Reproductive Medicine in Ireland

Reproductive medicine is a field of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and management of male and female reproductive issues. It encompasses the prevention and assessment, as well as the treatment and prognosis of a wide variety of reproductive conditions. The main goal of reproductive medicine is to improve or maintain the female and male reproductive systems. Reproductive medicine specialists particularly treat and advise on any issues impacting a person’s or a couple’s ability to conceive. They treat issues of puberty, sexual education, family planning, birth control, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and reproductive system disease, such as:

• Infectious diseases, such as reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Cancer that affects the reproductive system, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, penile cancer, and prostate cancer.
• Conditions that affect fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism, vasectomy, and retrograde ejaculation.
• Congenital abnormalities, such as imperforate hymen and epispadias.
• Endocrine disorders, such as teratoma, hypogonadism, idiopathic hirsutism, androgen insensitivity syndrome, ovarian cysts, and hypopituitarism.

Tests and treatments that reproductive medicine may perform include:

• Full medical history assessment
• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Imaging techniques, such as pelvic ultrasounds
• Investigations of semen samples
• Ovulation induction
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility medication, artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer, and frozen embryo replacement (FER)
• Open surgery
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Prescribing medication, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the HIV virus.

Reproductive medicine is a multidisciplinary branch of medicine that combines physiology, endocrinology, and anatomy, as well as some aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology. Reproductive medicine also overlaps with other branches of medicines, such as gynecology, urology, obstetrics, and psychiatry.

How Long Should I Stay in Ireland?

Your length of stay in Ireland depends on your specific condition and the type of test and/or treatment you underwent. In general, it is advisable that you stay in Ireland for at least 1-3 weeks, although you may be able to travel home within 1 to 2 days after some diagnostic tests. During your stay, you will attend follow-up appointments.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Your specific condition, the type of test/treatment you underwent, the technique your doctor used, and your overall health determines the recovery time. For open surgery, it may take around 4 to 6 weeks until you are allowed to resume your normal activity and to go back to work. Laparoscopic surgery offers shorter recovery time, usually only 3 to 4 weeks until you can return back to your normal activity level. For non-surgical procedures, such as IVF, you should be able to go back to your normal routine immediately after the procedure.

What Aftercare is Required?

You will be given detailed aftercare instructions that you will need to follow. In most cases, you will attend regular checkups with your reproductive medicine specialist in Ireland or with your local doctor back at home. 

What's the Success Rate?

The advancement of reproductive medicine and a better understanding of the human reproductive system has lead to an increased safety and success rate of the reproductive system’s tests and treatments. The field has allowed the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART), resulting in advances in overcoming infertility. ART is also safer than surgical procedures, minimizing the risks that surgical procedures carry.

Are there Alternatives?

Depending on your specific case, you may be able to see a gynecologist, urologist, obstetrician, or even oncologist as the alternative to seeing a reproductive medicine specialist. It is best, however, to talk to your general physician first as they will be able to direct you to the right specialist. 

Reproductive Medicine in and around Ireland

Introduction

Ireland, also known as the Republic of Ireland, is a country located in north-western Europe that occupies 26 of 32 counties on the island of Ireland. The country’s breath-taking landscape, wonderful people, and fascinating history have made it an unforgettable destination for many visitors. Aside from its beauty, more and more people also come to Ireland for high-quality healthcare. The country is a newcomer to the medical tourism market. However, it’s seen as an increasingly attractive destination due to the reasonably priced and high standard of clinical care available in the country. Most foreign patients come for cosmetic surgery and dental treatments, but many hospitals and clinics in the country offer a wide variety of services, such as cardiology, pathology, pulmonary, and gynecology. Also, the Joint Commission International has accredited several hospitals in the country, most of which are located in Dublin.

Popular Cities and Regions in Ireland

Ireland’s capital and largest city, Dublin, is the most popular tourist destination within the country. In fact, it’s the fourth most visited European capital. It’s filled with excellent pubs serving the perfect pint of Guinness, amazing Georgian architecture, and layers of fascinating history. Tourists in this city usually visit the Guinness Storehouse Factory, tour the Old Jameson Distillery, admire the Spire of Dublin, explore Dublin Castle, and marvel at the beauty of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Another famous city is Cork, which is the second-largest city in the country. It’s a youthful cosmopolitan city packed with artisan coffee bars and snug pubs. Tourists usually come to kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck, enjoy the coastal landscape in Mizen Head, or hike around Gougane Barra. Other popular cities and towns include Galway, Killarney, Kilkenny, and Letterkenny. 

Transport in Ireland

The main airport in Ireland is Dublin Airport. It connects the country with numerous cities around the world, including New York, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong. Trains and buses are available to travel around the country. However, public transportation is generally sparse in rural areas. Therefore, renting a car is the best mode of transport. Taxis and Uber are available to travel inside major cities.

Visas in Ireland

Ireland has opted out of the Schengen Area. The country allows all EU citizens, as well as citizens of 56 other countries (such as the UAE and the US), to stay without a visa for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries are required to apply for a visa in advance.

Weather in Ireland

Summer (June – September) provides plenty of sunshine and lower levels of rainfall, with an average temperature of 14°C - 16°C. Winter (October – February) is chilly, with ample rainfall and some snow. Spring and autumn are generally pleasant, with warmer temperatures and more sunshine.  

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the euro. 1 EUR is approx. 1.08 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easy to find. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is expected in some places, typically 10% for decent service.
3. Local Language: There are several languages used in Ireland. English has been the predominant first language since the late 18th century, but Irish is still widely used by a small percentage of the population.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The constitution of Ireland guarantees freedom of religion. Christianity is the largest religion. However, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Neo-Paganism, and other religions are present.
5. Public Holidays:  Some of the most celebrated public holidays are New Year’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter Monday, Christmas Day, and St. Stephen’s Day.