There are increasing numbers of TV programmes and magazine articles raising people’s awareness of their fertility. This is a good thing. However, in the absence of an alternative, people often feel driven to attend a specialist fertility clinic for advice. For most, a visit to a well-informed GP would be a more appropriate first step. All of our doctors can give you good basic fertility advice. If you feel you need something a little more advanced, you can choose to see our fertility specialist instead. This gives you the benefit of specialist advice but in your GP clinic. The best of both!
Dr Catherine Riordan
I graduated from UCD in 1988 and became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in England in 1993.
Over the past 25 years, I have worked in women’s health, urology and fertility, developing a unique set of skills and experience.
During several years as a fertility specialist at two of Ireland’s busiest IVF clinics, I have seen how stressful and impersonal the experience can be for some. While they have an important role to play, large fertility clinics are not always the most appropriate starting point for everyone. At the other end of the spectrum, few GPs have the time, expertise or facilities to help in this area beyond the basics. So, in 2021, I left the corporate world of IVF to set up a more personalised fertility service in the community.
I am an active member of: American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), British Fertility Society (BFS), Society for the Study of Male Reproduction (SSMR).
Fertility clinics don’t always serve couples or women with fertility issues well. With operating theatres and embryology labs, they are geared up for IVF. Women with concerns about their future fertility should not have to go to an IVF clinic for advice. Not every couple who has been trying to get pregnant for a few months needs IVF. Men with fertility issues probably wouldn’t choose for their first encounter to be with a gynaecologist! Along with The Ultrasound Suite, I can provide a simple, cost effective solution for many of you. Those who eventually need more advanced treatment will be fully informed and with a clear understanding of what may lie ahead. Otherwise, it can become a very daunting, confusing and frustrating experience.
I am very happy to see anyone who has concerns about their fertility, is worried that it may be taking them too long to get pregnant or who has already been through fertility treatment and is confused and uncertain what to do next. We can offer treatment such as ovulation induction using medication such as Clomid with ultrasound monitoring.
Absolutely. Male factor plays at least a part in about 50% of couples with fertility problems. It is important to find this out before the female endures all sorts of unnecessary investigations. With a background in urology, I can assess men for many issues such as erectile dysfunction, varicocele, poor sperm production. In many cases, we can take measures to improve things. Sometimes with lifestyle changes or medication. Sometimes more advanced intervention is required. There are very few properly trained andrologists in Ireland and I will ensure that you see the most appropriate specialist.
Semen analysis will be carried out by an expert embryologist at our clinic here in Bray. Further details can be found here.
This is an entirely independent service. The intention is to help you to avoid such clinics if possible. For those who do need high tech treatment, I am more than happy to refer you to the specialist fertility clinic of your choice.
Struggling with infertility is enormously stressful and can be very isolating. Undergoing fertility treatment is stressful in itself. It takes over your life, disrupts your work schedule and costs a lot of money with no guarantee of success. Relationships often come under strain. All too often, I see people try to tough it out alone. It can be very helpful to sit down with someone independent who can help you see the wood from the trees. I have worked with Michele Pippet for many years and have no hesitation in recommending her as a counsellor. Often, under Michele’s expert guidance, one or two sessions will be enough to help you get your head straight and make the right decisions.
This largely depends on your needs. It will cost €150 for an initial consultation which will last 45 minutes. At this point, we will tease through your history so far and see if we can pinpoint where the problem lies. We can then decide what tests may be necessary and what your best plan of action is. It is important, if you are part of a couple, that both of you attend. The problem lies on the man’s side just as often as on the woman’s. Also, this is a stressful journey and it is important that you take it together.
After that, testing will cost extra:
- Routine blood tests: €40 for a panel
- AMH: €100
- Ultrasound scans done with The Ultrasound Suite: Generally €130 if referred by us
- Follicle tracking: €80 per scan.
- Counselling: €60
- Semen Analysis €150