What We Do

Reproductive Immunology

This service brings together the expertise of Dr Conor Harrity with the personal touch of First Steps Fertility. 

Reproductive immunology is a specialised field, and a highly controversial one. Many of the tests and treatments are barely beyond the stage of research and not universally accepted. Things change constantly, specialist opinions differ and a consensus is often not reached. Often, there is no clear cut right answer. People with complex histories of multiple miscarriage or multiple failed IVF cycles are a very vulnerable group and often submit to multiple expensive tests and expensive treatments. When they are unsuccessful, they may then seek a second or third opinion and can end up financially and emotionally drained and totally confused.

Dr Harrity is a practicing consultant gynaecologist at Beaumont and Rotunda Hospitals in Dublin. He has spent many years in the field of IVF and holds subspecialty certification in reproductive medicine. He is a fellow of the American Society of Reproductive Immunology where he participates on various committees and he is an invited international speaker on the subject. He continues to be actively engaged in research. He is the only such qualified and accredited specialist in Ireland and one of only twenty eight globally.

Dr Harrity has a wealth of knowledge in the field and is always aware of the latest developments and ideas. He is also selective about the testing and treatments he recommends. He is, however, a very busy man and this is where our collaboration comes in.

A consultation with Dr Harrity is done via video. Dr Riordan also attends and will carry out any recommended follow up. That includes sending you a summary of what has been discussed and arranging any recommended testing. This includes blood tests, endometrial biopsy etc. The majority of tests are done at First Steps Fertility in Bray. Once the results are all back, you will have a review appointment with Dr Harrity to discuss everything and come up with a plan.

We work closely with fertility specialists at some of the main IVF clinics in Ireland and always recommend open communication with them if you are undergoing such treatment. Some clinics are more open to reproductive immunology and to collaborating with us than others and we would always suggest that you clarify this with your IVF clinic before seeing us. Our preference is to have a referral letter, if possible. This eliminates much of the stress involved in seeing different doctors for different aspects of care.