Do I need IVF treatment? And if so, what should I do? We have all heard about IVF, maybe a friend, a relative, a colleague has had a treatment. The first questions that come to our minds: what is IVF? Is it possible for the treatment to be successful the first time? How long will the treatment take? Does my age affect the treatment?

Here we will answer some basic questions. It is, however, important to know that every woman is unique, every couple is unique and needs individual advice from the fertility expert.

When should I seek the doctor’s help?

I can always get some advice from the fertility expert before I even start trying to conceive. I can also have a simple fertility test and get tips for natural conception.

If I am up to 35 years old and have been trying for a year without success or if I am over 35 years old and have been trying for six months without success, then I should consult a fertility expert.

• Does my age affect the treatment? 

The age of both partners definitely can affect the treatment.

It is very important, when we have decided to try for a baby, not to delay our decision. The sooner is always better. This is because pregnancy success rates vary depending on the age – especially in women. This should not scare us, as there are methods of maintaining our fertility.

• How long does an IVF treatment take?

Once you have done all the necessary examinations and the doctor has reduced or eliminated any factor that may affect the treatment, there is a period of about 10-12 days for ovarian stimulation, followed by the egg retrieval, the fertilization and the embryo transfer. In general, we can say that the time is set from 2 to 3 weeks.

• Is an IVF treatment painful?
  IVF is not a painful treatment. The injections that the woman is called to have, according to the personalized protocol that will be given to her, are made with small needles (insulin) and only once a day for about 10 -12 days. The egg retrieval is combined with mild sedation so there is no pain at all.  Maybe after the procedure you will feel some discomfort like period cramps. A simple analgesic is enough to feel better.
• Can I make it on my first IVF treatment?
  Yes, I can. It depends on the age and the number of eggs available for the treatment. Statistically, 7 out of 10 couples had a positive pregnancy test at Gennima IVF (2018-2019, with at least 6 eggs, regardless of age).

• Is there a special preparation I can do?

In addition to the tests recommended by the fertility expert, I can reduce alcohol consumption, quit smoking, watch my diet as much as I can, exercise and of course have a good psychology. All this will not only help my fertility, but will prepare my body for pregnancy. After all, these are good habits that I will adopt when I get pregnant.