Dr. Louise Glover (PhD)
Head of Research
Not-for-profit fertility clinic leads on expanding research portfolio in partnership with Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and the National Maternity Hospital Foundation.
Ireland’s only not-for-profit fertility clinic, Merrion Fertility Clinic, combines patient care with an active research and education programme aimed at improving fertility treatment.
“We have several Fertility Specialists who work closely with patients while also contributing to clinical trials and research studies,” explains Dr Louise Glover, Head of Research.
Innovative research and development
The team investigates areas such as reproductive immunology, endometriosis-related infertility, how metabolism affects ovarian function, advanced sperm selection techniques and the environmental factors that may influence sperm quality.
This work is carried out in collaboration with leading academic partners, including Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and the National Maternity Hospital Foundation.
“Our research into endometriosis-related infertility suggests that immune cells in the uterus may behave differently in women with the condition compared to those without it,” explains Glover. “Understanding these differences could help us develop better ways to support implantation and improve the chances of pregnancy. At the same time, we are studying the metabolic processes linked to ovarian ageing, which may open up new opportunities to improve fertility outcomes.”
The research team is also focusing on the growing concern around male fertility. “We are examining how factors such as diet, body weight, oxidative stress and nutritional supplements may affect sperm health,” says Dr Louise Glover. “Alongside this, we are running clinical trials on advanced sperm selection techniques that may help identify the healthiest sperm for use in treatment.”
Another area of research is looking at how GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, may influence fertility treatment outcomes. The impact on oocyte and sperm metabolism will be evaluated.
The Clinic is also examining the lived experience of infertility through a research project with Maynooth University. The study aims to better understand the challenges patients face in the workplace while undergoing fertility treatment and to identify ways employers and organisations can better support them during this time.
Our research into endometriosis-related infertility suggests that immune cells in the uterus may behave differently in women with the condition
Childhood Cancer Fertility Project
Alongside its research work, Merrion Fertility Clinic partners with the Irish Cancer Society and Children’s Health Ireland on the Childhood Cancer Fertility Project, which provides funded fertility preservation for young people before they begin cancer treatment. Since its establishment in 2018, more than 140 adolescent boys and girls have been able to preserve their future fertility through this programme.
