Couples who are having difficulty trying to conceive can often feel very vulnerable – and that can lead to feelings of desperation.

Fertility coach and former midwife Helena Tubridy told Moncrieff that people often see IVF as a “silver bullet”.

“People think IVF is the only way and they forget about restorative reproductive medicines, which is getting your ducks in a row,” she said.

“So, you know, the good, medical, specialised gaze – very, very important.

"The headspace, the mental health, reducing overwhelm, living life well – mindset is huge in making good decisions."

Ms Tubridy said that good quality vitamins and supplements can often make a huge difference for people.

Couple discussing issues during therapy. Image: Tetra Images / Alamy. 2011

She also said that there need to be clear boundaries laid out before beginning a fertility journey.

“I know it is the most horrendous thing in the world that there should ever be a price on a child – but people get themselves into horrible debt,” Ms Tubridy said.

“One person recently was telling me that she has her two babies – which is gorgeous – but €80,000 down.

“So, you know, [there is] the sense that there are people who are living in places they wouldn’t have chosen to.

“These conversations are the ones that really need to be had in advance of starting.”

Undiagnosed medical conditions

According to Ms Tubridy, fertility issues are often caused by undiagnosed medical conditions.

“Fertility is nestled in general health - get so much stuff checked with your GP,” she said.

"Joining the dots really can identify issues like endometriosis - [it is] often occult, it’s hidden.”

Ms Tubridy said the best thing to do is to bolster your natural fertility rather than jump straight to IVF.

“If you’re having regular sex naturally in a month, you are probably at a 21% chance if you’re under 30 of conceiving,” she said.

“Which is actually low – humans as primates aren’t brilliant at fertility.

“Then the sense of IVF will give you maybe a few more points – but it’s one chance, one cycle, whereas if you’re bolstering your natural fertility you’re getting 13 cycles a year.”

Ms Tubridy said to plan, organise and not go down “blind alleys.”

Main image: Couple Holding Negative Pregnancy Test Sitting At Home. Alamy.com. 1 December 2020