Services

What We Offer

Fertility Services

Our fertility team in Belarmine Dr. Deirdre Searson and fertility nurse specialist Joan Kelly (see Joan's website or learn more in the Irish Times) provide an extensive range of services to aid you in your fertility journey. We provide a holistic service that encompasses all aspects of health and lifestyle to aid you in your journey. It can be a stressful and anxious time for couples. We know that 1 in 6 couples will struggle to get pregnant. A fertility consultation here will encompass a full review of your medical history, focussing on your gynaecological history, appropriate bloods and ultrasound scanning if necessary and also on potential male factor issues. 

  • Female Fertility Testing

    • Hormone Bloods: FSH/LH day 3-5 of your cycle, these hormones stimulate the ovaries to mature and release eggs. Day 21 Progesterone, in a 28 day cycle. Progesterone should peak at day 21 if you have ovulated. The peak should occur 7 days before the end of a cycle (day 21 in a 28 day cycle, day 28 in a 35 day cycle).
    • Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH): An indirect measure of egg reserve in the ovaries.
    • Prolactin: Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain and high levels can inhibit ovulation, egg release.
    • Other Bloods: It's recommended to check general bloods FBC, Ferritin, Thyroid, B12, Folate, Vitamin D, Rubella immunity.
    • Cervical Smear: All women would be advised to be up to date with their smear tests with cervical check.

  • Ultrasound Scanning

    • Baseline Scan: Assess the lining of the womb, the thickness of the lining, does it appear healthy to support a viable pregnancy, any signs of polyps or fibroids, assess the number of eggs in the ovary.
    • Follicle Tracking Ultrasound & Timed Intercourse with Ovulation Induction: The womb is scanned mid cycle between day 10-17 to assess the follicle development, the basket that carries the egg to the womb. This is a direct visualisation of the developing follicle and you will be advised to time intercourse around its location. This is far more accurate than OPK urine sticks. For some women we may prescribe medication to trigger and induce ovulation and you’ll be scanned during this time to ensure the medication is working and advised about timing intercourse with either Clomid or Letrozole.
    • IVF & Egg Donation: We provide ultrasound scans for those doing IVF abroad. We can liaise closely with your clinic and send them reports of ultrasound scans. We can also provide same day bloods if needed during IVF cycles.
    • Early Pregnancy Scan: We provide early pregnancy scans from 6-10 weeks. These early scans can measure the developing baby and give an indication of expected date of delivery in conjunction with your known last menstrual period. It can also directly visualise the developing baby and heart.

  • Male Fertility Testing

    • Hormone Bloods: Prolactin and Testosterone levels can give an indication about sperm health.
    • Other Bloods: Including FBC, Ferritin, B12, Folate, Vitamin D and thyroid function give an indication about general health.
    • Semen analysis: Recommended for all male partners. Sperms are produced every 3 months. It can be possible with a few lifestyle measures to improve sperm health.
    • Testicular Ultrasound: May be necessary to assess any masses such as hydrocoeles, varicoceles which may be contributing to infertility. Referral to a Urologist may be necessary for further treatment.
    • Sperm DNA: Fragmentation Tests.
    • Semen Analysis: Tells us the volume and motility in an ejaculate but not the quality. All sperm have a level of DNA fragmentation. The DNA of the sperm can be damaged during storage and manufacture of the sperm. This test tells us the level of DNA fragmentation. High levels may make it more difficult to conceive a viable pregnancy. Levels can be improved with simple and appropriate lifestyle measures as sperm regenerate every 3 months.
It would be advisable to attend a consultation if you are trying to get pregnant for over 6 months, if you are under 35 years and have been trying for over 3 months or if you are over 35 years of age. We can help you resolve baseline issues and not everyone will have to resort to IVF.
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