INFERTILITY: THE FIRST STEPS TO OVERCOME IT

12 July 20252′ read3 sections

CONTENTS

What does infertility mean?
What are the first steps?
You are not alone in this

Infertility is a word that, when it enters a couple's life, brings with it insecurity, questions and often anxiety. Yet the most important message to hold on to is that today there are many solutions — and even more reasons for hope.

What does infertility mean?

Infertility is defined as difficulty conceiving after one year of regular, unprotected attempts without contraception. For women over 35, this period is reduced to six months. Infertility does not concern women alone — men are equal partners in this equation.

What are the first steps?

Tracking your cycle and monitoring it properly:
Observing your menstrual cycle and recording ovulation is the first and most basic step. Technology can help today, with apps and ovulation tests.
Medical assessment of the couple:
A full gynaecological examination and a semen analysis are essential for assessing the situation correctly. Often the solution lies in simple steps — there is no need to go straight to invasive techniques.
Lifestyle changes:
Weight, diet, exercise, smoking and stress all have a direct effect on fertility. Small but meaningful changes can make a big difference.
Specialised tests and assisted reproduction:
If needed, there are options such as ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination and, of course, IVF — always tailored to the couple's needs.

You are not alone in this

At the Dr. Alexandros Traianos Centre for Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicine, we approach every case with discretion, a scientific approach and, above all, empathy. We know how delicate the path of infertility is, and we stand by you from the very first step.

If you are wondering where to begin, perhaps it is time for a friendly, guiding conversation.

📞 Contact us so that we can plan the next chapter together.

TAGSDr Alexandros Traianosreproductive medicine centrereproductive healthfertilityIVFsemen analysischildbearinginfertility

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 does infertility mean?

What are the first steps?

You are not alone in this

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?