An increasing number of Irish couples are having difficulty conceiving a second or subsequent child, according to a Dublin fertility specialist.

Dr Ahmed Omar said this condition, known as secondary infertility, is actually more common than not being able to conceive at all, and is estimated to account for six out of 10 infertility cases in Ireland.

"If conceiving your first child was straightforward, it can come as a huge shock to people when they run into difficulty getting pregnant the second time around," according to Dr Omar, who is Clinical Director at Beacon CARE Fertility in Dublin.

He said the clinic is seeing a huge increase in the numbers of couples with secondary infertility.

"It's more likely to affect older women, as fertility rates fall as we age. We recommend that couples who have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for one year should seek further advice and treatment or in the case that the couple is older or if there are any additional conditions affecting your health, early diagnosis and treatment of secondary infertility is essential."

He said there were many factors that affect secondary infertility and through early diagnosis and treatment the chances of going on to achieve a successful pregnancy are greatly increased.

Potential linked to secondary infertility include:

* An ovulation disorder caused by polycystic ovaries or polycystic ovarian syndrome.
* Damage to the uterus or fallopian tubes caused by endometriosis.
* Pelvic inflammatory disease, usually as a result of contracting a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia.
* Blockage cause by fibroids.
* Damage to fallopian tubes.

There will be a Beacon CARE Fertility information evening on the August 27, where clinical staff will be talking about a range of treatment options available through Beacon CARE Fertility.

Places are free but limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis by calling the Beacon CARE Fertility clinic on Tel: 01 293 2955 or e-mail info@beaconcarefertility.ie

More information is also available at www.beaconcarefertility.ie