From 30 June 2025, couples in Ireland who already have one child can access state-funded fertility treatment through the HSE, including one full cycle of IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)(Irish Independent, 2025). This is a big step forward for families experiencing secondary infertility.

 

What Has Changed in Fertility Care in Ireland?

Until recently, only couples without children qualified for free IVF or IUI treatments. Now, couples with one child can also apply, provided they meet medical and lifestyle criteria (TheJournal.ie, 2025).

This change acknowledges that secondary infertility - difficulty conceiving after having a child - can be just as challenging emotionally and physically as primary infertility.

 

How Do I Apply for HSE-Funded Fertility Treatment?

Here’s a simple guide to getting started:

1. Talk to your GP and discuss your fertility concerns.
2. Get referred - your GP will send you to a HSE-approved fertility clinic or regional hub.
3. Undergo assessments - fertility tests will determine your eligibility.
4. Begin treatment - if approved, you can access one full cycle of IVF or ICSI through the public system (Irish Independent, 2025; HSE, 2025).

Tip: Wait times vary depending on where you live. Starting early is key (TheJournal.ie, 2025).

 

Did You Know?

• Nearly 1 in 6 couples in Ireland experience fertility issues (HSE, 2023–24).
• Private IVF treatment can cost over €4,500, so public funding makes a huge difference (Irish Independent, 2025).
• Since September 2023, about 2,500 couples have been referred through public fertility hubs (HSE, 2025).

How Can Proceive® Help Support Fertility with Nutrition?

Wondering how nutrition fits into your fertility journey? Nutrition plays an important role in supporting reproductive health both before and during fertility treatments. A balanced intake of key nutrients can help prepare your body to respond to medical interventions and support overall wellbeing.

Proceive® offers tailored supplements formulated with specific nutrients that contribute to egg and sperm health, assist in maintaining hormonal balance, and support reproductive wellness. These supplements are designed to complement medical fertility treatments such as IVF, providing additional nutritional support for couples trying to conceive.

By including nutrients like folic acid, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins, Proceive® helps provide your body with essential nutritional elements to support reproductive function throughout your fertility journey.

 

In Summary

The HSE’s expansion of state-funded fertility treatment means more couples facing secondary infertility can now get support. Start your journey by talking to your GP about referral, plan for potential wait times, and consider how nutrition, including Proceive® supplements, can support your overall fertility health.

 

References

• HSE (2023–24) Model of Care for Fertility – HSE report. Available at: https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/acute-hospitals-division/woman-infants/national-fertility-services/fertility-services-report-2023-2024.pdf (Accessed: 4 July 2025).
• HSE (2025) Getting IVF, ICSI & IUI through the HSE. Available at: https://www2.hse.ie/pregnancy-birth/trying-for-a-baby/your-fertility/getting-ivf-icsi-iui-hse/ (Accessed: 4 July 2025).
• Irish Independent (2025) ‘State-funded fertility treatment extended to include couples with one child’, Irish Independent, 30 June. Available at: https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/state-funded-fertility-treatment-extended-to-include-couples-with-one-child/a1279108574.html (Accessed: 4 July 2025).
• TheJournal.ie (2025) ‘State-funded IVF to be expanded ‘imminently’ for secondary infertility’, TheJournal.ie, June. Available at: https://www.thejournal.ie/ivf-hse-secondary-infertility-6727696-Jun2025/ (Accessed: 4 July 2025).