Frequent questions about infertility

Yes, thanks to the IVF-ICSI technique with testicular sperm extraction (TESE).

You should receive the in vitro fertilisation technique (IVF). The eggs will be taken from the ovary, where later we will transfer the embryos (fertilised eggs). It is not necessary that the fallopian tubes have permeability. In fact, this technique can be performed without fallopian tubes.

The Cefer Reproductive Institute has chosen the ICSI technique, from which we obtain better results than from the conventional IVF technique. The sperm microinjection (ICSI), which is an IVF (in vitro fertilisation) variant, is the insertion of a selected spermatozoon into an oocyte, making sure they will get together. Lower sperm count or motility are not longer a problem. On the other hand, with the conventional IVF technique it could be that none spermatozoon penetrates the ovule, or many of them could get into it, which results in a non-viable embryo.

Yes, if he presents himself as your partner. In that case, he has to give his written consent to take on fatherhood. In other words, he would have all the rights and duties to the child. If your friend was only a donor, it would not be possible to do this, because the Spanish law demands that the sperm donor must be anonymous.

It is necessary that you come at least twice to one of the Cefer's centres. The first appointment (one or more) will be given to examine the previous tests you have received and to assure that recommendation is the more suitable for you. After doing the medical history and the physical examination, we must rule out those factors that can nullify the treatment firstly chosen. If there are many choices, you will be informed about the pros and cons of each technique so you can choose one freely.

In order to make the process easier for you, when sperm bank is chosen, the appointments can be done through Skype.

You should rest especially the first days after the embryo transfer. You should avoid hard physical efforts, as lifting heavy objects, that can endanger a future pregnancy. A doctor will assess each situation and will recommend to you a longer rest if necessary.

There are several reasons to repeat a semen test, as the sperm may be old or incomplete, or we need to get more information about it or to know how it responds to a treatment.

The menstruation (as a sign of ovulation) is a fundamental requirement in order to get pregnant naturally, but it is not the only one. A woman without the period (amenorrhoea) can become pregnant if she undergoes the suitable treatment, as hormonal solutions or using donated eggs.

The average age of fertility decline is from 35 years old, which is an illustrative age because every woman is different. After age 44-45, a woman has fewer chances to get pregnant with her own eggs. That is because women born with a limited number of eggs, which the woman uses throughout her life, and after age 35 the ovarian reserve will be reduced, a process that increases since age 40. Female age is the most important factor when calculating pregnancy chances. On the other hand, male age has less relevance, because men produce sperm constantly.

Nowadays it is possible to know the sex of the embryo before the transfer to the uterus, but the Spanish law only allows this method on medical grounds.

If there is no low sperm quality or discomfort, surgery is not necessary. But if a low sperm quality is noticed, a varicocele surgery may improve sperm parameters. Your andrologist will advise you if surgery is needed.

The recombinant hormones are the medicines usually prescribed. They are hormones that have been synthesised thanks to genetic engineering. They are like those natural produced in the hypophysis.

In some cases it is no necessary to undergo an assisted reproduction technique. For instance, a man with low hormone level will receive a treatment which will include the hormone he lacked. When an infection occurs, an antibiotic treatment would be enough. A woman who does not ovulate because of highly elevated levels of prolactin would receive a medical treatment in order to restore the ovulation and get her pregnant.