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

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.

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.

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.

Yes, visiting certain destinations (including France, Italy and Spain) can temporarily delay when your treatment can begin.

Several viruses spread by mosquitoes, including West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, Chikungunya and Dengue are currently affecting popular destinations.

For safety reasons, fertility patients may need to wait a short period after returning to Ireland before starting (or continuing) treatment.

Why do these waiting times exist?

These viruses can occasionally be transmitted through blood, tissue or reproductive cells. 

The deferral period ensures there’s enough time for any potential infection risk to clear before treatment proceeds.

How long will I need to wait?

West Nile Virus:

• If you or your partner travel to an affected country, there’s a 28-day deferral from the date you return to Ireland.
  Countries currently affected include France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Croatia and Turkey, among others.

Zika Virus:

• If only the female partner travels, there’s an 8-week deferral.
  If the male partner also travels (or travels alone), the deferral period increases to 12 weeks.
  Zika risk areas include parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, such as Mexico, Thailand, Brazil and the Maldives.

Chikungunya & Dengue Virus:

• These viruses are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. While the risk of transmission during pregnancy appears low, travel to certain areas of France and Italy may require a 28-day waiting period before treatment.
  Affected regions currently include:
  – Occitanie region, France
  – Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, France
  – La Réunion (France)
  – Castel San Giovanni and Budrio (Emilia-Romagna region, Italy)

What Should I Do Before I Travel?

If you’re planning a trip abroad while undergoing fertility treatment or preparing to start, please let our team know in advance.

We can advise on any waiting periods that might apply and help you plan your cycle accordingly.

A little preparation can prevent disappointment later, especially if you’re hoping to start treatment soon after returning home.

*We also advise checking for the latest updates and full country lists on the official European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website before travelling.

*Current List of Affected Countries 

West Nile Virus-Countries Affected:

• Austria, Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Turkiye.

Zika Virus – Countries Affected:

• Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, British Virgin Isles, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, France (Guyane), Gabon, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Micronesia, Federated States of Monserrat, Myanmar (Burma), Nicaragua, Nigeria, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Saba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Singapore, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Venezuela, Vietnam.

Chikungunya & Dengue Virus–Regions Affected:

• – Occitanie region, France
  – Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, France
  – La Réunion (France)
  – Castel San Giovanni and Budrio (Emilia-Romagna region, Italy)

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