It is absolutely normal to have questions before starting an assisted reproduction treatment, and even throughout the entire process. It is a journey filled with uncertainty, which is why it is essential to undertake it with guidance from the best professionals. These questions are almost always easy to address, and staying well-informed can help make the journey much more relaxed.
In reality, every case is unique. This is why reproductive medicine specialists carefully study each individual situation to achieve the best possible results. Nonetheless, most patients share similar concerns. Here, we review the ten most frequent questions raised in our consultations:
As mentioned, every case is different. The length will depend on additional tests required due to specific factors, or the scheduling needed for ovarian stimulation or embryo transfer. In general, the process can take between one and two months. This timeframe includes ovarian stimulation in the woman, fertilization in the laboratory, the transfer, and the waiting period to learn the results.
This depends on several factors, such as the patient's age, embryo quality, and medical team recommendations. Typically, only one embryo is transferred to avoid multiple pregnancies. However, in certain cases, two embryos may be transferred if deemed necessary by the medical professional.
Maternal age is one of the main causes of infertility and unsuccessful assisted reproduction treatments. Therefore, the sooner the decision is made, the better. However, reproductive medicine has advanced significantly in recent years, and pregnancies at more advanced ages are becoming increasingly common.
Other factors, such as overall health and ovarian reserve, also play a role. Specialists will thoroughly evaluate your case before deciding whether treatment is feasible.
The general recommendation is to avoid intense exercise or high-impact physical activities, especially during ovarian stimulation and after embryo transfer. Nonetheless, moderate exercise, such as walking or gentle activities that relax without causing significant stress or effort, is permissible.
Normally, rest after embryo transfer is brief, lasting only a few hours. It is important to avoid strenuous physical activity, but regular daily life can be resumed. Although complete bed rest is not recommended, listening to your body is essential, and approaching the treatment calmly is always best.
Embryos not transferred can be frozen and used in future cycles. If the couple chooses not to continue with the process (either because pregnancy has been achieved or by choice), they have options: donating them to other couples, discarding them, or donating them for research.
Vitrification allows eggs to be perfectly preserved for long periods, so they can be used in future assisted reproduction cycles.
The egg freezing process does not affect your fertility in any way. Removing eggs from your body does not diminish your fertility. However, it is important to remember that egg quality decreases with age. Therefore, the success of future treatment will depend on the quality of the eggs frozen and the timing of the treatment.
Pregnancies resulting from frozen eggs do not present greater risks compared to those with fresh eggs. However, the age of the expectant mother is a risk factor—the older the patient, the greater the risk of miscarriage or complications during pregnancy.
Vitrification has proven to be safe for both eggs and future babies, with no differences observed between babies born from frozen eggs and those from fresh eggs.
These are just a few of the most common concerns, but everyone may have their own. If you are considering starting a fertility treatment, or are already underway, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. Having as much information as possible undoubtedly makes the process much more manageable and positive.
Zegers-Hochschild F., Adamson GD., Dyer S., Racowsky C., de Mouzon J., Sokol R.
The International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care, 2017.
Human Reproduction.
2017;
1786-1801
International glossary on infertility and fertility care:
https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/32/9/1786/4109018
ESHRE Guideline Group on Ovarian Stimulation.
ESHRE guideline: ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI.
European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
2020;
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Guide on ovarian stimulation in IVF and ICSI:
https://academic.oup.com/hropen/article/2020/2/hoaa009/5827574
Gameiro S., Boivin J., Dancet E., de Klerk C., Emery M., Lewis-Jones C.
ESHRE guideline: routine psychosocial care in infertility and medically assisted reproduction—a guide for fertility staff.
Human Reproduction.
2015;
2476-2485
Guide on psychosocial care in infertility and assisted reproduction:
https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dev177
European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.
Good practice recommendations for add-ons in reproductive medicine.
European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
2023;
2062-2104
Recommendations on additional treatments in assisted reproduction:
https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/38/11/2062/7251307
Privacy Policy
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