IMAGE Talks Fertility IMAGE Media

In this bonus episode, we discuss everything you need to know about IVF. IMAGE Media Editorial Director, Dominique McMullan, sits down with Waterstone experts Dr. Eithne Lowe and Martina Kelly, as well as past Waterstone Clinic patients Clare and Barry, for an intimate and informative chat. This conversation will help you on your journey towards building the family of your dreams, leaving you empowered and educated about all things IVF.

So, get comfortable, maybe even grab a notepad, and let's talk fertility.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Waterstone Clinic.

In episode five, we get practical. Generally, the emotions people experience, no matter which treatment they may have, are very similar. So what can you, as a listener, do to lessen any worries and manage the holiday season ahead? How can you prepare for starting a fertility journey at this time? What do you need to know? What and where are the supports you might need, and how should you manage expectations and any anxieties? In this episode, we break it all down so you are empowered and comfortable for the Christmas season ahead.

So get comfy, and maybe even get out a notepad, and Let’s Talk Fertility.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Waterstone Clinic.

In episode four, we are talking about a treatment we don’t often hear about when discussing fertility options, and that’s treatment with donor eggs. Donor egg treatment (sometimes called “egg donation treatment”) is a treatment that involves a patient using eggs that have been donated by another woman.

Our host Dominique McMullan, IMAGE Media’s Editorial Director, sits down with Dr Eithne Lowe, a highly experienced consultant in reproductive medicine who leads the team in Waterstone Clinic Dublin, to ask the questions you need answers to.
When might egg donation be suggested as a treatment option? How common is egg donation treatment in Ireland? Are people apprehensive about this treatment? What are the pregnancy success rates when using donor eggs? Who are the donors and what is the process to find an egg donor? Dr Lowe discusses all these topics and more. 

Later in the episode, Dominique is joined by Marian O’Tuama, who is a specialist Fertility Counsellor. Donor egg treatment might be difficult to get your head around, and fertility counselling provides a safe space in which to do just that. Being able to talk about what might come up emotionally, how you may feel and what is worrying you, is essential for mental health at this potentially challenging time. So how do people get their heads around egg donation? What feelings most commonly come up? What is ‘implications counselling’ and why do patients have it? How do people manage the information with their children? How do people manage the information with family, friends and others?

So get comfy, and maybe even get out a notepad, and Let’s Talk Fertility.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Waterstone Clinic.

In episode three, we’re talking about a topic that we’ve touched on more than once over the course of this series, but not yet focused on: male factor infertility. Fertility issues affect one in every six couples who are trying to conceive, and in at least half of these cases, male factor is an issue.

Our host Dominique McMullan, IMAGE Media’s Editorial Director, sits down with Dr Tim Dineen, a specialist in male fertility at Waterstone Clinic, and tackles some of the facts and myths related to male factor infertility. Later in the episode, Dominique is joined by Àine and James, a couple who have experienced male factor infertility, who are currently expecting their first child.

So get comfy, and maybe even get out a notepad, and Let’s Talk Fertility.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Waterstone Clinic.

*Since this episode aired, Àine and James have welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world. We want to take this opportunity to thank them for sharing their inspiring story with us and wish them all the best in the future.

In episode two, we are covering IVF at 40 and above. Host Dominique McMullan, IMAGE Media’s Editorial Director, sits down with Dr John Waterstone, Medical Director of Waterstone Clinic and asks the questions you need answers to, like what are the chances of success when you’re over 40?

Giving practical advice, Dr Waterstone discusses success with IVF over 40. Can you can actually increase the quality of your eggs? Are IVF add-ons are a good idea? Dr Waterstone gives some invaluable advice about what people over 40 (or approaching!) should do when thinking about getting started on their journey. Dr Waterstone gives the wise advise to “Find a clinic that has your best interests at heart… don’t waste valuable time”.

Dominique then sits down with new mum, Maria, whose six-week-old daughter was conceived through IVF after she turned 40. Maria and Dominique chat about what it was like to start the journey at 40 and the luck needed when trying for a baby at an older age. Maria tells her all about the process, and they chat about the support you need to go through the journey, and the joy experienced when you can finally hold your baby in your arms.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Waterstone Clinic.

In episode one, we are starting at the very beginning: everything you need to know about getting started on your fertility journey. Our host Dominique McMullan, IMAGE Media's editorial director, sits down with Laura Hackett, fertility nurse specialist at Waterstone Clinic, to ask the questions you need the answers to.

So get comfy, and maybe even get out a notepad, and Let’s Talk Fertility.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Waterstone Clinic.