We recommend immediate evaluation for a couple attempting pregnancy when either partner has a prior history of pelvic infection.
  • Known uterine fibroids or endometrial polyps: Uterine abnormalities, such as fibroids that indent the endometrial cavity and endometrial polyps, can impair how the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) and embryo interact and reduce implantation and pregnancy rates. These abnormalities can also cause irregular bleeding between menstrual cycles. Evaluation should be pursued after 6 months of trying to achieve a pregnancy in women with a known history of these abnormalities or a history of bleeding between menstrual cycles.
  • Known male factor semen abnormalities: If a male partner has a history of infertility with a prior partner, then we advise earlier fertility evaluation, ideally within 6 months of attempting pregnancy.

 

 

ReproMed Treatment Types
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

IVF is a type of fertility treatment where eggs are combined with sperm outside of your body in a lab.

Egg Donation Abroad

Egg Donation Abroad

With our Egg Donation Abroad programme embryo transfers take place in the Czech Republic.

Egg Donation In-House

Egg Donation In-House

With our In-House programme embryo transfers take place in Dublin.

Listen to our patient stories
Listen to our patient stories
What our patients say

We had nothing but 5 star treatment with ReproMed Drogheda and Dundrum. The consultant and admin staff in Drogheda always went above and beyond for us and kept us comfortable and were so welcoming.

Joanne, Drogheda
You Journey

Taking the first step to make an appointment can be the most challenging part, which is why we try to make it as simple and stress-free for you as we possibly can.

Book your Consultation
1

Book your Consultation

Meet your Fertility Specialist
2

Meet your Fertility Specialist

Get your Basic Tests
3

Get your Basic Tests

Get your Treatment Plan
4

Get your Treatment Plan

Start your journey today