We are sensitive to the distress that difficulty in conceiving can generate and we will advise of the initial investigations that may be required and the next most appropriate steps.
Infertility is when a couple cannot get pregnant, (despite having regular unprotected sex.
Around one in seven couples may have difficulty conceiving.
About 84% of couples will conceive naturally within one year if they have regular unprotected sex.
For every 100 couples trying to conceive naturally:
- 84 will conceive within one year
- 92 will conceive within two years
- 93 will conceive within three years
Deciding to seek help
Some women get pregnant quickly, but for others it can take longer. It is a good idea for a couple to visit their GP if they have not conceived after one year of trying.
Women aged 36 and over, and anyone who is already aware they may have fertility problems, should see their GP sooner
We offer sound practical advice to couples having difficulty achieving pregnancy.
At Dooradoyle medical centre, we provide the following blood tests that aid in diagnosing potential fertility problems
Day 2-5 – FSH/ LH ( will give a guide to current fertility and aid in diagnosing PCOS)
Day 21 – Progesterone level ( will give an indication if ovulation is occurring)
AMH testing ( Anti Mullerian Hormone) ‘EGG TIMER’ test * ( will give an indication of future fertility)
Semen analysis is recommended for male partners.
We will then refer for further specialist assessment as necessary.
Ovarian Reserve (‘Eggtimer’) Test:
The average age of women giving birth in Ireland (in 2010) has increased to 31.5 years old according to a study by the ESRI. This is up from an average age of 30.3 in 2001. As fertility drops with age it can be useful to get an insight into your remaining number of fertile years. This is also referred to as your Ovarian Reserve and is typically investigated by means of the AMH or ‘eggtimer’ test.
This is a simple blood test which can be done at any time in your cycle (*see below) to check your levels of AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone).
The test gives information about the volume of eggs remaining in your ovaries and can be helpful when predicting future fertility. This information can also be useful pre-IVF.
The results of the test should not be taken in isolation as the only indicator of fertility as there are many factors involved. As part of the testing process the patient will have a detailed consultation with our GP to ensure the test and implications of the results are understood.
- if you attend on day 3 of your period you can also have a FSH test giving some extra information re fertility status
- if you have Polycystic ovaries, the test results may be falsely elevated
