DIFFERENT TYPES OF FERTILITY PROBLEMS AND CORRESPONDING TREATMENTS

17 February 20222′ read

Medicine is advancing by leaps and bounds alongside progress in technology and science, and it has made impressive strides in assisted reproduction treatments. One of the greatest examples of this medical progress can be seen in in vitro fertilisation (IVF). IVF is a procedure that allows an egg to be fertilised by bringing it into contact with sperm outside the human body. Put simply, the procedure involves retrieving the egg from the woman's body, fertilising it with sperm and then placing the fertilised egg back in the uterus.

Assisted reproduction treatments allow women to increase their fertility and to overcome infertility resulting from tubal problems. They also help overcome male infertility caused by poor sperm quality through the use of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). This technique increases the chances of fertilisation by injecting the sperm directly into the egg. Recent studies show that the use of ICSI has effectively increased the chances of fertility. This technique can only be effective when both the eggs and the sperm are healthy. It is therefore essential to rule out the possibility of genetic disorders through Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD).

Other widely used techniques in IVF or infertility treatment are Transvaginal Oocyte Retrieval (TVOR) and Embryo Transfer. In the TVOR procedure, the Reproductive Medicine Specialist guides a needle through the vaginal wall and into the ovaries to retrieve eggs. The whole procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance. In the embryo transfer procedure, one or more embryos are placed in the woman's uterus in order to increase fertility and the chances of conception.

In addition, there are other options, such as egg donation, sperm donation and surrogacy, which can also overcome infertility problems.

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?