Brought to you by Beacon CARE Fertility
We spoke to a leading fertility clinic doctor to answer YOUR top fertility questions...
When you're trying to conceive, it can be hard to know at what point you should start considering fertility treatments, or which treatments to opt for.
With so many different routes available and so many variables to consider, you're probably not alone if you've got some questions surrounding the various fertility treatments out there.
That's why we've teamed up with
Beacon CARE Fertility to answer YOUR burning questions surrounding fertility, IVF and Embryo Genetic Testing.
We spoke to Dr Faiza Shafi from Beacon CARE Fertility, a world leading fertility clinic that offers the latest international techniques and technology in all aspects of fertility, IVF and Embryo Genetic Testing.
The clinic in Sandyford, Dublin has been offering cutting edge fertility treatment for the last 10 years
and has pioneered groundbreaking fertility techniques that are not available at any other clinic. They were also the first clinic in Ireland to offer Reciprocal IVF to female couples.
Visit their website
HERE to learn more about the treatments they offer.
In the meantime, here are some of your top fertility questions answered...
When should I seek fertility advice?
"You should seek the advice of a Fertility Consultant if you’re over 35 and have been trying to conceive for 6 months or more. If you’re under 35, I recommend seeking advice if you've been trying for a year or more."
How can I check my fertility? Are the tests invasive?
"There are 2 tests that can check the Ovarian Reserve or Egg Count of a woman. An Anti-Mullerian Hormone Test (AMH) and an Antral Follicle Count. An AMH test is a simple blood test that can help to estimate the number of follicles in your ovaries. It can be performed at any time and does not need to be performed around your period. A higher AMH level is indicative of a higher egg count. An Antral Follicle Count is performed via a transvaginal ultrasound. This scan can give an indication of the potential amount of follicles and eggs in your ovaries, it can also check that the ovaries and uterus look normal and healthy.
"Generally speaking, the scan causes minimal discomfort. You may feel a bit of pressure as the probe is inserted, but most women find the procedure to be much easier than a smear test. It’s important to note that these tests have their limitations as they can not determine the quality of a woman’s eggs. A woman’s age typically determines her egg quality.
"On the male side, a semen analysis is a simple, non-invasive test that can help to determine if there is a male fertility issue involved."
What are the pros and cons of IUI vs IVF?
"Broadly speaking, IUI (also known as Artificial Insemination) is less expensive and less invasive than IVF, but the success rates are lower. IUI is usually recommended for couples who have not been trying for a long time and who have potential issues with ovulation or timing.
"IVF on the other hand has much better success rates, your ovaries are stimulated, we can potentially retrieve a good number of eggs, mix them with the sperm, prepare the embryos, pick the best embryo and transfer it at the right time. However, it is more expensive and more invasive compared to IUI."
Just married and just turned 42. Is it safe to conceive?
"First of all, congratulations on your marriage! Yes, it is safe to conceive, you just need to be mindful of a few things.
"Pregnancy over 42 has a higher risk of blood pressure, diabetes and pregnancy-related complications. 3 Pregnancy can also be more demanding on your body as you get older, so it’s a good idea to talk to your GP first to make sure your general health is in good standing before you start. I also recommend taking a high dose of folic acid.
"When you are over 42 it generally takes longer to achieve a pregnancy. The main reason for this is that most of the eggs you release at this age are not chromosomally competent. If you have been trying for 6 months or more without success, I recommend seeking fertility advice. If you do decide to proceed with IVF, I recommend adding genetic testing. This will help to identify the chromosomally normal embryos with the best chance of success."
At what age is IVF with Embryo Genetic Testing (PGT-A) advised?
"Embryo Genetic Testing (PGT-A) is typically recommended for women over 35 years of age.
The reason for this is that after 35 years of age, about 50% of your embryos will be chromosomally abnormal and likely to miscarry or not implant. This percentage increases as you age and can get close to 80% as you approach your 40s.
The test allows us to identify the embryos that are chromosomally normal and with the best chance of a successful outcome."
Beacon CARE Fertility is celebrating 10 years of providing cutting-edge, IVF & Fertility treatment in Dublin. The pioneering clinic has achieved many milestones in this time, including the first baby born in Ireland in 2014 using PGT-A (Embryo Genetic Testing). Their “Where Science Meets Life” tagline is aptly chosen as there have been 50,000 CARE Fertility babies born to date in the UK and Ireland.
Book an appointment at Beacon CARE Fertility Clinic today HERE.
Brought to you by Beacon CARE Fertility 
