About Fertility
According to the World Health Organisation Infertility is a global health issue affecting millions of people of reproductive age worldwide. Available data suggests that globally one in six people experience infertility in their lifetime. Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Primary infertility is the inability to have any pregnancy, while secondary infertility is the inability to have a pregnancy after previously successful conception. WHO’s International Classification of Diseases provides more information on the many primary and secondary causes of infertility in both women and men.
Infertility may occur due to male factors, female factors, a combination of male and female factors or may be unexplained. For both women and men, however, lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake and obesity have been associated with higher chances of infertility.
From the WHO website https://www.who.int/health-topics/infertility#tab=tab_2
HSE – Publicly Funded IVF Scheme
The publicly funded IVF scheme launched in September 2023, provides Free Fertility Services through the HSE to couples struggling to conceive. You can access free assisted human reproduction services (including IVF) from the HSE at an HSE-approved private fertility clinic of your choice.
Please find the link to the HSE’s Fertility Information booklet and the HSE’s fertility page below.
What to expect at a regional fertility hub
Dr LucyAnn Behan, Consultant Endocrinologist in the Coombe Hospital explore the different investigations and treatments available in the Regional Fertility Hub. There are 6 hubs around the country – in Dublin in the National Maternity Hospital, the Rotunda Hospital and the Coombe Hospital, and across the country in Cork, Galway and Nenagh.
Watch a short video explaining how this works.
Useful links
Endometriosis Association of Ireland
Information and support for those effected by endometriosis.
Fertility Europe
FERTILITY EUROPE IS A EUROPEAN UMBRELLA ORGANIZATION; We represent over 30 national patient associations in the field of (in)fertility.
Department of Foreign Affairs (surrogacy information)
For information on using international surrogacy.
Department of Health
Information on health policy and strategy and overseeing health funding in Ireland.
HSE (Health Service Executive)
The Health Service Executive provides public health and social care services to everyone living in Ireland. Includes information on publicly funded IVF.
Frequently asked questions
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