10 FERTILITY TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW

7 February 20212′ read

Did you know that around 15% of couples worldwide have difficulty conceiving? If you have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months, your doctor may refer you to a fertility specialist. Here are 10 fertility terms you should know to help you with your upcoming appointments:

1.Reproductive Medicine Specialist
A doctor who specialises in infertility, with advanced training in all forms of assisted reproductive techniques.
2.Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
This is an X-ray that shows the uterus and fallopian tubes, providing useful information about how they are working. The test takes only a few minutes, but it can cause discomfort and cramping.
3.Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
When the woman is close to ovulation, the Reproductive Medicine Specialist takes the highest-quality sperm from the sample and injects it into the uterus. This makes fertilisation easier and increases its likelihood.
4.In vitro fertilisation (IVF) IVF is a fertilisation procedure in which sperm and eggs are brought together outside the woman's body, in the embryology laboratory. Once the embryo has formed, it is transferred to the uterus.
5.Transvaginal ultrasound
This is an ultrasound scan used to examine the woman's uterus, ovaries and cervix.
6.Egg retrieval
A few weeks before this procedure, the woman starts medication to stimulate the development of eggs in the ovaries. She is closely monitored with blood tests and ultrasound scans. While she is under anaesthesia, the doctor inserts a fine needle into the ovaries to collect the eggs. The procedure usually takes 20-30 minutes.
7.Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation is the process of freezing embryos or eggs. These can be used in future IVF cycles, if desired.
8.Embryo transfer .This is the moment when the embryos are transferred from the laboratory to their natural environment, the uterus
9.Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
A hormone that supports the normal development of an egg within a woman's ovaries and triggers the release of the egg during ovulation.
10.Clomid
Clomid is a medication that can be used to stimulate ovulation and is usually used in combination with insemination.

If you and your partner are trying to conceive, call the experienced fertility specialists at the "Alexandros Traianos Centre for Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicine" on (+30) 2310 277 032 for an initial consultation.

*The content of this blog is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have about medical conditions.

TAGSfertility testing

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?