Frequently asked questions about fertility and assisted reproduction (XI)

As you know, we have been collaborating with the newspaper La Opinión de Málaga for some time to assist its readers. We participate in their chat “Ask a Specialist,” where Dr. Álvarez, our medical director, answers questions about assisted reproduction and fertility.

Since these questions tend to be common and not everyone can join the chat, we have been compiling many of them for a year and a half now. This is already the eleventh installment!

Today we bring you a new batch of questions about fertility and assisted reproduction. If you have doubts and are looking for answers… here we try to provide them!

How does embryo freezing work?

The technique is called vitrification. It involves placing the embryo or egg in a special liquid medium for freezing, then plunging it into liquid nitrogen at -196°C. This prevents harmful ice crystals from forming inside, improving survival after thawing.

What tests are done in an infertility study?

Basic studies include a complete medical history and examination. For men, usually a semen analysis is done. For women, hormonal tests, vaginal ultrasound, and a hysterosalpingography (X-ray of the fallopian tubes) may be performed if necessary. Additional tests like karyotyping or hormonal analysis of the man can be added depending on the couple.

Can I become a mother after tubal ligation?

Yes. The best treatment currently is in vitro fertilization (IVF), which bypasses the blocked tubes.

What is an assisted reproduction treatment with donor eggs like?

It consists of IVF where eggs are obtained from a donor’s ovaries. These eggs are fertilized with sperm (from the partner or sperm bank) using ICSI, and the embryo is transferred to the recipient’s uterus.

I have irregular cycles after stopping birth control a year ago. Can I get pregnant or do I need testing?

It is recommended to have regular sexual intercourse, at least two to three times a week. If pregnancy doesn’t occur within 6 to 8 months, consulting a fertility specialist for further testing (such as a semen analysis for your partner) is advised.

What is a normal range for menstrual delay? Is it normal for menstruation to sometimes appear brown?

Menstrual cycles usually last 28 days but are considered normal if between 21 and 35 days. Brown-colored menstruation can be normal.

How should I prepare for fertility treatment?

Avoid factors that could reduce success such as overweight, smoking, excessive alcohol, and stress. Also, control thyroid function, vitamin D levels, take folic acid, etc.

Can fetal diseases be detected before pregnancy?

Yes, preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) allows chromosomal analysis of embryos before transfer to detect conditions like Down syndrome, trisomy 13 or 18, and some inherited genetic diseases.

I have a 17-month-old breastfeeding child and 3 frozen embryos. Can I undergo a new transfer without stopping breastfeeding?

It’s not recommended because the medications used to prepare the uterus are contraindicated during breastfeeding.

Does ovarian stimulation during IVF accelerate menopause?

No. Neither ovarian stimulation nor contraceptive use speeds up menopause.

My partner (43) and I (39) have tried for years without success. What can we do?

Age, especially the woman’s, is the most important fertility factor. At 43, fertility prognosis is critical. Consult a fertility specialist as soon as possible.

Does long-term contraceptive use negatively affect the ability to conceive later?

No, if there is no underlying pathology, ovarian function recovers quickly after stopping contraception in over 90% of women.

Until what age do ovaries function well enough to conceive?

Ovaries ovulate until menopause (around age 50 on average), but egg quality drops sharply after 38 years and dramatically after 40. After 44, natural pregnancy chances are very low.

Can diet affect fetal development?

Yes, a balanced and healthy diet is crucial. For example, folic acid deficiency increases neural tube defect risks; alcohol can cause mental retardation; smoking can lead to low birth weight.

If one fallopian tube is blocked but the other works, will I have trouble getting pregnant?

Problems in one tube don’t prevent pregnancy but reduce chances. If no pregnancy occurs after one year of regular intercourse (2-3 times a week), consult a specialist.

I had mild preeclampsia in my first pregnancy, leading to early delivery. Is it likely to happen again?

There is always some risk, but it tends to be lower in subsequent pregnancies. There are tools to assess hypertension and complication risks during pregnancy.

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