Couples seek IVF treatment much too soon, says clinic

COUPLES in their 30s who are desperate to have a baby are opting for invasive and expensive infertility treatments long before natural methods of conception can be ruled out, it has emerged.

The numbers of couples in their 30s who are having In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and other assisted pregnancy treatments is on the increase, according to Dr Hanora Ryan of Human Assisted Reproduction Ireland, at Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital.

Some of those seeking drastic and expensive treatments in order to conceive have been trying to have a child for less than six months when they first approach their GP looking for help.

However, clinics nationwide typically don’t class someone as infertile until they have been unsuccessful in conceiving for more than a year.

The stress and strain associated with the modern workplace, coupled with higher mortgage repayments and increased availability of contraceptives, means couples are putting off having children until later in life. But despite waiting until they are older to start a family, many are not prepared to wait for nature to take its course before opting for infertility treatment.

“Younger people are a bit more reluctant to come forward looking for help. But once people reach their mid-to-late 30s, they are more conscious that time is not on their side. Some look for help when they’ve been trying for six months,” Dr Ryan said.

However, despite the demands of some clients to provide radical treatments to boost pregnancy chances, she said medics here are being responsible and are going through all the various alternatives with couples before suggesting IVF.

Referrals here are through a GP and couples typically have had a preliminary investigation at an infertility clinic before looking at IVF.

Last year, 481 couples went through the IVF cycle and a further 289 men had treatment for low sperm count at the same centre.

The costs associated with IVF can be significant and some couples can go through three or four treatments before they are successful.

A full IVF treatment costs in the region of 3,400 euro while those who do not have their embryos frozen are charged in the region of 3,150 euro.