Change Region
Your region is set to
United Kingdom
Choose a different region:
Ireland
The term In-vitro fertilisation or IVF, literally means fertilisation “in glass” and refers to the process where a person’s eggs are fertilised outside of the body in the laboratory. Using sperm, embryos are created which are then transferred back to the uterus a few days later, or frozen for use at a later date.
The first successful IVF baby was born in 1978 in Manchester, England. Since then, millions of babies have been born through IVF and ICSI treatment.
IVF/ICSI is specifically recommended for those with absent, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes. It is also often used in cases of unexplained infertility. Where there is male factor subfertility it can be used in combination with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). It is also an option for those wishing to become pregnant with the assistance of donor sperm.
Under the care of our team, a woman is given fertility medications, mainly in the form of injections to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple follicles. Follicles are the small fluid filled structures within the ovaries, each of which will hopefully contain an egg.
The number and size of the developing follicles is measured by trans-vaginal ultrasound scans. The exact number of follicles which develop varies greatly between patients. One of the purposes of testing is to give you and us an idea in advance of how many follicles and eggs may develop.
The final preparation for egg retrieval involves a hormone injection which mimics the natural trigger for ovulation. Egg retrieval will take place 36 hours after this injection.
Egg retrieval is a minor theatre procedure which is carried out in the clinic under sedation.
A trans-vaginal ultrasound probe is used and a needle attached to the probe is carefully passed through the vaginal wall into the ovaries and follicles.
The ovarian fluid within each follicle is aspirated and then examined in the IVF laboratory by the embryologist for the presence of an egg.
After identification, the eggs are washed and transferred into a special culture in an incubator.
While the egg retrieval is happening, the sperm is also prepared. A semen sample is provided by the male partner or the donor sperm sample is prepared for use. In the laboratory, a concentrated preparation of the best motile sperm is extracted from the semen sample. This sperm preparation (containing approximately 150,000 sperm) is added to the dishes containing the eggs, and they are incubated together overnight.
In some couples an alternative form of insemination is required called ICSI (Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection), which involves injecting a single sperm into each egg using a very fine needle, rather than mixing the eggs and sperm in a dish
Regardless of the method of insemination used, on the morning after egg retrieval, the eggs are examined to see which have fertilised.
Fertilised eggs (zygotes) are cultured in the IVF laboratory until day 5 or 6, the blastocyst stage. At that point the embryos are either transferred or frozen, depending on the individual circumstances. Any additional embryos that are not transferred at the blastocyst stage can be frozen.
The embryo transfer is a simple theatre procedure that does not usually require anaesthesia.
The embryo(s) are placed back into the uterus by the doctor by way of a small catheter inserted through the cervix. The fluid containing the embryo(s) is pushed through the cervix and into the uterus.
The correct positioning of the embryo(s) is confirmed by abdominal ultrasound, so the woman is required to have a full bladder for the procedure.
Under the care of our team, a woman is given fertility medications, mainly in the form of injections to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple follicles. Follicles are the small fluid filled structures within the ovaries, each of which will hopefully contain an egg.
The number and size of the developing follicles is measured by trans-vaginal ultrasound scans. The exact number of follicles which develop varies greatly between patients. One of the purposes of testing is to give you and us an idea in advance of how many follicles and eggs may develop.
The final preparation for egg retrieval involves a hormone injection which mimics the natural trigger for ovulation. Egg retrieval will take place 36 hours after this injection.
Egg retrieval is a minor theatre procedure which is carried out in the clinic under sedation.
A trans-vaginal ultrasound probe is used and a needle attached to the probe is carefully passed through the vaginal wall into the ovaries and follicles.
The ovarian fluid within each follicle is aspirated and then examined in the IVF laboratory by the embryologist for the presence of an egg.
After identification, the eggs are washed and transferred into a special culture in an incubator.
While the egg retrieval is happening, the sperm is also prepared. A semen sample is provided by the male partner or the donor sperm sample is prepared for use. In the laboratory, a concentrated preparation of the best motile sperm is extracted from the semen sample. This sperm preparation (containing approximately 150,000 sperm) is added to the dishes containing the eggs, and they are incubated together overnight.
In some couples an alternative form of insemination is required called ICSI (Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection), which involves injecting a single sperm into each egg using a very fine needle, rather than mixing the eggs and sperm in a dish
Regardless of the method of insemination used, on the morning after egg retrieval, the eggs are examined to see which have fertilised.
Fertilised eggs (zygotes) are cultured in the IVF laboratory until day 5 or 6, the blastocyst stage. At that point the embryos are either transferred or frozen, depending on the individual circumstances. Any additional embryos that are not transferred at the blastocyst stage can be frozen.
The embryo transfer is a simple theatre procedure that does not usually require anaesthesia.
The embryo(s) are placed back into the uterus by the doctor by way of a small catheter inserted through the cervix. The fluid containing the embryo(s) is pushed through the cervix and into the uterus.
The correct positioning of the embryo(s) is confirmed by abdominal ultrasound, so the woman is required to have a full bladder for the procedure.
IVF is not something which can ever be ‘a sure thing.’ A core part of the consultation process in advance of your treatment is for our team to inform you of what we think your chance of success is based on your history and test results. This will help you make the most informed decision about the process and whether it is right for you. Most women and couples who undergo IVF will succeed but it can sometimes take multiple attempts. However, through our evidence based fertility treatment, we are confident that our team of experts can help to give you the best shot at a successful outcome. You can view our success rates here.
Not at present. We encourage patients to use their embryos by doing frozen embryo transfers before starting a new cycle with us.
No, you can purchase donor sperm separately from our partner sperm bank European Sperm Bank.
No, this is not an add on which we provide.
No, we do not have a restriction on BMI.
We do not have an age restriction on any treatment in Thérapie Fertility, though upcoming Irish legislation may require this to change.
Yes, it is of course possible to transfer multiple embryos. However, in most cases we usually recommend transferring just one or two. The reason for this is to try to avoid a multiple pregnancy. While twin or triplet pregnancies can be very healthy, they do come with increased risks. In order to reduce this risk, we like to try for a healthy singleton pregnancy. If your medical and fertility history indicates, we may advise to transfer more than one embryo.
IVF is the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology and for the majority of cases, IVF or other fertility treatments can help you realise your dream of becoming pregnant.
I recently completed egg freezing at Therapy Fertility Clinic, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Everything is incredibly well scheduled and organized, with appointment times that are very manageable — especially if you need to come in before work. The team is consistently welcoming, attentive, and genuinely caring. They take the time to check in with you thoughtfully, and their warm, friendly manner — even early in the morning — really helps put you at ease. Results and updates are communicated quickly, and the whole process feels efficient while still being personal and supportive. I’m very grateful for the care I received and would highly recommend the clinic to anyone considering fertility preservation.
Me and my partner went for consultation with Emily back in October as we were between clinics and when we came out after speaking with Emily we knew therapie was the right choice. The process from start to finish has been amazing! We had an amazing round with therapie resulting in a good number of frozen embryos and luckily success with our 1st frozen transfer. Therapie made our dreams of a family a reality. I've spoken so highly of therapie throughout my journey. The care has been amazing and looks forward to continuing building our family over the years hopefully with the clinic. Use are a credit to those who struggle ❤️
We had our beautiful twins with help from Thérapie Fertility. The care and attentiveness they showed us along the way was next to none. They take the approach of evidence based only testing/medications etc which we soon realised was the best approach, for us at least, and involved the least stress, cost, pressure etc. They were the best value for this reason and also the general costs of treatment, which eases the stress of IVF somewhat too. As a queer couple we never felt different, always embraced and we would highly recommend to fellow LGBT couples. We see Thérapie Fertility staff as part of our family, our journey, our past and now, our future.
Thérapie fertility were so patient-centered with my husband and I from the beginning. In an extremely difficult and emotional situation all of the nurses and doctors were always kind, took an interest in our relationship and our son - remembering his name. It was the little things that made us aware that we were in good hands. Everything was at our pace and the staff were incredibly patient in answering our questions - Especially the ones we had already asked five times previously! Thank you to nurse Lisa in Galway, Dr. Megat, Dr. Kennedy and all of the incredible staff for supporting us every step of the way and for making our dream of expanding our family a reality. There will never be any words to thank you alol enough!
I cannot thank the team at Thérapie Fertility Clinic in Carrickmines enough for the exceptional care, support, and professionalism I have received throughout my fertility journey. From the very first appointment, every interaction has been handled with compassion, expertise, and genuine kindness. The clinic’s atmosphere is welcoming, supportive, and reassuring — a place where you truly feel listened to and cared for. The entire team go above and beyond to answer questions, explain procedures clearly, and provide reassurance during what can be an emotionally challenging time. I am incredibly grateful to say that I am now pregnant, and I truly believe the care, guidance, and support I received from this clinic played a huge part in getting me to this point. Even before scans, the reassurance and confidence they gave me has meant everything. A special mention must go to Emily in the Belfast clinic. Her kindness, professionalism, and calming manner made such a difference to my experience. She took the time to explain everything clearly and offered genuine, compassionate support when it was most needed. I would highly recommend Thérapie Fertility Clinic to anyone beginning or continuing their fertility journey. The care, empathy, and dedication shown by the teams in both Carrickmines and Belfast have been outstanding, and I will always be thankful for the role they played in helping us reach this milestone. Danielle & Patrick
From our first consultation in July, Thérapie Fertility Clinic made us feel valued and cared for. As first-time patients we were nervous but we never once felt like we were just another number or there for money. Everything was explained clearly step by step the process was affordable and the team were amazing. We are now 24 weeks pregnant and will always be grateful for the care and support we received.
Sitting here with our 3 week old Thérapie baby, we cannot recommend Thérapie Fertility highly enough. From the very first contact we have felt like we’ve known the team forever. Every procedure & process was explained thoroughly. We have been treated with respect, dignity & empathy, never felt like ‘just a number’. The team are honest & realistic with the expectations & outcomes. They reassured us when we had anxieties about anything throughout our journey. There are no silly questions & the patient portal is a fantastic tool for communicating. We have already put some friends onto Thérapie as they look to start their journey.
Good environment and high-quality service.
