One in six people in Ireland is affected by fertility issues and almost 8,000 Irish couples undergo fertility treatment every year, the National Infertility Support and Information Group (NISIG) has said.

It is hosting its annual conference next month, the aim of which is to offer support and information to anyone affected by this issue. It pointed out that it is now believed that 40% of fertility issues lie with women, 40% with men, 10% with both and 10% remain unexplained.

"At the conference, NISIG will not just listen and provide support, in addition, national and international experts will be on hand to provide direction and the best advice and information," commented NISIG co-founder, Helen Browne.

Topics set to be discussed include the psychological implications of infertility, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and optimising IVF outcomes. Furthermore, one of Europe's most experienced fertility specialists, Dr George Ndukwe of the Zita West Assisted Fertility Clinic in the UK, will be discussing auto immune issues, which can lead to recurrent miscarriages and multiple failed IVF treatments.

Workshops will also be held at the conference, which will provide advice and support to people with fertility issues, and allocated break off rooms will be available to allow people to meet the experts.

"This conference is also a great opportunity for individuals to meet other people who are and have gone through similar situation. NISIG encourages all people attending to discuss and exchange the stories of their journeys," the organisation said.

The conference will take place on Saturday, October 11, at the Hilton Dublin Airpot Hotel. Tickets for the event are available here

Meanwhile, NISIG also holds monthly support groups throughout the country for anyone struggling with fertility issues. For more information on these or NISIG in general, click here