A natural IVF cycle is a treatment programme in which no hormonal stimulation of the ovaries is carried out; instead, a single egg that matures naturally during that cycle is used. This approach is used in cases where the patient has a very low ovarian reserve, there are contraindications to hormonal stimulation, previous stimulated cycles have not yielded a sufficient number of eggs, or when the doctor opts for the ‘gentlest’ possible treatment approach.

Yes, the absence of one fallopian tube is not an obstacle to undergoing IVF. In an IVF programme, fertilisation takes place outside the woman’s body and the embryo is immediately transferred into the uterine cavity; therefore, the condition of the fallopian tubes does not play a decisive role. Even in cases of complete blockage or the removal of both tubes, IVF remains an effective treatment for infertility.

Thus, thyroid function has a direct impact on a woman’s reproductive system. Hormonal imbalances can affect the regularity of the menstrual cycle, the ovulation process, the quality of the endometrium, the ability of the embryo to implant, and the course of early pregnancy. This is precisely why, before planning a pregnancy or IVF, it is important to monitor TSH and free T4 levels and, if necessary, adjust them under the supervision of an endocrinologist.

A frozen embryo is an egg created in a laboratory and preserved using cryopreservation for future use. Modern rapid freezing technology (vitrification) allows embryos to be stored at ultra-low temperatures without any loss of quality. Such embryos can be used in future transfer cycles, making it possible to plan a pregnancy at a time that suits the couple.

Yes, the man’s preparation is an important part of the IVF programme. To this end, it is recommended that he gives up smoking and alcohol, achieves a healthy weight, avoids overheating in saunas or hot baths, makes dietary changes, and seeks treatment for any inflammatory conditions. This helps to improve sperm quality and increase the programme’s chances of success.

Sperm quality depends on lifestyle, general health and the presence of any medical conditions. Sperm parameters can be improved by giving up harmful habits, taking regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, ensuring a healthy sleep pattern, and seeking timely treatment for varicoceles or infections. In some cases, a doctor may also prescribe antioxidant therapy.

In some cases, yes. Depending on the type of azoospermia, it may be possible to retrieve sperm surgically, use ICSI, or make use of donor programmes.

Yes, in many cases, male infertility can be treated. Depending on the cause, treatment options may include medication, surgery, lifestyle changes or modern assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF and ICSI.

Genetic testing is not mandatory for all patients, but it may be recommended in many cases. It is advisable to undergo such testing in the event of repeated unsuccessful IVF attempts, missed miscarriages, a family history of hereditary conditions, advanced maternal age or poor-quality embryos. Such tests help to assess the risks more accurately and select the most effective treatment strategy.

Yes, it is possible to become pregnant after the age of 40 using one’s own eggs; however, the chances of conception gradually decrease due to a natural decline in the quantity and quality of eggs. To assess reproductive potential, a doctor may recommend an ovarian reserve test, hormone testing and an ultrasound scan of the ovaries. Every case is unique, so the treatment plan is tailored to the individual.

Signs of ovulation may include a regular menstrual cycle, changes in the nature of vaginal discharge, mild lower abdominal discomfort during the cycle, or a positive ovulation test. The most accurate method of confirming ovulation is ultrasound monitoring of follicle growth and measuring progesterone levels after ovulation. If you are having difficulty conceiving, your doctor will help you determine exactly whether you are ovulating regularly.

Yes, endometriosis can affect fertility. The condition can impair ovarian function, the patency of the fallopian tubes and the process of embryo implantation. At the same time, many women with endometriosis successfully conceive, either naturally or with the help of assisted reproductive technologies. The treatment approach always depends on the severity of the condition, the patient’s age and her reproductive plans.

When it comes to embryo implantation, it is not only the thickness of the endometrium that matters, but also its structure and readiness to receive the embryo. An endometrial thickness of approximately 7–12 mm at the end of the luteal phase or prior to embryo transfer is generally considered most favourable. This parameter must be assessed holistically, taking into account the individual clinical situation.

We decide this on a case-by-case basis for each couple. In many cases, there is no need to take a long break. If your health permits, the next treatment cycle can be considered as early as 1–3 menstrual cycles later. Before attempting again, it is important to analyse the previous cycle, assess the quality of the embryos, the condition of the endometrium and other factors that may have influenced the outcome, as this helps to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy in the next treatment cycle.

Yes, egg cryopreservation is now a reliable way of preserving one’s reproductive potential for the future. This procedure is most commonly sought by women who are not yet planning a pregnancy but wish to retain the option of becoming a mother later on. Egg freezing may also be recommended prior to cancer treatment or other medical procedures that could affect ovarian function. Generally, the best results are achieved when eggs are frozen during early reproductive years.

The younger a woman is at the time of egg freezing, the higher the quality of her eggs and the greater her potential chances of a successful pregnancy in the future. We generally recommend considering cryopreservation before the age of 35, particularly if pregnancy is being postponed for personal or professional reasons. At the same time, the decision is always made on a case-by-case basis following an assessment of the patient’s ovarian reserve and reproductive plans.

Not all forms of infertility are hereditary. However, certain genetic factors can affect reproductive function in both women and men. If there is a family history of early menopause, genetic disorders or fertility problems, we may recommend a consultation with a medical geneticist and further investigations. In most cases, even where hereditary factors are present, modern reproductive medicine makes it possible to achieve pregnancy successfully.

This is one of the most complex issues in reproductive medicine. Even a good-quality embryo does not guarantee that pregnancy will occur. Successful implantation depends on a combination of many factors, including the embryo’s genetic health, the readiness of the endometrium, hormonal balance and the individual characteristics of the woman’s body. If implantation fails repeatedly, we carry out further diagnostic tests and analyse all possible factors in order to adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

When planning a pregnancy, the most important supplement is folic acid, which it is recommended to start taking at least three months before conception. The need for other vitamins and minerals is determined on an individual basis following an assessment of your health and test results. We do not recommend taking large multivitamin supplements on your own without consulting a doctor, as an excess of certain substances may also be undesirable.

To date, there is no conclusive evidence that having had COVID-19 causes permanent infertility in men or women. However, following a severe course of the disease, sperm parameters or menstrual cycle patterns may change temporarily. In most cases, these changes are temporary. If you experience difficulties conceiving after recovering from the illness, you should consult a fertility specialist to assess your reproductive health.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a marker of ovarian reserve, reflecting the number of follicles in the ovaries capable of potential growth. It is important to understand that AMH levels vary from person to person and cannot be significantly increased through medication. It is not a ‘hormone that is treated’, but rather a marker of reproductive potential. If AMH levels are low, the main strategy is not to increase them, but to plan treatment appropriately and, where necessary, to prioritise reproductive programmes.

Surrogacy in Ukraine is legal and is regulated by current legislation, as well as by the medical guidelines of the Ministry of Health. Gestational surrogacy programmes are permitted in Ukraine, whereby an embryo created from the genetic material of the intended parents (or donors) is transferred to the surrogate mother’s womb. As a rule, the programme is available to married couples where the woman has medical conditions preventing her from carrying a pregnancy to term, such as the absence of a uterus or serious illnesses that make pregnancy impossible, as well as in the presence of other medical conditions determined by a doctor. Key conditions include the surrogate mother having no genetic link to the child, a notarised contract being drawn up, and the genetic parents being legally recognised as the child’s parents. Surrogacy is not permitted in all countries, but in Ukraine it is one of the most regulated and clearly defined reproductive programmes.

IVF does not have strict ‘universal’ age restrictions; however, the programme’s success rate depends to a large extent on the woman’s age and her reproductive health. The best results are seen in women under 35, after which fertility gradually declines; from the age of 40 onwards, the chances of success drop significantly and depend on individual factors. In most clinics, the decision to proceed with IVF is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account ovarian reserve, general health, the quality of the eggs and sperm, and any underlying medical conditions. In later reproductive years (usually after the age of 43–45), programmes using donor eggs are often considered, which significantly increases the chances of success. Thus, there is no single age limit for IVF — the individual’s medical situation and reproductive potential are of key importance.

Ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs in a woman’s ovaries and their ability to respond to stimulation. Put simply, it is an indicator of reproductive potential at a particular point in life. As a woman ages, the number of eggs gradually decreases, which is a natural process. To assess ovarian reserve, doctors usually use anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, an ultrasound scan to count antral follicles, hormone levels at the start of the cycle (in particular, FSH) and the overall clinical picture. Assessing this reserve helps to understand how the ovaries will respond to stimulation, what the chances are of retrieving eggs, which treatment strategy to choose, and whether it makes sense not to delay planning a pregnancy. A reduced ovarian reserve does not mean it is impossible to conceive; it merely indicates that timing and the approach to treatment are crucial.

ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a method of assisted reproductive technology in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg under laboratory conditions. This method is most commonly used in cases of low sperm count or poor sperm motility, severe forms of male infertility, failure to achieve fertilisation in previous IVF cycles, and when using frozen or surgically retrieved sperm. In conventional IVF, the sperm fertilise the egg spontaneously in a laboratory setting, whereas in ICSI, the embryologist personally selects the single best sperm and injects it into the egg. ICSI does not guarantee pregnancy, but it significantly increases the likelihood of successful fertilisation in cases of male-factor infertility.

Problems with conception can arise for various reasons, and in many cases they are linked to several factors at once. The most common factors in women include ovulation disorders, reduced ovarian reserve, polycystic ovary syndrome, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, hormonal imbalances and age-related changes. In men, these problems may be caused by a reduced sperm count or motility, abnormal sperm morphology, inflammatory or hormonal conditions, as well as varicocele. Other causes include immunological factors, chronic inflammation, lifestyle factors (stress, smoking, weight issues) and unexplained causes, i.e. idiopathic infertility. It is important to remember that even for a healthy couple, conception may not occur straight away — on average, pregnancy occurs within 6–12 months of trying. If pregnancy does not occur within a year of regular unprotected sex (or 6 months if the woman is over 35), it is recommended that both partners consult a fertility specialist for an assessment.

The likelihood of achieving pregnancy on the first attempt at IVF depends on many factors, so there is no single figure that applies to everyone. Success is influenced by the woman’s age, her ovarian reserve, the quality of her partner’s sperm, the condition of the endometrium, the cause of infertility, the quality of the embryos and the presence of any underlying medical conditions. On average, statistics show that for women under 35, the chance of achieving pregnancy in a single IVF cycle is approximately 40–50 per cent; after the age of 35, these figures gradually decline, and after the age of 40, the success rate can range from 10 to 25 per cent, depending on individual circumstances. It is important to understand that IVF does not guarantee pregnancy on the first attempt, and several treatment cycles are often required to achieve the desired result.

Being overweight or underweight can significantly reduce the chances of conceiving. If no other medical causes of infertility have been identified, doctors usually recommend first bringing body weight back to a healthy range; only if pregnancy does not occur after this has been achieved do they consider medication or further investigations. Research shows that a weight loss of even 5–10 per cent in women who are overweight can help restore a regular menstrual cycle and increase the likelihood of successful conception.

Embryo transfer and the onset of pregnancy are natural processes over which it is difficult to exert any significant influence once the procedure has taken place. It is therefore important, following embryo transfer, simply to follow basic guidelines and maintain your usual lifestyle without excessive restrictions; in particular, you should give up harmful habits, avoid overheating in saunas or hot baths, and take any medication prescribed by your doctor on time. As for sexual activity during a cryoprotocol (the transfer of frozen embryos), it is not a direct contraindication, and in the absence of individual restrictions, sexual intercourse is permitted, although some fertility specialists, out of old habit, may advise temporary abstinence. However, following a fresh transfer in a stimulated cycle, it is usually recommended to abstain from sexual activity for a short period. This is not because it reduces the chances of pregnancy, but to prevent complications, as the ovarian tissue remains sensitive after egg retrieval, and sexual intercourse may cause discomfort or bleeding. Should you have any questions, your doctor’s individual advice should always take precedence.

It is not usually necessary to undergo a comprehensive series of tests before your first consultation with a fertility specialist. For your first appointment, it is advisable simply to bring along any previous test results you have: hormone tests, ultrasound scan results, reports from a gynaecologist, urologist or other specialists, a semen analysis, as well as discharge summaries following any surgical procedures or previous treatment. During the consultation, the doctor will take a detailed medical history, review the available documentation and determine exactly which tests are necessary in your case. As the causes of difficulties in conceiving vary from person to person, there is no one-size-fits-all list of tests, and a personalised examination plan helps to avoid wasting time and money. If the consultation is for a couple, it is advisable to attend together, as this will help to draw up the best diagnostic plan more quickly.

No special preparation is required for your first appointment. The most important thing is to bring all your medical records with you, as these will help the doctor assess your situation. We recommend that you bring with you the results of previous tests, ultrasound reports, a semen analysis, discharge summaries following any operations, medical reports from your gynaecologist, urologist and endocrinologist, as well as documents relating to any previous infertility treatment or assisted reproductive technology (ART) programmes, if applicable. If you are taking any medication or supplements, it is advisable to prepare a list of them. If you do not have certain documents or test results, do not worry – during the consultation, the doctor will determine which tests are actually necessary for you.

In most cases, there is no need to have specific tests carried out before your initial consultation with a fertility specialist. The doctor will first assess your situation and then determine the necessary tests and the best time to carry them out. At the same time, some hormone tests are indeed linked to a specific day of the menstrual cycle; for example, FSH, LH and oestradiol levels are most often measured on days 2–5 of the cycle. Other tests can be carried out in the middle of the cycle, during the luteal phase, or at any time—depending on the purpose of the examination. This is precisely why you should not arrange tests for yourself. Following the consultation, the doctor will draw up a personalised plan that will ensure you receive meaningful results and avoid unnecessary costs; you should simply bring any previous test results with you to the appointment.

The cost of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) depends on many factors, so it is not possible to quote a single price that applies to everyone. The total cost may be influenced by the chosen treatment programme, the need for additional tests, medication to stimulate ovulation, the use of donor cells, pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), cryopreservation, embryo storage and additional embryological procedures. At the same time, Ukraine operates a state-funded infertility treatment programme under the National Health Service of Ukraine’s (NSZU) Medical Guarantees Programme. Provided there are medical indications and the criteria are met, patients can undergo IVF treatment at facilities that have a contract with the NSZU. During your consultation, a reproductive specialist will assess your situation, explain the available treatment options and help you determine whether you are eligible for the state programme; for up-to-date information on the cost of commercial programmes, please contact the clinic’s administrators.

Controlled ovulation induction is a standard stage in many assisted reproductive technology programmes and is carried out under the close supervision of a doctor. Modern protocols are designed to be as effective and safe as possible; therefore, the medications, their dosages and the duration of treatment are tailored to each individual, taking into account the patient’s age, ovarian reserve and hormonal profile. During stimulation, the doctor regularly monitors follicle growth using ultrasound scans and blood tests, which allows the process to be adjusted in a timely manner and risks to be minimised. Most women tolerate stimulation well, and possible temporary side effects may include bloating, lower abdominal discomfort, mood swings or increased tiredness. The common myth that stimulation ‘depletes’ the ovaries or leads to early menopause is not supported by scientific evidence, as the procedure only uses follicles that would naturally have been lost by the body during that cycle. If you have any questions regarding safety, your fertility specialist will explain all the details of the treatment in your specific case.

In in vitro fertilisation, the sex of the embryo can be determined using pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT). However, in most cases, selecting the sex of the child is not a medical objective of the procedure and is not carried out at the patients’ request. PGT is primarily used to identify genetic and chromosomal abnormalities, reduce the risk of hereditary diseases and increase the chances of successful embryo implantation. The use of information about the embryo’s sex for non-medical purposes is restricted by legislation and ethical standards in many countries. In each case, the feasibility and scope of PGD are determined on an individual basis following consultation with a reproductive specialist and a medical geneticist.