Frequently asked questions about fertility and assisted reproduction (VI)

Time flies! We’re already in summer, and that means we’ve been sharing frequent questions on fertility and assisted reproduction with you for seven months. And, of course, the most important: answers!

Thanks to our monthly collaboration with La Opinión de Málaga, our medical director, Dr. Álvarez, answers patient doubts live. From the URE Centro Gutenberg blog, we bring you a summary of the most common ones.

If you haven’t read previous compilations, don’t worry—you’ll find links at the end of this article.

Here are the latest questions we’ve received:

I had an ectopic pregnancy. What are the chances it will happen again?

Ectopic pregnancy occurs in about 1% of pregnancies, and a previous ectopic pregnancy increases the risk of recurrence. However, early diagnostic tests today help reduce associated risks.

What is the success rate of egg donation?

Egg donation offers the highest pregnancy rates with fewer risks like miscarriage, thanks to young, healthy donors providing high-quality eggs.

How soon can I return to normal activities after artificial insemination?

You can resume normal activities immediately after insemination.

What is the chance of pregnancy after fertility treatments?

Depends on the treatment: artificial insemination has a 15-20% success per cycle, IVF 50-55%, with over 80% cumulative success, and egg donation 50-60% per cycle, over 90% cumulative. Results vary with age and diagnosis.

If I freeze my eggs, will all survive thawing?

With vitrification, about 90% of eggs survive thawing, depending also on age and egg quality.

What tests diagnose infertility?

Infertility is defined retrospectively after 1-2 years of regular intercourse without pregnancy. Some tests can estimate chances but can’t guarantee fertility.

What assisted reproduction treatments are indicated for male infertility?

Options range from lifestyle changes and antioxidants to artificial insemination, IVF with ICSI, or sperm donation—depending on the male diagnosis.

Do fertility treatments increase the risk of birth defects?

No statistically significant increase in birth defects has been proven in children born via assisted reproduction compared to natural conception. Scientific societies continuously monitor this.

How long do fertility treatments last?

Most treatments fit within a menstrual cycle; prior tests have their own timelines.

What fertility tests diagnose male infertility?

A thorough clinical history, andrological exam, and two semen analyses are essential. Additional tests may include karyotype, DNA fragmentation, and FISH.

What are thrombophilias and how do they affect fertility?

Thrombophilias cause increased blood clotting, raising risks of thrombosis, miscarriage, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction, affecting implantation and pregnancy outcomes.

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