If you’re hoping to start fertility treatment in 2021 or are in the early stages of planning, here’s our simple guide to help you prepare for what’s ahead:

1 - How to choose your IVF Clinic?

Our advice is to take the time to research what each clinic offers and whether the fit is right for you. Important factors for your choice may include:

• Treatments offered;
• Success rates;
• Treatment costs;
• Location (it’s worth remembering you’ll need to make a number of trips to your clinic, sometimes at relatively short notice).

For us, a great fertility clinic isn’t just one that can give you effective treatment. It’s one with empathetic staff, seamless processes built to fit around you, clear pricing and an exceptional medical team. Across the ReproMed network from Dublin to Galway, our team strives to deliver on each of these on a daily basis. Our team and our ethos set us apart. 

2 - Preparing for fertility treatment

While some people are comfortable turning to their loved ones for support and sharing openly about their fertility concerns, others prefer to keep their personal fertility journey private. This is not a one-size-fits-all situation and what helps one might cause stress to another. We suggest that having the support of a partner or friend is the best way to ready yourself for the journey ahead. Being informed and doing your research can really help, too, as you’ll be starting your journey feeling empowered and in control. 

We do advise to beware of ‘Dr Google’ and the many myths surrounding infertility. Your team in ReproMed will be on hand to dispel those and give you the facts about fertility. Our website and our blog are also a great source of relevant knowledge particularly when you are just starting out on your journey. 

3 - How to get started your fertility treatment

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. Just fill out our Patient Registration Form and a member of our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps. No GP referral is required, and there’s no extensive waiting list to slow things down.

Once we have assessed your Triage Form, we will book you in for two appointments: 

• The first will be with one of our nursing team to have some initial fertility tests done (in-clinic).
• The second is your zoom consultation with one of our Fertility Consultants. 

These appointments are generally 7 days apart. Our Consultant uses the information from your Registration Form along with the results of the tests to get a comprehensive picture of your fertility ahead of meeting you, so they can make the most of the time with you at the consultation.

4 - Your first consultation – what to expect

During your first consultation, you’ll meet with one of our doctors (via zoom) who will review your medical history, discuss treatment options and answer any questions you may have. We will provide you with information about the procedures and treatments and in some cases, further tests may be recommended. At the end of this consultation, we hope that you will feel confident that you have had a positive, progressive and evidence-based plan of action that best suits your individual needs.

5 - What happens after your consultation? 

Based on your consultation and testing, you’ll be given your treatment plan which will map out the journey ahead. Now that you’re officially a ReproMed patient, you’ll be given your own personal Patient Portal login, where you can keep track of your treatment plan and communicate with our team, so you always know what’s happening and when. 

6 - What else should you think about?

At your clinical appointments, don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to. Seeking advice from your trusted GP or talking to others who have been through similar experiences will often help. 

You should also take your time to think through any decisions that need to be made and get advice or support from a fertility counsellor if you need to. Never feel pressured to rush into a decision that you’re not ready for.

If you're ready to start your #fertilityjourney with us, click here to make your appointment. if not our blog and website are great resources to help you prepare, You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to get to know more about our team and what we have to offer. Remember that ReproMed has your best interests at heart. We’ve supported many people through the same journey you’re going about to embark on and we are here to help whatever stage you’re on.