Center for Reproductive and Fetal Medicine

IN VITRO FERTILIZATION: WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME?

IN VITRO FERTILIZATION: WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME?

The decision for a couple to proceed with in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an important step on the path to parenthood. There is no absolute rule that determines when the right time is, as each case is different. However, there are specific medical, biological and psychological factors that help to make an informed decision.

Medical factors

IVF is recommended when natural attempts to conceive have not borne fruit for a period of more than twelve months (or six months if the woman is over 35 years old).
Additionally, IVF is an option in cases of:

  • Fallopian tube blockage
  • Endometriosis
  • Low egg reserve
  • Male factor infertility, such as reduced sperm motility or count
  • Repeated failed insemination treatments or other assisted reproduction methods

 

Biological data

Age remains a determining factor in fertility. From the age of 35 onwards, the quality and quantity of eggs decrease, which affects the chances of a successful pregnancy. Early investigation through tests, such as measuring AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone), offers a clear picture of the ovarian reserve and helps in better planning the treatment.

Psychological readiness

The decision to undergo IVF is not only a medical one, but also an emotional one. The process requires mental strength, patience and support from the environment. Communication with the treating physician, proper information and guidance at every stage reduce anxiety and strengthen trust.

The role of personalization

The success of each cycle depends on the individualization of the treatment. The evaluation of the history, hormonal indicators and ultrasound findings allows the doctor to adapt the procedure according to the needs of each woman. Modern medicine today offers a multitude of tools, from preimplantation genetic diagnosis to innovative embryo culture methods, significantly increasing success rates.

Conclusion

The «right time» for IVF is when scientific evaluation, psychological readiness, and the desire for parenthood meet. With the right medical guidance and ongoing support, every couple can walk safely and hopefully towards the goal of parenthood.

At Dr. Alexandros Traianos' Center for Reproductive and Fetal Medicine, every fertility story is treated with scientific precision, empathy and respect for the needs of each couple.

Center for Reproductive and Fetal Medicine

Effective doctor-patient communication is vital to providing high-quality health care. Any communication regarding your medical profile (getting results, instructions, answering questions, concerns) will be done directly with the doctor. This means no midwife or secretary will interrupt your conversations. Instead, if you call with any concerns, they will be there right away to address your needs. Contact us by calling 694 649 8771 or by completing the relevant Contact Form.

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

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FREQUENT QUESTIONS

The association of IVF drugs with cancer risk is a major concern for women enrolled in these programs. But the plethora of bibliographic reports collected from credible scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

Of course not. In about a third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in a third of cases, it is due to the man (male factor). The remaining one-third is due to both (both men and women) or even to unknown factors.

The quantity and quality of a man's sperm can be affected by his health and lifestyle. Some factors that can reduce the quantity and / or quality of sperm are:

  • the alcohol
  • drugs
  • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead
  • smoking
  • health problems
  • medicines
  • radiotherapy and chemotherapy
  • the age

Success rates vary at each IVF Center. Very important factors are also the age of the woman, the levels of her hormones and of course the sperm of the husband. Rates generally range from 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years old.

Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after one year (or 6 months, if it is a woman over 35) with normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year passes without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their doctor to determine the cause of the pregnancy and then treat it. We must all, however, be aware and not forget that the age factor is the most critical for female fertility and that the individualized approach of each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

The number of treatment cycles a woman can undergo is not specified. It is certain that in our country there are high level obstetricians-gynecologists and organized infertility treatment centers, which offer impeccable medical services at this level. If there are correct indications (eg ovaries that respond to stimulation therapy, good quality endometrium, etc.) the success rate -especially with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological drugs, which show increased bioactivity compared to conventional drugs from urine- totals approximately 65%-70% after 4 cycles of treatment.

At the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Dr. Traianos we offer egg / sperm cryopreservation services for those who have a personal or medical reason and need this service. We use the most modern vitrification technique in the freezing of sperm and eggs.

The collection of eggs takes 10-15 minutes, it is not painful, it is done under intoxication and after the end of the process you return to your activities.

In general, experts agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child can be considered evidence that there is no infertility problem in the first place. It is like a small test that has been done and proves that they "succeeded" at least once. On the other hand, we need to know that in the meantime things may have changed and a problem may have arisen (eg the man may have had some inflammation that affects the quality of his sperm or has mediated something that affects female fertility: an inflammation, a gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple can not achieve a pregnancy, then he should with the help of his doctor investigate if there has been a problem that causes infertility.