First Fertility Assessment

Transcription

1 First Fertility Assessment in 5 Simple Steps Let our experience deliver for you 1 in 6 couples experience difficulties trying to conceive.

2 You are not alone One in six couples experience difficulties trying to conceive. However with the assistance of fertility treatments, many couples fulfil their dream of becoming a parent. The experienced team at Galway Fertility Clinic has been providing a wide range of fertility treatments in Ireland for over 20 years. Our approach is to provide the least invasive, most cost effective treatment, giving you the best chance of success. We offer a wide range of investigations to identify any contributing factors in both male and female infertility. We outline here, our "5 Simple Steps" to giving you a comprehensive assessment. STEP 1: Your First Appointment(s) At your first appointment, our Fertility Consultant will perform a detailed assessment and schedule any tests required. We have arranged the following appointments for both of you at our clinic. Appointment Type Date Time Costs Sperm Assessment (Male Partner - if appropriate) 100 Consultant Appointment (Female/Male Partner) 200 Contact our secretarial team if the appointment times do not suit you or if you have any queries. What to expect at your First Appointment: Female: Detailed Medical History (both partners) Physical Examination (including breast examination if needed) Trans-Vaginal Ultrasound Scan Anti-Sperm Antibody Test (Blood test) Blood Tests (AMH / Bio-Screens if required) Male: (if applicable) Semen (Sperm) Analysis. This test is carried out in our laboratory. Blood Tests (Hormone Profile / Bio-Screens if needed) Physical Examination (occasionally required) Please bring information of any previous treatment you may have had.

3 STEP 2: Blood Tests required with your GP In order for the consultant to identify potential causes of your infertility, the following blood tests should be completed prior to your initial appointment. You should attend your GP to have these tests taken and bring a copy of the results with you to your appointment. Please bring this pamphlet along to your GP to ensure the correct tests are performed. Female: Test Description Specific Instructions: Hormone Profile: FSH, LH, Prolactin, Taken on Day 3 to 7 Free Androgen Index / of menstrual cycle Testosterone / SHBG (counting the first day Thyroid Function Tests of your period as Day 1) Ovulation Test Progesterone Level Taken on Day 20 to 23 of menstrual cycle Bio-Screen Blood Tests: HIV 1 and 2 (Anti-HIV-1,2) May be taken on Hepatitis B (HbsAg, Anti-HBc) any day Hepatitis C (Anti-HCV-Ab) Syphilis (VDRL) Rubella Smear Test (if required) (Recommended every 3 years) Male/Partner (if applicable): Test Description Specific Instructions: Bio-Screen Blood Tests: HIV 1 and 2 (Anti-HIV-1,2) May be taken on Hepatitis B (HbsAg, Anti-HBc) any day Hepatitis C (Anti-HCV-Ab) Syphilis (VDRL) It is preferable for the above test results to be available at your first appointment so that the consultant has all the necessary information at this time, otherwise a second visit may be required.

4 STEP 3: Semen Analysis at your First Appointment Instructions for Semen (Sperm) Assessment As part of your initial assessment, you will be asked to produce a Semen (sperm) sample. A comprehensive test is then performed to check for possible sperm quality issues which may influence treatment options. The most accurate assessment is obtained following no more than 5 days abstinence from ejaculation. The sample is assessed for: Sperm Count Morphology (Sperm Quality) Motility The Presence of Anti-Sperm Anti-Bodies Progression It is preferable for the sample to be produced in a designated room in the clinic at a pre-arranged appointment time. Some clients may wish to produce the semen sample at home. In such cases you should arrange this with the Clinic. The specific guidelines for producing samples at home are as follows: The semen sample should be produced by masturbation, without lubricants, into a sterile specimen container (available from any pharmacy). Write your name and date of birth on the container. Please ensure the lid of the container is closed completely. Keep the sample at body temperature (an inside pocket) in transit and deliver to the clinic within one hour. Semen Analysis is recommended regardless of previous pregnancies or assessment by another Clinic. Please note: Samples should be delivered into the lab within one hour of production.

5 STEP 4: Additional Tests Available We offer a wide range of investigative tests which can identify any contributing factors in both female and male infertility and may be recommended at your initial consultation. Some of these tests may include: Test Description Costs: AMH Testing This test result gives an indication of the Cost reduced to 50 (Female only) number of eggs remaining in a woman s if completed on the day ovaries. It is an important guide in of the first appointment treatment planning. (Normally 100) Recurrent Some clients may have a history of No Charge if part Miscarriage previous miscarriages. of your first Testing In such cases a comprehensive appointment (if recommended - blood screening assessment Female & Male may be offered to detect a possible cause. Partner) Occasionally a blood clotting disorder may be detected, which requires medication to be taken during your treatment cycle and in pregnancy. Sperm DNA This test examines the degree of DNA Cost reduced to 250 Fragmentation damage within the sperm. This can have if completed on the day Testing an effect on the sperm s ability to fertilise of the first (Male only) the egg and has been linked to appointment miscarriages. (Normally 350) This damage is not visible in the semen analysis and requires specialised testing. A sample of sperm is frozen and shipped to private testing laboratories where the degree of fragmentation is measured. Please note: This test can only be completed if Bio-Screen results are available and negative. Please visit our website for more information and current pricing. STEP 5: Treatment Plan Following a review of your test results at your first appointment, the consultant may recommend a simple approach such as lifestyle changes or minor interventions. In cases where further testing or investigations are recommended, a follow up appointment is usually arranged to discuss the results and treatment options. Our consultant will determine a suitable treatment plan to address any conditions identified. It is widely accepted that fertility treatment can be stressful for some. If treatment is recommended for you, our approach at Galway Fertility Clinic is to provide professional and compassionate care to all our clients. Our team is available to you at all stages of treatment, to provide support as necessary. Please visit our website for more information on investigations, treatments, health promotion advice and supports available to you. (

6 Payment Terms and Conditions Accepted methods of payments are as follows: Debit / Visa Card, Cash or Cheque Credit cards are accepted but these incur a 2% supplementary charge, to cover charges levied by the processing bank. Fertility costs are not normally covered under private medical insurance (e.g VHI etc) or by the HSE. Please check with your insurance provider for clarification. Costs may be claimed against income tax at the end of each financial year using a MED.1 form with your receipts. You can download these forms from Please visit our website for additional information on treatment, costs and payment terms and conditions GPS Co-ordinates: , Circular Road From N6 over Bridge Playing Pitches Rahoon Road Bothar Stiofain Brooklawn House, Galway West Business Park, Western Distributor Road, Rahoon, Galway, Ireland. Telephone: (0) Fax: (0) Dunnes Stores B&Q Clybaun Road Western Distributor Road Taylor s Hill Western Distributor Road Kingston Galway Golf Club From Galway City info@fertilityclinic.ie Salthill Promenade Promenade Galway Bay CI-071 Rev 0