Frequently asked questions about fertility and assisted reproduction (IV)

As you may know, the Gutenberg Center’s Reproduction Unit participates monthly in the online chat of the Málaga newspaper La Opinión. This section is called “Ask a Specialist,” and features the collaboration of our medical director, Dr. Álvarez.

Our participation aims to address common questions that people like you may have about fertility and assisted reproduction treatments. To complement this, we decided to incorporate some of these questions into our blog, and we’re now on our fourth compilation article!

What is the maximum number of ICSI attempts allowed?

The number of attempts for in vitro fertilization treatments with intracytoplasmic microinjection (ICSI) depends on several factors. For example, the diagnosis itself, the woman’s age, and previous treatment cycles, among others.

Generally, if a pregnancy has not been achieved after two or three embryo transfers, it is recommended to reevaluate the situation and consider further testing and other treatment alternatives in the field of fertility and assisted reproduction.

I want to start trying to conceive. What do you recommend I do to increase my chances?

It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle: a balanced diet, not smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and exercising. It is also ideal to visit your gynecologist for a checkup to ensure that everything is in order.

If pregnancy has not been achieved after a year of regular sexual intercourse, at least two or three times a week, it is recommended to consult a specialist in fertility and assisted reproduction. If the woman is over 35, it is recommended to consult earlier: after six months.

I need to take a pregnancy test very early (5 a.m.). Can this affect the result of the first urine test?

Taking the test at that time will not affect the result, as long as it is the first urine test after waking up.

When trying to get pregnant naturally, is it good to observe days of abstinence to improve semen quality?

The recommendation is to have at least two or three regular sexual encounters per week. That is, there is a minimum, but not a maximum.

If pregnancy is not achieved after a year, it is best to consult a specialist in fertility and assisted reproduction.

I have heard that DHEA helps oocytes. Is this true?

In a certain group of patients with a history of low ovarian reserve, it could be useful to obtain slightly more oocytes by stimulating the ovaries. However, it has not been shown to improve the pregnancy rate. More experience is needed before recommending its use in all patients.

What is anovulation, and why does it occur? Is it a cause for concern?

Anovulation is the failure to ovulate during a menstrual cycle. This can occur occasionally in all women. However, if it is a permanent condition, it results in irregular cycles and infertility.

It is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. Its main cause is polycystic ovary syndrome. A correct diagnosis is necessary to recommend the best treatment within fertility and assisted reproduction protocols.

Can oocyte quality be improved through natural methods?

The recommendation is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid obesity and extreme thinness, maintain a balanced diet, not smoke, reduce alcohol consumption, engage in regular physical activity, etc.

How long should I wait to start a new treatment after unsuccessful IVF?

If everything is in order, that is, if there are no “residual” follicles, a new attempt could be planned for the next period. Everything depends on the couple’s diagnosis and the recommended stimulation protocol.

Is there a possibility of being infertile despite having children?

Yes. Fertility problems can appear after having a child. For example, tubal blockage, decreased semen quality, ovulation problems, etc.

What could be the cause of poor egg quality if all the tests are correct and in a young woman?

Often the cause is unknown or difficult to diagnose. In these cases, genetics, autoimmune factors, etc., are suspected.

I had two consecutive miscarriages at ages 39 and 40. I underwent several tests and the results were satisfactory. I was recommended heparin for the next pregnancy. Do you think it’s feasible?

In patients with recurrent miscarriage of unknown cause, meaning all the indicated tests are normal, the use of heparin has not been shown to improve the pregnancy prognosis, but this depends on the diagnosis and situation of each woman and the experience of the treating medical team.