PREPARING FOR EGG CRYOPRESERVATION IN THESSALONIKI: TESTS AND STEPS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

20 March 20262′ read7 sections

CONTENTS

WHY PREPARATION IS KEY
INITIAL MEDICAL ASSESSMENT
KEY TESTS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
PLANNING OVARIAN STIMULATION
PRACTICAL STEPS BEFORE YOU START
INFORMATION AND CONSENT
CONCLUSION

Proper preparation is the foundation of safe and successful egg cryopreservation. In Thessaloniki, the procedure is organised according to modern medical protocols and tailored to each woman's profile, so as to maximise the chances of preserving healthy eggs for future use.

WHY PREPARATION IS KEY

Preparation allows for:

an accurate fertility assessment
proper planning of the medication protocol
minimising risks
better egg quality

INITIAL MEDICAL ASSESSMENT

The first step involves taking a detailed history and a clinical assessment:

age and menstrual cycle
previous conditions or surgery
current medication
family history of fertility

KEY TESTS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

The most common tests include:

hormone tests (AMH, FSH, LH, oestradiol)
ovarian ultrasound
full blood count and biochemistry
infection screening

The tests help determine the most suitable treatment strategy.

PLANNING OVARIAN STIMULATION

Based on the results:

a personalised hormonal stimulation regimen is chosen
the length of treatment is set
follow-up checks are scheduled

Monitoring is close, for safety and the best possible outcome.

PRACTICAL STEPS BEFORE YOU START

We recommend:

staying well hydrated
a balanced diet
avoiding smoking and alcohol
managing stress

General health has a direct effect on egg quality.

INFORMATION AND CONSENT

Before the procedure begins:

you are fully informed about the stages and risks
a consent form is signed
expectations and timelines are discussed

CONCLUSION

Proper preparation for egg cryopreservation in Thessaloniki is a key factor in success and safety. Through personalised tests and well-organised steps, every woman can move forward with confidence in preserving her fertility. Preparation and monitoring are carried out with scientific precision at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine under the guidance of Dr. Alexandros Traianos, ensuring a high standard of care and support.

TAGSDr Alexandros Traianosoocyte cryopreservation procedurefertility center Thessaloniki

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.

WHY PREPARATION IS KEY

INITIAL MEDICAL ASSESSMENT

KEY TESTS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

PLANNING OVARIAN STIMULATION

PRACTICAL STEPS BEFORE YOU START

INFORMATION AND CONSENT

CONCLUSION

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?