ASSISTED REPRODUCTION: THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TODAY

5 June 20253′ read8 sections

CONTENTS

WHAT IS ASSISTED REPRODUCTION?
1. INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION (IUI)
2. IN VITRO FERTILISATION (IVF)
3. EGG OR SPERM DONATION
4. EGG / EMBRYO FREEZING
5. SURROGACY
HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH METHOD IS RIGHT FOR ME?
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CENTRE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

Infertility is a reality that many couples face today. Fortunately, the science of assisted reproduction has advanced considerably, offering effective, personalised solutions for every case. If you are on this path, it is important to know which options exist and which best suits your needs.

WHAT IS ASSISTED REPRODUCTION?

The term covers a range of medical techniques that help achieve conception when this is not possible naturally. At the Dr. Alexandros Traianos Centre for Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicine, we approach every case with responsibility, precision and a person-centred approach.

1. INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION (IUI)

A simple and often effective technique in which sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.

✔ Recommended for mild male-factor infertility or unexplained infertility.

✔ The procedure is painless and is carried out in the clinic.

2. IN VITRO FERTILISATION (IVF)

The most widely used and effective method, in which fertilisation takes place in the laboratory and the embryo is then transferred to the uterus.

✔ Suitable for conditions such as blocked fallopian tubes, poor sperm quality or unsuccessful attempts at natural conception.

✔Offers the option of genetic testing of embryos (PGT-A).

3. EGG OR SPERM DONATION

Used when good-quality eggs or sperm from the couple are not available.

An ideal option for women with premature ovarian insufficiency or over the age of 40.

✔ Donor anonymity and quality are safeguarded through strict medical procedures.

4. EGG / EMBRYO FREEZING

Cryopreservation allows women to preserve their fertility for the future.

✔ Suitable for those who are not yet ready to have children, or before treatments such as chemotherapy.

✔ Also used when more eggs are produced than needed during IVF.

5. SURROGACY

When the biological mother cannot carry a pregnancy for medical reasons, another woman (the surrogate) carries the embryo.

✔ Legally recognised in Greece under specific conditions.

✔ Requires full medical, psychological and legal guidance.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH METHOD IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Every case is unique. The first step is a full medical and hormonal assessment of the couple, so that the cause of infertility can be diagnosed accurately. From there, we choose together the right method, based on your needs, age and history.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CENTRE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

At the Dr. Alexandros Traianos Centre for Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicine, we combine scientific evidence, modern equipment and a human approach. We stand by you not only as doctors, but also as supporters of your dream of a family.

📍Contact us and book an appointment for a full assessment. A new beginning is possible. And it is worth making it with safety, care and confidence.

TAGSDr Alexandros TraianosfertilityIntrauterine inseminationassisted_reproduction

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.

WHAT IS ASSISTED REPRODUCTION?

1. INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION (IUI)

2. IN VITRO FERTILISATION (IVF)

3. EGG OR SPERM DONATION

4. EGG / EMBRYO FREEZING

5. SURROGACY

HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH METHOD IS RIGHT FOR ME?

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CENTRE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

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?