Frequently Asked Questions
Infertility
What is infertility?
We talk about infertility when, after one year of trying to conceive naturally (or six months if you are over 35), pregnancy does not occur. The causes can be in either the woman or the man, and in most cases there are treatments that can help you fulfil your dream of becoming a mother
When should I see a fertility specialist?
If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year without success (or six months if you are over 35), it is time to see a fertility specialist.
It is also advisable to do so earlier if you have irregular periods, endometriosis, a history of pelvic infections or surgeries, or if your partner has a diagnosed reproductive difficulty, such as semen alterations.
The sooner a specialist evaluates you, the more options there will be to find the cause and begin the appropriate treatment.
What are the most common causes of infertility?
In women, the most frequent are ovulation problems, low ovarian reserve, blocked fallopian tubes, polycystic ovary syndrome, or endometriosis.
In men, they are usually due to alterations in the quantity or quality of the semen.
Sometimes a clear cause is not found; in those cases, we speak of infertility of unknown origin.
How is infertility evaluated?
The evaluation is carried out in both the woman and the man
In the woman, ovulation, ovarian reserve and the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes are assessed
In the man, a semen analysis is performed to evaluate sperm quality
With these results, the medical team can personalise the most appropriate treatment for each case
Does age affect fertility?
Yes. Age is a key factor, especially in women. From the age of 35, the quantity and quality of eggs decrease, which can make pregnancy more difficult. Therefore, consulting in time can make all the difference.
Treatments
What treatments are available to achieve pregnancy?
It will depend on each case. Sometimes simple treatments such as ovulation induction or artificial insemination are enough. In other cases, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), egg or sperm donation, or embryo adoption may be recommended. Each treatment is tailored to your needs and your diagnosis
What is artificial insemination?
It is a simple treatment in which the semen, previously prepared in the laboratory, is placed inside the uterus at the exact moment of ovulation.
It does not require anesthesia or hospital admission and is a technique recommended for mild cases of infertility. It is a simple treatment in which the semen, previously prepared in the laboratory, is placed inside the uterus at the exact moment of ovulation.
It does not require anesthesia or hospital admission and is a technique recommended for mild cases of infertility.
What is in vitro fertilisation (IVF)?
IVF consists of retrieving the eggs and fertilising them with sperm in the laboratory (in vitro). The embryos that develop are then transferred to the uterus in an attempt to achieve pregnancy. It is a more advanced treatment, indicated when there are problems with the fallopian tubes, low ovarian reserve or after several unsuccessful attempts with other techniques
What is egg or sperm donation?
Egg or sperm donation allows many people to fulfill their desire to become parents when they cannot use their own gametes. It is an act of solidarity and safety that offers high success rates and a great opportunity for those in need.
Other common questions
Are the treatments painful?
In general, no. Some stages may cause mild discomfort, similar to menstrual pain, but the process is usually well tolerated. If at any point you feel pain or discomfort, the medical and nursing team will be there to support you
What side effects can the medications have?
Hormonal medications can cause abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, or mild emotional changes. These are temporary effects and disappear once the treatment is finished. Your doctor will explain how to manage them and when it is necessary to notify the clinic.
Can I continue with my normal life during treatment?
Yes. You can continue with your work, do moderate exercise and maintain your daily routine. Only at certain stages of the process, such as after a retrieval or a transfer, relative rest and avoiding intense physical effort are recommended
What care should I take after embryo transfer?
After the transfer, the most important thing is to follow the medical instructions. Absolute bed rest is not necessary: a normal life is recommended, avoiding strenuous activities. Absolute bed rest does not improve the result and can even generate more anxiety. After the transfer, the most important thing is to follow the medical instructions. Absolute bed rest is not necessary: a normal life is recommended, avoiding strenuous activities. Absolute bed rest does not improve the result and can even generate more anxiety.
How to manage anxiety or stress during treatment?
It is completely normal to feel anxiety, fear or frustration. Talking openly about your emotions, relying on your partner, the team or a mental health professional, and taking care of your emotional well-being are essential steps. Remember: you are not alone, and asking for help is a sign of strength
What happens if I do not achieve pregnancy after several attempts?
It does not mean that the journey has ended. Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the treatment or explore new options, such as egg donation, sperm donation, or embryo adoption.
The medical team will support you with empathy and realism to decide the next steps.
Fertility preservation
How is fertility preserved?
Fertility preservation allows eggs or sperm to be stored for later use, when you decide to try for a pregnancy. In women, the most common method is egg vitrification, a technique used to freeze eggs when they are of the highest quality, preserving them until use. In men, sperm freezing is performed, a simple and non-invasive procedure. Thanks to these advances, it is possible to postpone motherhood or fatherhood without losing the biological chances of achieving pregnancy in the future
When is it advisable to preserve fertility?
- When a woman wishes to postpone motherhood for personal, professional or relationship reasons
- Before medical treatments that may affect gametes (eggs or sperm), such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or ovarian or testicular surgery
- In cases of low ovarian reserve or a family history of early menopause
- It can also be an option for transgender individuals before starting hormone therapies or gender-affirming surgeries