THE LIBRARY
A curated space for anyone navigating endometriosis, infertility, IVF or the emotional toll that comes with all of the above. You do not have to figure this out alone - and you do not have to start from scratch. These are the resources, organisations and reads I wish someone had handed me at the beginning.
This page will grow over time. If there is something you think belongs here, get in touch.
HSE Women's Health - the HSE's dedicated women's health hub, with information on endometriosis, gynaecological care and referral pathways
Endometriosis Association of Ireland - the main Irish patient support organisation, with information, events and a helpline
Ireland Resources
Wellbeing of Women - a UK charity funding research and providing evidence-based information to improve women’s health, including endometriosis.
The Endometriosis Foundation - a UK charity focused on improving awareness, education and support for people living with endometriosis.
BSGE (British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy) - for information on accredited endometriosis centres and specialist surgical care
Endometriosis UK - the leading UK charity, with a helpline, local support groups, and a huge range of information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
UK RESOURCES
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet the average diagnosis still takes eight years. If you are searching for answers about your own pain, or trying to support someone who is, these organisations are a good place to start.
UNDERSTANDING ENDOMETRIOSIS
NaProTechnology Ireland - information on NaProTechnology, the holistic fertility treatment approach that played a significant role in Sinéad's own journey
The Miscarriage Association of Ireland - support, information and community for those who have experienced pregnancy loss
HSE - information and clinic listings for those navigating IVF and fertility treatment in Ireland
Fertility Care Centres Ireland - provides patient information on fertility treatment options across Ireland
Ireland Resources
Fertility Friends - one of the UK's largest online fertility support communities
The Fertility Foundation - provides financial grants to help fund IVF treatment for those who cannot afford it
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) - the UK's independent regulator for fertility treatment; an invaluable resource for understanding your options and comparing clinics
Fertility Network UK- the UK's leading patient support charity for those affected by fertility issues, with a helpline, peer support and local groups
UK RESOURCES
Navigating fertility treatment is one of the most emotionally and physically demanding things a person can go through. These organisations offer information, support and in some cases, financial guidance for those who need it.
FERTILITY & IVF
Aware - support for those experiencing depression or anxiety, including a helpline and online support groups
Turn2Me - free online mental health support and counselling for people in Ireland
Pieta House - free counselling for those in crisis or experiencing suicidal ideation. Call 116 123
Samaritans Ireland - free, confidential support available 24 hours a day. Call 116 123
Ireland Resources
Tommy's - support and research focused on miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth, with a midwife-led helpline
Fertility Network UK Counselling - offers access to counselling specifically for those going through fertility treatment
Relate - relationship counselling for couples navigating the strain of fertility struggles, loss or major life change
The Samaritans - free, confidential emotional support available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123
Mind- mental health support and information, including resources specifically for grief and life transitions
UK RESOURCES
Infertility and pregnancy loss take a profound toll on mental health, identity and relationships. The grief is real, even when it is invisible to the people around you. If you are struggling, please reach out - there is support available, and you deserve it.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
It's Probably Your Period. By Doctor Mary Ryan. From hormones to contraceptives, fertility to menopause, work with your cycle to unlock better health
Knocking Myself Up: A Memoir of my (In)fertility by Michelle Tea
Budgeting for Infertility by Evelina Weidman Sterling and Angie Best-Boss - practical guidance on the financial reality of fertility treatment
Conquering Infertility by Alice Domar - a mind-body approach to fertility, written by a leading psychologist in the field
It Starts with the Egg by Rebecca Fett - evidence-based guidance on improving egg quality
The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis - a pioneering look at using Chinese medicine to support fertility
On infertility and fertility treatment
Some of these I read during the hardest years. Some I wish I had found sooner. All of them are worth your time.
BOOKS WORTH READING
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk - essential reading on how trauma lives in the body, and how to begin to release it
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron - a Buddhist perspective on facing difficulty with openness rather than resistance
Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant - on resilience and building a life after loss
On grief, loss and healing
The Art of Waiting: On Fertility, Medicine and Motherhood by Belle Boggs
Doing Harm by Maya Dusenbery - a searing account of how medicine has failed women, and what needs to change
Period Power by Maisie Hill - a practical and empowering guide to understanding your menstrual cycle
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Peres - a landmark book on how the gender data gap affects women's health and lives
On women's health and advocacy
How to Fail with Elisabeth Day - not specifically about fertility, but Elisabeth's own honest account of IVF across multiple episodes makes this essential listening for anyone who has been through it
The Period Party - hosted by Nicole Jardim, this podcast covers women's hormonal health in an accessible and empowering way
Endo Loves - a podcast dedicated to life with endometriosis, told through personal stories
Big Fat Negative - bigfatnegative.com - a frank, funny and deeply human podcast about the realities of IVF
The Fertility Podcast thefertilitypodcast.com - one of the longest-running and most trusted podcasts for anyone going through fertility treatment
Sometimes you need a voice in your ear that understands. These podcasts are honest, warm and genuinely helpful.
podcasts worth your time
The Library is here whenever you need it. But if you are looking for more - honest writing about what this journey really feels like, personal reflections and community - here is where to go next.
You are not alone in this.
Inconceivable is the full story - every waiting room, every surgery, every letter written to a baby not yet born. If you are ready for it, it is ready for you.
Read the Book
If this story resonates with you, come and find your people. Sign up for updates, personal reflections and resources - straight to your inbox, no noise.
Join the Community
First-person articles on endometriosis, infertility, IVF and women's health. Written from experience, not from a textbook.
Read the Journal
Join a growing community of women navigating infertility, endometriosis and everything that comes with it. Sinead shares honest reflections, support resources and updates on the book - no noise, just connection.
