JOURNEY
Infertility can be a challenging journey. This page provides essential information specific to Guernsey to help you understand and navigate the process.
JOURNEY
What is infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse - World Health Organisation (WHO). It affects both men and women and can be due to various medical conditions such as hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders, or physical blockages. However, in some cases, infertility remains unexplained despite thorough medical evaluation. Understanding that the cause may not always be identifiable is crucial. Your first step should be to consult a healthcare professional who can guide you through the diagnostic process and help you understand your condition better. Support groups and counselling can be beneficial in dealing with the emotional aspects, helping you manage feelings of frustration and isolation.
When is it time to seek help?
If you have been trying to conceive for over a year without success, or six months if you are over 35, it’s time to consult your doctor. Early intervention can improve the chances of successful treatment. In Guernsey, you can start by visiting your GP, who can refer you to a specialist if needed. Keeping a record of your menstrual cycles, any symptoms, and your medical history can be helpful during consultations.
What is the diagnosis process?
In Guernsey the diagnosis of infertility involves a series of tests and consultations. Your doctor will guide you through the necessary steps, including:
Medical History Review: Assessing past medical issues and reproductive health.
Physical Examinations: Checking for any physical abnormalities.
Specific Fertility Tests: Blood tests to check hormone levels, semen analysis for men, and imaging tests like ultrasounds or HSG (hysterosalpingogram) for women.
In some cases, despite extensive testing, no specific cause of infertility is found. This is known as unexplained infertility. Even without a clear diagnosis, there are effective treatment options available.
Secondary infertility
Secondary infertility occurs when a couple that has previously conceived naturally is unable to do so again despite regular, unprotected intercourse over a period of 12 months. According to the WHO, this condition can be as emotionally challenging as primary infertility. If you are facing secondary infertility, it’s crucial to seek medical advice early. Causes may include age, lifestyle changes, or new health issues. Support groups and counselling can be beneficial in dealing with the emotional aspects, helping you manage feelings of frustration and isolation.
Fertility Treatment
Understanding your fertility treatment options can be overwhelming. While we aren’t medical experts, we’ve compiled these starting points to help you navigate your journey. From IUI to IVF, each treatment has unique benefits and considerations. Use this section to explore the treatment options that might be suggested to you - we will not always know which treatments are available on island and which ones aren’t, as always consult with a healthcare professional before taking your next steps
Fertility care in Guernsey
Guernsey residents should consult their GP in the first instance and will be referred to a specialist who will be able to advise on what is available. Funding and treatment options may differ so it’s important to seek detailed information from medical professionals.
Currently IVF is not available on Guernsey and therefore anyone considering IVF will need to travel off island for treatment.
InFertility
at work
If you’re navigating fertility challenges or supporting someone who is, you may have noticed how difficult it can be to find clear and reliable information. Fertility treatments often come without straightforward answers, leaving many to figure out the best path forward on their own. Our ‘Fertility at Work’ page offers resources and guidance to help you understand some of the options available, aiming to support your journey and help you make informed decisions about balancing fertility and work.
Guernsey: Contacts and resources
Overview: Fertility treatments are generally not covered by public healthcare. However, private healthcare options and insurance plans may offer some coverage. It’s important to check with your provider about what is included. For more detailed information, consult local healthcare providers and legal advisors who specialise in family and healthcare law. Additional details can be found on the MSG Fertility Services page.
Treatment Clinic: TFP Wessex Fertility, Guernsey Satellite Clinic: Located at the Medical Specialist Group (MSG) Clinic, this satellite service is available for patients undergoing fresh IVF, frozen embryo replacement cycles, intra-uterine insemination, and donor insemination. Most of the treatment cycle occurs in Guernsey, with specific procedures carried out at the TFP Wessex Fertility clinic in Southampton. For more information, visit TFP Wessex Fertility.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can provide invaluable support:
Fertility Network UK - Channel Island Groups: This national charity offers support groups and resources for people facing fertility issues. They provide a range of services including local support groups, an online community, and a helpline. The Guernsey fertility group aims to unite residents experiencing infertility and provide support. For more information, visit Fertility Network UK
Guernsey Pineapples – Fertility Support Group: This group supports those trying to conceive or undergoing fertility treatment. They create a network of individuals experiencing similar challenges to support each other during difficult times. Monthly meet-ups and a confidential Facebook community are available. For more details, visit Health Connections Guernsey or email guernseypineapples@outlook.com
Jersey: Contacts and resources
Overview: Fertility treatments in Jersey are generally not covered by public healthcare. However, there are funding options and connections with UK clinics that may provide some financial assistance. It’s important to check with your healthcare provider about what is included in your coverage. For more detailed information, consult local healthcare providers and legal advisors who specialise in family and healthcare law. Additional details can be found on the Assisted Reproduction Unit (ARU) page on the Government of Jersey website.
Treatment Clinic: Jersey women’s health hub is a clinic that offers comprehensive women’s health services, including fertility assessments and treatments. They provide fast-tracked access to specialist care and virtual consultations to help you get immediate referrals for fertility treatments. Located at the Lido Medical Centre, St Saviour’s Hill, St Helier. For more information, visit Jersey Women’s Health Hub.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can provide invaluable support:
Tiny Seeds – Fertility Support Group: This informal online support group for IVF patients in Jersey offers a platform for sharing experiences and support. You can find them on Facebook at Tiny Seeds Jersey.
Fertility Network UK - Channel Island Groups: This national charity offers support groups and resources for people facing fertility issues. They provide a range of services, including local support groups, an online community, and a helpline. The Jersey fertility group aims to unite residents experiencing infertility and provide support. For more information, visit Fertility Network UK.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
Description: In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a process where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus to establish a pregnancy.
Procedure: IVF involves several steps, including ovarian stimulation with hormones to produce multiple eggs, egg retrieval under sedation, fertilisation in the lab, and embryo transfer. Additional techniques like ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) may be used to assist fertilisation.
Success Rates: Success rates for IVF vary but generally range between 20-30% per cycle. According to the NHS, for women under 35, the success rate per cycle is approximately 32%. This decreases to 25% for women aged 35-37, and further drops to 19% for those aged 38-39. It’s important to note that success rates decline significantly with age and can also be influenced by other individual factors.
IUI (intrauterine Insemination)
Description: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where washed and concentrated sperm are directly placed into the uterus around the time of ovulation to facilitate fertilisation. This procedure increases the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and subsequently raises the chances of fertilisation.
Procedure: The IUI process involves monitoring the woman’s ovulation cycle through ultrasound and hormone testing. At the optimal time, a thin catheter is used to place the sperm into the uterus. This procedure is relatively simple, often completed within minutes, and usually does not require anaesthesia.
Success Rates: The success rate for IUI varies based on factors like age, the underlying cause of infertility, and whether fertility medications are used. Generally, the success rate per cycle ranges from 10% to 20%.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Description: ICSI is a specialised form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to achieve fertilisation.
Procedure: During the IVF process, ICSI involves the direct injection of a sperm cell into an egg under a microscope. The embryo is transferred to the uterus.
Success Rates: The success rate for ICSI is similar to traditional IVF, with factors like age and egg quality playing significant roles. It is particularly effective for overcoming male infertility issues.
Ovulation Induction
Description: Ovulation induction involves the use of medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce one or more eggs. This treatment is for females who have irregular or absent ovulation.
Procedure: Medications like Clomiphene Citrate or Gonadotrophins are prescribed to stimulate ovulation. The process is monitored through blood tests and ultrasounds to track the growth of ovarian follicles.
Success Rates: Success rates vary but can be as high as 70% for females who respond well to medication. Combining ovulation induction with IUI can further increase the chances of pregnancy.
Surgical Intervention
Description: Surgical interventions can address physical abnormalities that contribute to infertility, such as blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, endometriosis, or sperm retrieval.
Procedure: Depending on the condition, procedures like laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, or open surgery may be performed to correct abnormalities. These procedures aim to restore normal reproductive anatomy and function.
Success Rates: The success rate depends on the specific condition being treated and the overall reproductive health of the patient. Surgical correction of certain conditions can significantly improve fertility outcomes.
Donor Eggs/Sperm
Description: Donor eggs or sperm are used when there are significant issues with the gametes of one or both partners.
Procedure: The process involves selecting a donor, which can be anonymous or known, and using their eggs or sperm in fertility treatments like IUI or IVF.
Success Rates: Success rates vary but can be high, especially when using donor eggs, as donors are typically young and healthy. The success rate for donor egg IVF can be as high as 50% per cycle.
Surrogacy
Description: Surrogacy involves another woman carrying and delivering a baby for a couple or individual. There are two types: traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s egg is used, and gestational surrogacy, where an embryo created from the intended parents’ or donors’ gametes is used.
Procedure: The process involves legal agreements, selecting a surrogate, and using IVF to implant the embryo into the surrogate’s uterus. Ongoing medical and legal support is necessary throughout the pregnancy.
Success Rates: The success rate of surrogacy depends on various factors, including the surrogate’s health and the quality of the embryo. It is generally high, with many surrogates successfully carrying pregnancies to term.
Adoption
Description: Adoption is the legal process of becoming a parent to a child who is not biologically yours. It is a viable option for those who are unable to conceive or prefer to provide a home for a child in need.
Procedure: The adoption process involves several steps, including home studies, background checks, and matching with a child. Each jurisdiction has specific legal requirements and procedures that must be followed.
Success Rates: The success rate of adoption is high in terms of completing the process and forming a family. The time and emotional investment can be significant, but the outcome provides a permanent and loving home for a child.
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