Frequently Asked Questions
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a process of fertilization in which an egg cell connects to a sperm cell outside the body, in vitro.
The likelihood of achieving pregnancy may be reduced. Both overweight and underweight also affect pregnancy maintenance.
Yes, but even “average” embryos can result in a healthy child.
No, but each stimulation must be carried out under medical supervision. Before IVF, an examination is performed according to federal regulations and clinical guidelines, ensuring treatment safety.
No, it does not.
Yes, using donor cells. It is also possible to use own eggs or embryos obtained earlier.
Yes, using donor cells. It is also possible to use own eggs or embryos obtained earlier.
No, embryologists select based on morphology and developmental dynamics.
Retrieval is performed under sedation or intravenous anesthesia to avoid pain. Retrieval of 1-2 follicles is possible without anesthesia at the patient’s request.
It depends on ovarian reserve, stimulating drug dosage, egg quality, and embryo development (not all cells fertilize, and not all embryos develop well to day 5). A single embryo may be enough to achieve pregnancy.
That used to be the case. Nowadays, almost always one embryo is transferred, and the chance of it splitting is extremely low.
There is no difference in physiological and cognitive development. The only difference is the method of conception.
No, sex is determined naturally, except in cases of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for medical reasons.
The most common reason is embryo genetic testing (PGT). Other reasons for canceling the transfer may include the risk of hyperstimulation, suboptimal uterine conditions, and other factors. Embryos remaining after a “fresh” transfer are also cryopreserved. Embryos may also be cryopreserved to preserve reproductive function for social reasons (“delayed motherhood”) or for medical reasons (for example, upcoming long-term treatment incompatible with pregnancy). The likelihood of pregnancy and obstetric outcomes are better with thawed embryo transfer than with transfer in a stimulated cycle.
High stress, anxiety and guilt are common, so psychological support is important.
The procedure consists of several steps: 1. Ovarian stimulation; 2. Egg retrieval; 3. Fertilization; 4. Embryo culture; 5. Transfer or cryopreservation.
Different faiths vary: Catholicism and Islam often restrict it; Judaism and Orthodox Christianity allow it under certain rules.
Main ones: IVF, ICSI, egg/sperm donation, surrogacy, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos.
Effectiveness depends on age and health:
under 35 — 35–45% per attempt;
after 40 — 10–15%;
after 45 — no more than 1-3%.
IVF is recommended in case of:
ineffectiveness of other treatment methods for 6-12 months;
situations in which the probability of achieving pregnancy during an IVF program is higher than using other methods,
the presence of hereditary diseases in one or both parents (the need for a genetic study of the embryos in order to exclude the inheritance of the disease);
with sexual dysfunction (if other methods are ineffective).
The causes of infertility can be obstruction of the fallopian tubes, male factor, endocrine factor (PCOS, ovarian depletion, other endocrine disorders), uterine diseases (pathology of the uterine cavity, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, malformations), hereditary causes, older reproductive age, a combination of several factors. In some cases, the cause cannot be determined (infertility of unknown origin – according to various sources, about 25% of all cases, but we can also help such patients).
Modern technologies allow storing embryos indefinitely without loss of quality.
Yes, it is affected by stress, illness, lifestyle, nutrition, and past diseases.
Yes, quit alcohol and smoking, normalize sleep and nutrition.
Yes, outcomes depend on the experience of specialists, protocols, and equipment.
Yes, if multiple embryos are transferred. Today, single embryo transfer is increasingly used to reduce risk.
No, eggs are taken from the natural pool of the cycle.
Yes, but the condition of the uterine scar must be considered.
In most cases yes, but a specialist’s opinion is required.
Yes, but sometimes additional preparation is needed.
Yes, social cryopreservation is becoming increasingly popular among young women.
Light activity is allowed, intense training should be avoided.
Yes, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can rule out many hereditary diseases.
This is prohibited in Russia.
In Russia, anonymity is possible;
in other countries, different options are possible, depending on legislation and medical indications.
Non-anonymous donation is also possible in Russia (for example, using the oocytes of a sister, friend, or daughter with her written informed consent).
Implantation is not felt; the transfer feels like a smear test — painless, no anesthesia needed.
Yes, it is called “natural cycle IVF”, but chances are lower.
Scientifically — theoretically possible, but legally prohibited in most countries (ethical reasons).
Yes, procedures take little time, but clinic visits are required.
A balanced diet is recommended, more protein and vitamins, and hydration (drink more fluids).
No, normal activity is allowed; avoid overexertion.
Modern protocols are maximally safe.
The use of frozen embryos allows for preimplantation genetic testing, which increases the chances of successful implantation and the birth of a healthy baby. The transfer of a thawed embryo is the most comfortable and easiest IVF procedure for a patient. In this case, pregnancy proceeds as physiologically as possible, and differs from an “independent” pregnancy only in how the embryo enters the uterine cavity.
No, stimulation does not accelerate the natural depletion of egg reserve.
Some women achieve pregnancy on the first try, but more often, two or three cycles are required. This is common practice worldwide.
If pregnancy is not achieved after several treatments, it may be advisable to undergo further evaluation and consider a change in treatment strategy (eg, the use of donor eggs or surrogacy).
There is no limit; effectiveness does not decline. Further evaluation and a change of strategy may be considered.
The risk is similar to natural conception for the same age, and somewhat lower with PGT.
They may be frozen and used later. Donation for research or to donor programs is also possible — only with patient consent.
