STARTING THE FERTILITY JOURNEY

21 January 20214′ read3 sections

CONTENTS

Genetic testing
Pregnant through IVF
How to improve your fertility

The first step on your fertility journey should be a full assessment by a qualified specialist. A Reproductive Medicine specialist is a specially trained gynaecologist who has spent additional time learning how to assess and treat couples with infertility.

For women, the initial assessment usually consists of blood tests and a transvaginal ultrasound. Sometimes an X-ray test called hysterosalpingography (HSG) is performed to check the fallopian tubes.

For men, blood tests are usually done in addition to a semen analysis. Once you have had a thorough assessment, your specialist can help you decide on the right course of treatment.

In many cases, it is possible to start with medication to boost ovulation. Medication is often combined with intrauterine insemination (IUI), which involves placing sperm into the uterus at the time of ovulation. Some patients may benefit from surgery to restore the normal anatomy.

For some patients with more serious conditions, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) may be necessary to make the most of low sperm or egg counts. Although IVF is a more involved process, it is also highly successful.

Genetic testing

Preimplantation genetic testing allows doctors to test an embryo for chromosomal abnormalities (too many or too few chromosomes) before deciding whether to transfer it. Since embryos with chromosomal abnormalities are the most common cause of miscarriage and can also lead to an affected baby after birth, preimplantation genetic testing is a reliable and vital tool that allows doctors to choose the best embryo for transfer and dramatically increases patients' chances of pregnancy, an ongoing pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby.

Pregnant through IVF

While IVF is clearly the best option for intended parents who are struggling to achieve a pregnancy, it is also important to note that not all IVF treatments are the same. After 20 years of refining the science, the founder of the “Alexandros Traianos” Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicine Centre has established a standard of care that has increasingly led to higher IVF success rates, while safeguarding the health of mothers and babies.

How to improve your fertility

Apart from medical issues, factors such as lifestyle, diet and environment affect fertility in both women and men. If you want to increase your chances of becoming pregnant, here are some lifestyle choices you may wish to look at.

Smoking not only harms ovarian function during IVF but also threatens the health of the mother, the baby and the people around them. Smoking also affects sperm health. Anything both partners can do to stop or cut down smoking will help fertility.
Alcohol and drug use should be eliminated completely when you are trying to become pregnant, as they have a negative effect on reproductive and sexual function and can cause health problems in a newborn baby.
Excess weight raises your BMI, which can contribute to infertility. Changes to your diet can go a long way towards preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy. Exercise also plays a vital role.
Environmental toxins, also known as endocrine disruptors, have contributed to the global decline in fertility. They are hidden in food, water and the products we use every day on our bodies and in our homes, as well as in the indoor and outdoor air we breathe. It is important to pay attention to labels, eat organic food whenever possible and use green products as far as possible.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have a negative effect on fertility, so always use condoms during sex until you are in a committed relationship and you have both been tested.
Some prescription medicines may reduce fertility or prevent conception, so ask your doctor about reducing these medicines or finding safer alternatives, if possible.

*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.

TAGSfertilityin vitro fertilization

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.

Genetic testing

Pregnant through IVF

How to improve your fertility

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?