Icon image | Photo: Shutterstock A recently published study (see link) conducted by a Swiss working group on the increased risk of high blood pressure in children conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is currently making big waves, not least through nonstop media coverage. Additionally, this was fueled by some statements made by the senior
“What are our chances of achieving a pregnancy resulting in the birth of a healthy child?”
| FAQs on genetics within the context of fertility treatment
Icon image | Photo: Shutterstock IVF treatment with PGD/PGS might be an option for infertile couples who, despite all efforts, have still not become pregnant and whose diagnostic findings seem to be linked to the failure. However, the option is only available for couples who meet all the medical and legal requirements. Basically, there are
Hello “little polar bear”!
Cryo cycle after IVF
Icon image | Photo: Shutterstock “It had finally worked out and I became pregnant with our little ‘polar bear’. Since yesterday, we are the proud parents of a healthy baby girl and we couldn’t be more thrilled.” In this way or in a very similar one, couples talk about their experiences gained during IVF treatment
Close to nature
| IVF treatment involving blastocyst culture
Icon image | Photo: Shutterstock The aim of this medical specialty can already be inferred from the term Reproductive Medicine. It means understanding and copying nature right down to the smallest details, i.e. supporting human procreation using medical-technical procedures designed to help sub-fertile couples. Based on current scientific knowledge, an important role is played by
“What are the situations where egg donation may help?”
| FAQs on egg donation
Icon image | Photo: Shutterstock There are a variety of reasons why couples may want to use donated eggs to fulfil their dream of having a child. There are situations where couples cannot achieve a successful pregnancy with the woman’s own oocytes (e.g. cancer treatment, genetic diseases, premature menopause) and may therefore decide to try
Sperm quality
Assessment and significance in fertility treatments
Structure spermatozoon/oocyte | Photo: Shutterstock Egg and sperm cell are of equal importance for the development of the embryo. A closer look at the sperm factor suggests that the assessment of sperm quality followed by the selection of appropriate spermatozoa for the fertilization of the oocyte are important steps on the path towards the much
An impuls towards parenthood
Hormonal stimulation in fertility treatment
Icon Image | Photo: Shutterstock Precisely tailored to the woman’s individual situation, her body is prepared for pregnancy prior to receiving fertility treatment. The ovaries are stimulated with hormones, which is an important first step towards the long-awaited child. The targeted administration of hormones is intended to induce the maturation of multiple follicles, each containing
Cumulative pregnancy rate
Part 5 of the topic-series »Success Rate«
[← article overview of the topic-series “Success Rate”] Icon Image | Photo: Shutterstock When analyzing success rates in fertility treatment, it often turns out that the stated values refer to cumulative pregnancy rates. But what exactly is meant by this type of pregnancy rate? Cumulative is derived from the Latin word “cumulare” (to accumulate). According
“Natural cycle IVF”
IVF treatment in an unstimulated cycle
Graphic representation female cycle | Photo: Shutterstock For many women, starting fertility treatment is often associated with discomfort, since it entails hormone therapy involving the injection of specific preparations. Most women get used to it quickly, since what it does mean in any case is that they advance further on their way leading to the
“When can I take the pregnancy test and what happens next?”
FAQs on fertility treatment
Icon Image | Photo: Shutterstock Before and during fertility treatment, patients are often faced with a lot of impressions and information. Sometimes, however, this can be highly confusing, giving rise to a large number of questions. After asking around, I discussed the issues with Univ. Prof. Dr. Herbert Zech, a specialist in reproductive medicine and
