LGBTQ+ couples who wish to build a family in Ireland often have to face challenges and obstacles. GCN spoke to Lesley and Ger, a lesbian couple who shared their experience of becoming parents through IVF treatment with the help of Thérapie Fertility Clinic.

“Becoming parents is something we have always dreamed of and talked about,” the couple shared. “We were definitely oblivious to how much was involved in our fertility journey before we started it, when we sat down with Dr John in Thérapie Fertility and weighed up our options and best chances to have our baby.

“From the day of our first appointment, we left with a plan in place to proceed with IVF treatment using donor sperm. The rest is history and we now have our special little girl, Billie!”

Thérapie Fertility has been at the forefront of reproductive health for over three years, leveraging cutting-edge technology and a compassionate team. It offers a comprehensive suite of services: Reciprocal IVF, Egg Freezing, Sperm & Embryo Freezing, and Fertility Resting. Recognising the diverse needs of modern families, Thérapie Fertility is dedicated to offering personalised care that respects and supports each patient’s journey.

Speaking about choosing Thérapie Fertility Clinic to build their family, Lesley and Ger said: “We got such a lovely warm feeling from the minute we stepped into the clinic, we felt safe and trusted with all the nurses and doctors there, which was so comforting, the whole way through our journey.”

Mentioning how fortunate they have been that their IVF treatment worked the first time, the couple said: “When going through fertility treatment, it’s totally normal that you have added worries and stress. I definitely found I second-guessed myself every step of the way, from worrying about administering medication, correct times and dosage, to just anxiety and worry in general about it not working or not doing things right.”

The couple found that the staff at Thérapie Fertility were “accessible at any time we needed them and the communication was constant and questions were answered straight away. No question was a silly question and they definitely made us feel at home and very comfortable for every scan, blood test and procedure.”

Opening up about some of the challenges they faced while trying to become parents, one-half of the lesbian couple said: “We had originally planned for a fresh embryo transfer after my egg retrieval. I just remember counting down the days to our transfer, and at that time the days felt like weeks.

“Due to medication and hormones, I got hyperstimulation on my ovaries, which put a stop to my fresh embryo transfer. To prevent me from becoming sick, I had to come off all medications to regulate my hormones and wait for my next cycle.I just remember being so devastated and deflated. I’ll also never forget that day, the lovely nurse Jenny was just so reassuring and explained everything to us of our circumstances and that this was what was best for us and our chances at having a baby.

“Jenny was right, because we had our frozen transfer the following month and now here we are with a seven-month-old. Trust is huge in your fertility journey because you put your hopes and dreams in someone else’s hands. It’s so important and it’s what got us through it all with Thérapie Fertility.”

Offering advice to other LGBTQ+ people wishing to embark on this journey to become parents, the lesbian couple said: “Be kind to yourself. Cry when you need to cry, and laugh when you need to laugh. It’s a rollercoaster but a chapter of your life that will stick with you forever. The good days definitely outweigh the bad.

“If you are thinking about it, do it!” they concluded. “Even if you just go in for a consultation, it opens up your eyes to a whole new level of excitement and hope and it could be a step towards the best days of your life.”

For more information on services and care for couples wishing to build a family, visit Thérapie Fertility Clinic.