5 COMMON MYTHS ABOUT FERTILITY

13 May 20223′ read

For many couples, having a child is one of the greatest experiences of their lives. Bringing a new life into the world and starting a family, or bringing more love into the family you already have, is a priceless feeling. However, conceiving a child can be difficult for some couples, and they may need the help of a fertility specialist.

The thought of seeking outside help with such a private matter is daunting for some people, but a fertility specialist is there to help you on this journey towards building your own family. The more you learn about the subject, the more comfortable you will feel with the whole process. That is why we have gathered some of the most common misconceptions about fertility.

# 1. We should try for more than a year before seeing a specialist

While the standard definition of infertility is one year of unprotected intercourse without conception, many couples should see a specialist for testing and diagnosis before that time. As you get older, the chances of conception fall, especially after the age of 35 to 38. Even if there are no medical problems with your fertility, it is a good idea to talk to a specialist about ways to increase your chances of conceiving.

# 2. Infertility is a woman's problem.

Women are not the only ones who contribute to infertility. Men contribute to roughly half of all infertility problems in couples. It is just as important for men to have a semen analysis and to check whether they have fertility problems. Age is another factor that affects both men and women when it comes to infertility. After the age of 40, men's sperm quality begins to decline and there is a greater risk of genetic mutations leading to chromosomal abnormalities.

# 3. Getting pregnant isn't that hard.

About one in six couples faces some kind of fertility problem. Even for a couple with no fertility problems, it can take up to six months to conceive a child. As mentioned above, the older you get, the harder it becomes to conceive. Infertility is more common than you think, and you can maximise your chances of getting pregnant with the help of a fertility specialist.

# 4. Infertility is a psychological problem, not a physical one.

Many people may tell you "it's all in your head" or "don't think about it too much, it will happen", but infertility is the result of a problem with the reproductive system. Although reducing stress can help improve your lifestyle and your chances of conception, it will not solve any infertility problem you may have.

# 5. All fertility treatments are expensive.

Depending on your diagnosis, infertility treatments can vary widely, and so can their prices. A fertility specialist will discuss with you which options they believe are best for helping you conceive. Sometimes the steps are much simpler and less costly than you imagine, and if those treatments do not work, you can explore other options. The ultimate goal is to start a family or add a new member to your existing family, and the fertility specialist is there to help you on that journey.

Contact the "Alexandros Traianos" Centre for Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicine today to arrange a consultation with the reproductive specialist and explore your options.

TAGSfertility treatments

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?