You will need to have the following tests before commencing treatment:

a). A Rubella Test

b) A Chlamydia Screen
This is tested via a urine sample or vaginal swab and should be completed within the last 2 years.

c). Smear Test
A copy of an up-to-date smear test is required. This can be a letter from Cervical Check or a letter from your GP

d). A recent Thyroid test (performed within 6 months).

e). HIV, Hepatitis B & C.-
While most patients will need to have these viral screens, we recommend holding off until advised to do so by the nurses as there is an expiry date on these tests and they must be carried out with Biomnis or Medlab.

Don’t worry, your GP can carry these out for you, or you can schedule these to be done at Beacon CARE Fertility (with the exception of the smear test).

While we don’t perform smear tests, you can register with the cervical screening programme here: https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/cervical-screening/check-the-cervicalcheck-register.html

If you have been advised to have a semen analysis or sperm DNA fragmentation test, the Reception team will be happy to book these in for you.

As the majority of medications prescribed for fertility treatments are covered by the drug payment scheme, we advise our patients to apply for the Drugs Payment Scheme Card. More information is available here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/drugs-payment-scheme/drugs-payment-scheme-card.html.

Your treatment pack will include:

-Your treatment plan or protocol as prescribed by your consultant

-Your prescriptions

-Your patient information

-Your consents

-Your invoice

Once you receive this treatment pack you should contact the nurses to discuss consent signing and getting booked in for the treatment cycle.

A more comprehensive Diet and Lifestyle FAQ will be posted soon, so keep an eye out for that. In the meantime, please feel free to ask your nurse or doctor about any question you may have.

We do ask that if you are advised by your acupuncturist to take any additional supplements or medications that you would ask your doctor first before taking them.

Finally, we would recommend that you consider speaking to your support network when proceeding with treatment.

Anyone who has gone through treatment will vouch that this can be an emotionally challenging journey.

Support can come in many different forms, friends, family, work colleagues etc…. or it may be an online support group or professional counsellor. Here is some info that you may find helpful:

1. NISIG- National Fertility Support and Information Group. An Irish organisation that provides help and support for individuals and couples on their fertility journey. 
2. Counsellors: Our external Fertility Counsellors are available to patients who feel they would like to access support counseling before, during or after treatment. Contact Details are below and payment is made directly to the Counsellor on the day of your appointment:

Margaret Dunne:

Website: www.MDunneCounsellor.com

Email: MargaretDunneCounsellor@gmail.com

Tel: 087-938-6166

Ann Bracken:

Website: www.annbrackentherapy.com

Email: appointments@annbrackentherapy.com

Tel: 085-741-4866

   3. Beacon CARE Buddy System:

This  is a unique “Peer to Peer” Support system.

If you sign up for this service, we will carefully match you with a patient who is also going through a similar process to you, either here, or in one of our sister clinics in the UK.

You will be able to connect with one another throughout your treatment process and beyond.

There is no charge for this service.

If you are interested in signing up or finding out more information, please email our Beacon CARE Support Coordinator : Kelly.dasilva@carefertility.com.

Yes we do. Please read our BLOG POST HERE.