{"id":2247,"date":"2021-05-11T11:14:50","date_gmt":"2021-05-11T08:14:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fertilityadvanced.gr\/?page_id=2247"},"modified":"2021-05-11T11:14:50","modified_gmt":"2021-05-11T08:14:50","slug":"exosomatiki","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/fertilityadvanced.gr\/el\/exosomatiki\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0395\u039e\u03a9\u03a3\u03a9\u039c\u0391\u03a4\u0399\u039a\u0397"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

IVF & ICSI<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the process\u00a0where eggs and sperm are mixed together and fertilization takes place outside the woman\u2019s body,\u00a0in the laboratory.\u202fIVF\u00a0is used to\u00a0manage\u00a0a\u00a0broad spectrum\u00a0of fertility problems. For many, such as tubal factor or male-related infertility it may be the first-line treatment,\u00a0while\u00a0for others may only be\u00a0considered\u00a0if simpler treatments fail.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”The history of IVF in brief” tab_id=”1591180999783-e9c7154c-3ccd”][vc_column_text]The history of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) dates back as early as the 1890s when Walter Heape a professor and physician at the University of Cambridge, England, who had been conducting research on reproduction in a number of animal species, reported the first known case of embryo transplantation in rabbits, long before the applications to human fertility were even suggested.\u00a0However\u00a0it was not until 1959,\u00a0that indisputable evidence of IVF,\u00a0was\u00a0obtained by Chang\u00a0who was the first to achieve births in a mammal (a rabbit) by IVF.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The first IVF pregnancy\u00a0in humans\u00a0was reported\u00a0in 1973\u00a0by the Monash research team of Professors Carl Wood and John\u00a0Leeton\u00a0in Melbourne, Australia. Unfortunately, this resulted in\u00a0an early miscarriage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In July of 1978 Louise Brown was born in Oldham, England, as the first baby to ever be born through IVF.\u00a0This birth\u00a0attracted attention all over the world\u00a0and was the result of the collaborative work between\u00a0Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe.\u00a0It had taken\u00a0them\u00a0over 100 IVF attempts to achieve the first pregnancy\u00a0which was carried to term.\u00a0Initially, however, many colleagues as well as voices in the general public were critical.\u00a0In 2010 the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Robert Edwards for the development of in vitro fertilization.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is estimated that over 8 million babies have been born worldwide through IVF,\u00a0an achievement that gives hope to many couples who suffer with infertility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The purpose of this introduction is to acknowledge those,\u00a0who initiated the steps for the development of IVF, the most important method for treatment of infertility.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”STEP-BY-STEP THE IVF PROCESS” tab_id=”1591180999814-0e3308f1-3069″][vc_column_text]Our individualised approach means that every couple will vary in how their treatment is planned and managed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0IVF process involves the following\u00a0steps:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

STEP\u00a01-\u00a0OVARIAN STIMULATION<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n

Stimulation of the ovaries with\u00a0hormones known as gonadotrophins is\u00a0usually required\u00a0for a period between 10 to14 days.\u00a0The hormones are in the form of self-administered subcutaneous injections\u00a0and need to be\u00a0taken daily.\u00a0The\u00a0aim\u00a0is\u00a0to\u00a0stimulate the ovaries produce multiple follicles\u00a0simultaneously.\u00a0Your response to the hormones is monitored very closely with daily hormonal blood tests and ultrasound scans on alternate days, to pick up the slightest\u00a0changes,\u00a0which will impact on the choice of medications and timings of treatment.\u00a0Medications may be altered and\u00a0dosages\u00a0may be\u00a0changed if required.\u00a0This level of monitoring may be inconvenient in the short term, but\u00a0we believe it\u00a0is vital and can make the difference\u00a0in the quality of the eggs you produce.\u00a0This approach in treatment is strictly individualized and it\u00a0is this attention to detail and dedication\u00a0that contributes\u00a0to\u00a0excellence in\u00a0results.<\/p>\n

When the follicles\u00a0in the ovaries reach the appropriate\u00a0size\u00a0we plan your\u00a0egg collection.\u00a0A trigger injection\u00a0is given\u00a0approximately\u00a036\u00a0hours before the egg collection.\u00a0The exact timing of the\u00a0trigger\u00a0injection and the egg\u00a0collection\u00a0is essential\u00a0for the optimal outcome with regards to the egg quality and quantity.<\/p>\n

STEP 2-\u00a0Egg collection<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n

On the day of\u00a0the egg collection\u00a0you need to\u00a0present at the clinic\u00a0in the morning, having had nothing\u00a0to eat or drink\u00a0from\u00a0midnight\u00a0the night before\u00a0your procedure.\u00a0Nail polish, make-up,\u00a0jewellery\u00a0and contact lenses\u00a0should be removed prior to coming in.\u00a0Prior to moving to the operating\u00a0theatre\u00a0you will be reviewed by the cardiology and the\u00a0anaesthetic\u00a0team and you\u00a0will be asked to sign the\u00a0relevant\u00a0consent forms.<\/p>\n

Egg collection is a day case procedure, which usually lasts for approximately 20 minutes and is\u00a0performed\u00a0under light sedation.\u00a0With the use of a fine needle\u00a0under ultrasound guidance, the\u00a0fluid in the follicles in each ovary is aspirated and the\u00a0eggs are\u00a0obtained.<\/p>\n

Following the\u00a0procedure\u00a0you will be given antibiotics and painkillers\u00a0and\u00a0you will\u00a0be taken to a recovery room\u00a0to rest,\u00a0for approximately 2-3\u00a0hours.\u00a0Once you are fully awake and able to eat, drink and pass urine, you\u00a0will be able to\u00a0leave\u00a0the clinic. You are strongly advised\u00a0to arrange for someone to drive you home\u00a0and\u00a0avoid driving for 24 hours.<\/p>\n

STEP 3-\u00a0Fertilisation and embryo culture<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

Shortly after\u00a0the eggs are retrieved, the male partner produces a semen sample. Frozen or donor sperm may also be used.
\nThe eggs and the sperm\u00a0are put together\u00a0in a culture dish and incubated overnight to undergo fertilisation and create\u00a0the embryos.\u00a0As\u00a0with a\u00a0natural conception, once the eggs\u00a0are\u00a0exposed to the sperm, many sperm will attach to the egg\u00a0but\u00a0usually\u00a0only\u00a0one sperm will enter\u00a0each egg. This process is known as fertilisation.
\nIf there are concerns with regard to sperm quality,\u00a0a variant of IVF known as\u00a0ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)\u00a0is likely to be\u00a0advised\u00a0to achieve fertilisation.\u00a0This involves the\u00a0injection of a single sperm\u00a0selected by the embryologist directly into the egg.<\/p>\n

Following fertilisation, the embryos are cultured in\u00a0the\u00a0laboratory under optimum conditions,\u00a0resembling the natural environment\u00a0and\u00a0are\u00a0monitored\u00a0regularly by our embryologists to make sure they are developing normally.<\/p>\n

Two to three days after the egg collection, the embryos have usually divided into four to eight cells. They subsequently continue\u00a0to develop\u00a0and by day 5 they reach the \u201cblastocyst stage\u201d.\u00a0The embryos are then scored against a specific grading system, which allows us to select the best possible embryo(s) for\u00a0transfer.<\/p>\n

Whenever appropriate, we aim\u00a0to culture the embryos for five or\u00a0six days,\u00a0to allow them reach the \u201cblastocyst\u2019 stage\u201d,\u00a0which is likely to\u00a0improve the chances of success.\u202fHowever,\u00a0If\u00a0only a small number of embryos\u00a0are available, then the embryo transfer will be\u00a0scheduled on the 2nd\u00a0or 3rd\u00a0day\u00a0following the egg collection.
\nEmbryos that are not transferred will be assessed for suitability to be frozen for future use.\u202fIn most cases, we\u00a0would only\u00a0advise\u00a0freezing\u00a0top quality\u00a0blastocysts to\u00a0secure\u00a0a high chance of surviving the freeze\/thaw process (>90%).<\/p>\n

STEP 4-\u00a0Embryo transfer<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

Embryos will usually be transferred on Day\u00a03 or\u00a05 but may, on occasion, be transferred on Day 2\u00a0or 6 after\u00a0egg collection.<\/p>\n

What will determine the number\u00a0of embryos\u00a0we transfer\u00a0are\u00a0your age,\u00a0your previous\u00a0reproductive history\u00a0and\u00a0the quality of\u00a0your\u00a0embryos.<\/p>\n

We always adhere to\u00a0rules laid out by\u00a0the Greek National Authority of Assisted Reproduction,\u00a0which\u00a0dictate\u00a0the number of embryos\u00a0allowed\u00a0to transfer.<\/p>\n

We\u00a0give you pictures of your embryos and we show you them on a screen,\u00a0via a camera we have\u00a0placed\u00a0in the laboratory.\u00a0We then transfer your embryos\u00a0to\u00a0your\u00a0uterus using a\u00a0soft catheter,\u00a0which is gently passed through\u00a0your\u00a0cervix.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0procedure\u00a0is painless\u00a0(similar to a smear test)\u00a0and\u00a0you do not need any sedation.\u00a0We\u00a0always\u00a0encourage\u00a0your partner\u00a0to attend the\u00a0procedure.<\/p>\n

STEP 5-\u00a0After-\u00a0care<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

The days following the embryo transfer are crucial for the implantation of the embryo(s).\u00a0Therefore\u00a0we continue the close monitoring to pick up even slight changes in your hormone levels,\u00a0which could negatively affect the outcome\u00a0if left undiagnosed.\u00a0You will be taking progesterone supplements,\u00a0which could be in the form of\u00a0pessaries, vaginal gel,\u00a0subcutaneous,\u00a0or\u00a0intramuscular\u00a0injections,\u00a0during\u00a0that\u00a0time to support the lining of the uterus.\u00a0Medications are often adjusted as a result\u00a0and\u00a0tailored to your body\u2019s needs to promote the embryo implantation.<\/p>\n

The pregnancy test will be\u00a015 days\u00a0after\u00a0the\u00a0egg collection. In the event of a positive pregnancy test,\u00a0the frequent\u00a0monitoring of your pregnancy hormonal\u00a0levels to ensure optimal\u00a0levels\u00a0and the\u00a0progesterone supplementation\u00a0are both continued.\u00a0An ultrasound scan is usually performed 2-3\u00a0weeks later to\u00a0confirm the viability of the pregnancy.<\/p>\n

We\u00a0continue communication\u00a0with our pregnant patients throughout the pregnancy, often adjusting their medication and providing advice\u00a0and support\u00a0whenever necessary.<\/p>\n

Should\u00a0your pregnancy\u00a0test, unfortunately, be negative then you will be offered\u00a0a\u00a0Skype or face-to-face, free of charge follow-up consultation with Dr Diamantopoulos, to discuss the details of your treatment, get answers to your questions and be advised on the best way of moving forward.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How many embryos can be transferred?” tab_id=”1591181229499-83bcc387-6012″][vc_column_text]According to the rules laid out by\u00a0the Greek National Authority of Assisted Reproduction\u00a0the highest number of embryos that can be transferred is as follows:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • For women below the age of 35, a maximum number of 2 embryos are allowed.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • For women above the age of 35 and below the age of 40, a maximum number of 3 embryos are allowed only if they have a history of 2 or more previously unsuccessful embryo transfers, otherwise the maximum number of embryos allowed are 2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • For women above the age of 40, a maximum number of 3 embryos are allowed.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • For women above the age of 43, a maximum number of 4 embryos are allowed.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Is there an age limit for IVF?” tab_id=”1591181285986-243a7bd2-659e”][vc_column_text]The Greek Law permits fertility treatment (all kinds) for women up to the age of 50.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Are there are any risks associated with IVF\/ISCI?” tab_id=”1591181318749-2049f60a-6888″][vc_column_text]Although significant complications are uncommon\u00a0with\u00a0IVF treatment, the potential risks\u00a0are listed below:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Medication related side effects<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

    Some women do\u202fexperience side effects from the fertility drugs they take during the stimulation, which are usually mild. The most common side effects include a local reaction at the injection site, dizziness, mood swings, hot flushes and feeling bloated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

    It is a serious complication arising in a very small proportion of women undergoing IVF. It is due to the over-response of the ovaries to the fertility drugs in certain patients, such as those with polycystic ovaries and those of younger age. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, swelling of the abdomen due to enlarged ovaries, nausea, vomiting, weakness, shortness of breath, thirst, decreased urine output and dehydration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    OHSS normally occurs in the week after the egg collection or just after the embryo transfer. In most cases the condition\u00a0is\u00a0mild or moderate\u00a0with\u00a0self-limiting symptoms\u00a0and\u00a0can be managed conservatively. It is only very rarely that women developing the condition will require hospitalisation and intensive care treatment.\u00a0OHSS\u00a0does\u00a0not persist\u00a0beyond\u00a0the first three months of pregnancy. Patients who are not pregnant should recover by the time their next period is due.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Dr Diamantopoulos\u00a0has extensive experience in the prevention and management of this condition. Those at increased risk are identified and specific measures, such as intravenous fluid infusion and freezing of all embryos for transfer in\u00a0a later cycle, are implemented.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Multiple Pregnancy<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

    The incidence of multiple pregnancies is higher among women who conceive following IVF treatment compared to women who conceive naturally.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Multiple pregnancies, including twins and triplets in particular, are associated\u00a0with risks. Miscarriage and preterm\u00a0delivery\u00a0with its associated higher\u00a0chance of the babies suffering both short-\u00a0and long- term difficulties, are both complications more frequently seen in multiple pregnancies as opposed to pregnancies with one baby.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    It is important to be aware that although the majority of IVF twins are\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    non-identical, originating from different embryos, identical\u00a0twins can\u00a0also\u00a0occur when one embryo splits into two.\u00a0Multiple pregnancies\u00a0with identical twins\u00a0carry an\u00a0even\u00a0higher pregnancy complication rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    For these reasons\u00a0multiple pregnancy\u00a0is\u00a0an undesirable outcome\u00a0of IVF, therefore\u00a0transfer of three embryos is limited to women over forty years of age or to younger women with more than previous 2 unsuccessful IVF treatments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Miscarriage<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

    Approximately 20-25% of all IVF pregnancies will miscarry. This is slightly higher than for naturally conceived pregnancies, largely due to the proportion of older women attempting IVF and possibly due to the presence of contributing factors associated with some types of infertility.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ectopic\/ Heterotopic\u00a0Pregnancy<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

    This is a pregnancy that implants outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in one of the fallopian tubes. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy with IVF treatment is approximately 2- 3%. It is a potentially serious condition, that may be indicated by fluctuating hormone levels, bleeding and abdominal pain and can be detected very early in the pregnancy by ultrasound scan. The pregnancy cannot continue and therefore must be either removed surgically or in selected cases a conservative or medical (use of drugs instead of surgery) approach could be considered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    If two\u00a0or more\u00a0embryos have been transferred there is\u00a0a tiny possibility\u00a0of a \u201cheterotopic pregnancy\u201d where one implants in the correct place and one implants in the tube.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cFreeze-all\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

    Occasionally following the commencement of stimulation in an IVF cycle, a series of conditions could be identified, that may reduce the chances of the embryo we transfer to successfully implant in the uterus or potentially put you at risk.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Such\u00a0conditions\u00a0include:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • High progesterone levels prior to egg collection.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Very high\u00a0oestrogen\u00a0levels, which are associated with increased risk of severe ovarian hyperstimulation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • The presence of a fibroid or a polyp within the uterine cavity.\u2028\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • The presence of a hydrosalpinx (dilated fluid-filled tube).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • A thin endometrium. \u2028\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      In these circumstances\u00a0it is likely to offer you the \u201cFreeze-All\u201d approach.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      That means to\u00a0continue with\u00a0the\u00a0stimulation,\u00a0have your eggs collected and fertilized\u00a0and electively freeze the embryos instead of proceeding with an embryo transfer. These embryos can be thawed\u00a0and\u00a0transferred\u00a0in a future cycle.\u00a0<\/b>An\u00a0<\/b>alternative\u00a0would be to have your cycle cancelled,\u00a0address the problem and start\u00a0a new stimulation\u00a0in the future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Poor Response\/\u00a0No Eggs<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

      Although ultrasound scans and results of hormonal blood tests are useful tools to monitor the ovarian response, in some cases the ovaries fail to respond adequately to stimulation, resulting in acquiring less than expected or even no eggs at the egg collection, despite satisfactory ultrasound scans and adequate hormonal levels.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      In these cases, it is possible that the follicles are empty or\u00a0the\u00a0eggs inside\u00a0the follicles are immature or abnormal. Another reason would be that ovulation\u00a0may has\u00a0occurred\u00a0before the time of egg collection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Failure of Fertilisation<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

      Sometimes the eggs may not get fertilised, or may get fertilised but the resulting embryos may stop growing. This may be due to suboptimal sperm quality, poor egg quality or a combination of both.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Is IVF safe? Is it associated with breast Cancer?” tab_id=”1591181429201-55730f01-bb6e”][vc_column_text]Many women\u00a0are concerned whether\u00a0the\u00a0hormones administered\u00a0during the stimulation process of the ovaries\u00a0can cause malignancies and, specifically, breast cancer.\u00a0This is a myth, which has not been proven to be true.\u00a0According to large epidemiological studies,\u00a0conducted worldwide,\u00a0including\u00a0hundreds of thousands of women\u00a0there\u00a0is\u00a0no difference in the\u00a0incidence\u00a0of breast cancer between women who took and those who didn’t receive\u00a0hormones\u00a0during\u00a0fertility treatments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      Nevertheless, hormones should be\u00a0used cautiously and women should receive the \u201cright\u201d amount rather than take excessive dosages of the hormonal drugs.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Does IVF treatment reduce the number of the remaining eggs?” tab_id=”1591181468837-cc7632f2-3c35″][vc_column_text]A common misconception is that an\u00a0IVF\u00a0treatment\u00a0may reduce\u00a0the number of the remaining eggs\u00a0in women.\u00a0That is not true.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      In a natural\u00a0menstrual\u00a0cycle, a number of follicles\u00a0containing\u00a0eggs\u00a0are\u00a0recruited from\u00a0the\u00a0stores\u00a0in the ovaries, in response to the natural Follicle Stimulating Hormone\u00a0(FSH)\u00a0and initially\u00a0all begin to grow.\u00a0However only one follicle\u00a0becomes the dominant follicle,\u00a0continues to grow\u00a0and is the one\u00a0that\u00a0ovulates\u00a0and releases\u00a0the egg within\u00a0it, while the rest\u00a0of the follicles\u00a0regress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      In a\u00a0stimulated\u00a0IVF\u00a0cycle\u00a0the administration of hormonal (FSH\u00a0containing)\u00a0injections,\u00a0makes the above\u00a0process more\u00a0efficient\u00a0by stimulating\u00a0simultaneously\u00a0multiple follicles\u00a0to continue growing,\u00a0thus allowing the\u00a0collection of\u00a0as many eggs as possible. Those follicles\u00a0are not\u00a0any more\u00a0than those\u00a0already recruited\u00a0through the natural process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      Therefore\u00a0there is\u00a0no long-term\u00a0adverse implication\u00a0to the fertility potential\u00a0or\u00a0any risk of\u00a0earlier menopause.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What tests you need to do?” tab_id=”1591181524354-8467b377-d4c3″][vc_column_text]For you<\/b>, the following\u00a0tests are required:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)- (within 1 year of treatment)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • A full hormone profile done between the 2nd\u00a0\u2013 3rd\u00a0day of your period (within 1 year of treatment). That would include the following hormones:\u00a0FSH, LH, Oestradiol (E2) and Prolactin<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Blood group and Rhesus status\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Haemoglobin\u00a0electrophoresis,\u00a0to exclude carriers of\u00a0thalasaemia\u00a0or sickle cell disease\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Rubella IgG, to check for immunity to Rubella\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • CMV (cytomegalovirus)- only if you are using a sperm donor\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • FBC (within 2 months of treatment)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (within 2 months of treatment)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Vitamin D (within 2 months of treatment)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Screening for Cystic Fibrosis\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Chlamydia test (within 2 years of treatment)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Cervical smear\u00a0(Pap- test)- in line with national screening guidelines\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Mammogram \u2013 if aged 40 years or above \u2013 In view of the increased prevalence of breast disease we would recommend screening prior to commencing a treatment (unless one has been performed within the last 3 years).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Furthermore\u00a0the following blood tests are\u00a0mandatory<\/b>\u00a0for you and need to be done\u00a0within 6 months<\/b>\u00a0of the treatment:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        • HIV\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Hepatitis C (Anti-HCV)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Syphilis\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          A\u00a0baseline ultrasound scan<\/b>\u00a0to exclude conditions such as ovarian cysts, uterine polyps or fibroids and\/ or\u00a0fluid-filled fallopian tube (hydrosalpinx)\u00a0which\u00a0can severely reduce the chances of a pregnancy if left untreated,\u00a0needs to be done before embarking into a fertility treatment. If any of the above findings are present then a surgical procedure,\u00a0hysteroscopy<\/b>\u00a0or\u00a0laparoscopy<\/b> may be recommended prior to starting your treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

          If you have a\u00a0male partner<\/b>\/ husband using his own sperm\u00a0he\u00a0will need to have the following\u00a0tests:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Blood group and Rhesus status\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Haemoglobin\u00a0electrophoresis,\u00a0to exclude carriers of\u00a0thalasaemia\u00a0or sickle cell disease\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Screening for Cystic Fibrosis\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
              \n
            • Semen Analysis\u00a0& Sperm culture\u00a0(within 12 months of treatment)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Furthermore\u00a0the following blood tests are\u00a0mandatory<\/b>\u00a0for him and need to be done\u00a0within 6 months<\/b>\u00a0of the treatment:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              • HIV\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Hepatitis C (Anti-HCV)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Syphilis\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                BE AWARE THAT FURTHER TESTING MAY BE ADVISED BASED ON YOUR HISTORY\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What if you need a sperm donor?” tab_id=”1591181614604-03aa1f14-d355″][vc_column_text]Whether requiring donor sperm due to significant male factor fertility problems,\u00a0or\u00a0as a\u00a0woman\u00a0with no male partner\u00a0we will\u00a0give you all the information you need to help you\u00a0find\u00a0a suitable\u00a0donor\u00a0and\u00a0source the donor sperm.\u00a0You need to take into consideration that according to Greek Law, sperm\u00a0donation\u00a0is strictly anonymous.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                We\u00a0collaborate\u00a0with\u00a0the most reputable International and Greek sperm banks and we are confident that\u00a0the highest standards are met\u00a0regarding the safety and\u00a0the selection of\u00a0their donors.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Once you have\u00a0chosen\u00a0a donor, the sperm will\u00a0arrive to\u00a0us within a week\u00a0and your\u00a0treatment\u00a0can start.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                A counselling session for everyone using donor sperm is highly recommended. An open\u00a0discussion about\u00a0the implications of\u00a0the treatment can give answers to your questions and help you deal with any concerns or fears you may have.\u00a0You should always remember that\u00a0the ultimate decision is yours.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] IVF & ICSI In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the process\u00a0where eggs and sperm are mixed together and fertilization takes place outside the woman\u2019s body,\u00a0in the laboratory.\u202fIVF\u00a0is used to\u00a0manage\u00a0a\u00a0broad spectrum\u00a0of fertility problems. For many, such as tubal factor or male-related infertility it may be the first-line treatment,\u00a0while\u00a0for others may only be\u00a0considered\u00a0if simpler treatments fail.\u00a0[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”The history of IVF…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2117,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2247","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nFertilityAdvanced | \u0395\u039e\u03a9\u03a3\u03a9\u039c\u0391\u03a4\u0399\u039a\u0397<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fertilityadvanced.gr\/el\/exosomatiki\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"el_GR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"FertilityAdvanced | \u0395\u039e\u03a9\u03a3\u03a9\u039c\u0391\u03a4\u0399\u039a\u0397\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] IVF & ICSI In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the process\u00a0where eggs and sperm are mixed together and fertilization takes place outside the woman\u2019s body,\u00a0in the laboratory.\u202fIVF\u00a0is used to\u00a0manage\u00a0a\u00a0broad spectrum\u00a0of fertility problems. 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