Stages of In Vitro Fertilisation

Information

ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies) is only initiated after the causes of infertility have been clearly established, with the aim of determining the most optimal treatment strategy for each couple, as an individual approach is extremely important.

1. Comprehensive examination of the reproductive status of both the man and the woman
When wishing to join our in vitro programme, patients receive a detailed plan of the necessary examinations. All of them can be performed on-site at VITA Hospital, which is a great convenience and saves a lot of time and travel.

2. Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH)
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation aims to stimulate the ovaries to produce several eggs (oocytes), rather than just one as occurs during a normal cycle. More eggs make it possible to obtain more embryos, which significantly increases the chance of pregnancy.

The stimulation itself is carried out with specific medications according to defined application schemes, called stimulation protocols. The protocol for each woman is individual and is continuously refined during the monitoring of the stimulation.

During stimulation, several follicles (small cysts) containing the eggs grow in the ovaries. They are monitored through vaginal ultrasound examinations, as well as several hormonal tests. The aim is to achieve maturity of the oocytes and to proceed to the next stage.

3. Follicular puncture and aspiration of the eggs
The aim of the procedure is to puncture the follicles and aspirate the fluid contained within them - the eggs are expected to be found in it.

The puncture is performed vaginally, under ultrasound guidance. The procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes depending on the number of follicles and is performed under appropriate anaesthesia, under the supervision of an anaesthesiology team.

The aspirates obtained are transferred to the embryology laboratory for the next stage.

Embryological procedures

4. Collection and processing of seminal fluid
The seminal fluid sample is provided by the partner on the day of the follicular puncture. It is desirable that he has had sexual abstinence for 3-5 days beforehand. In most cases, the seminal fluid is obtained through masturbation, for which a room with all amenities is provided.

In very rare cases of a complete absence of sperm cells, puncture of the testis or epididymis or microsurgical intervention is performed. These procedures are carried out by a urologist under general anaesthesia.

The sample obtained is processed using various methods, according to its parameters, with the aim of obtaining a sufficient concentration of quality sperm cells for the subsequent fertilisation procedures.