Nikos Anesidis, MD, Gynecologist in Assisted Reproduction, Fertility Specialist
Argyro Agiomamitou, MD, Obstetrician-Gynaecologist
Visiting an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Clinic is often a major step in one’s journey to parenthood. It is natural to feel both hopeful and anxious and patients usually arrive with many questions. Below are some of the most common questions asked.
- What is Assisted Reproduction and when is it indicated?
When a couple has regular unprotected sexual intercourse for 12 months, without achieving pregnancy, a fertility evaluation is definitely recommended and most likely some form of assisted reproduction treatment. In women over the age of 35, this period is reduced to 6 months due to the natural decline in fertility.
Treatment is always personalized, depending on the diagnosis. Options may include
-In vitro fertilization (IVF). Eggs and sperm are combined in the lab to create embryos.
-Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
-Intrauterine insemination (IUI). Prepared sperm is placed in the uterus around the time of ovulation.
-Egg, sperm or embryo donation, when needed.
- What causes infertility?
Infertility can result from many factors, sometimes affecting one partner or both.
In women, causes may include premature decline of ovarian reserve or age-related decrease in egg quality, ovulation disorders such as those seen in PCOS, fallopian tubal obstruction and endometriosis.
In men low sperm count, poor sperm motility or abnormal sperm shape can play a role.
In some cases no clear reason is found—what doctors call ‘’unexplained infertility’’.
A thorough medical evaluation helps identify the best path forward.
- How successful are these treatments?
Success rates depend on many factors—most importanty the woman’s age and the cause of infertility. On average, women under 35 may have 45-65% success rate per IVF cycle, while rates gradually decrease with age. Advances in reproductive medicine, such as improved embryo culture systems and genetic testing, continue to raise the chances of success.
- Are there any risks?
Fertility treatments today are safer than ever. The main medical risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies or minor complications during egg retrieval. Choice of the appropriate protocol and careful monitoring helps minimize these risks.
- Is there an age limit?
Yes, in Greece, women are allowed to undergo assisted reproduction until the age of 54, with special approval from the National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction for women over 50. Because of the decrease in oocyte quality associated with advancing age, egg donation is recommended at older ages, with success rates reaching up to 60%.
- How long does the treatment take?
An IVF cycle usually takes about 3-4 weeks from the start of medication to embryotransfer. Some patients may need more than one cycle to achieve pregnancy.
- What is oocyte cryopreservation?
It is a technique that enables women to preserve their fertility and delay motherhood for personal, medical or professional reasons. Similar to IVF, the procedure involves the collection of oocytes followed by cryopreservation through vitrification, a technique associated with very high post-thaw survival rates (95-98%).
- What can I do to improve my chances?
A healthy lifestyle plays an important role in fertility. Maintaining a normal body weight, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, taking dietary supplements, exercising moderately and managing stress can all support better outcomes for both partners.
At our clinic we believe that informed patients make empowered decisions. Asking questions and understanding every step of your treatment is the key to success. Our team is here to guide you with compassion, transparency and the latest reproductive technologies, every step of the way toward your dream of becoming a parent.
