FAQ

Legal issues Before your first visit Causes of infertility IUI IVF IVF with donated eggs IVF with donated embryos FET Assisted Hatching EmbryoGlue Fertility preservation Cryopreservation of eggs Sperm cryopreservation Embryo cryopreservation Preconception genetic testing Egg donation

We know that finding information about infertility or IVF treatment can be quite exhausting. Some people prefer to read about it themselves first, while others prefer a quick consultation with a specialist.

Our FAQ section is designed to accommodate both approaches. We prepared clearly organized answers to real, recurring questions from our clients that you can find whenever you need, and our dedicated team of experts is ready to help if you have more questions.

Legal issues

Can you determine the sex of the baby before IVF?

Determining the sex of a child is only possible under current legislation if one of the parents is a carrier of a serious genetic disorder that is linked to one sex.

What is the age limit for IVF?

IVF treatment can be performed up to 49 years of age. We recommend getting treatment as soon as possible, as age is an important factor for successful IVF.

Do we have to be married if we want to undergo artificial insemination?

It is not necessary to be married for artificial insemination. However, the written consent of both partners (woman and man) is a legal requirement. This also applies to infertility treatment with donated cells.

‍

Do you offer IVF to single women and same sex couples too?

Under valid Czech legislation, treatment at IVF clinics is only available to heterosexual couples. An application for IVF treatment must be signed by a man and a woman, though not necessarily a married couple.

‍

Before your first visit

What is IVF?

IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is a method of extra-uterine insemination in which a female egg is fertilised with a male sperm "in a test tube". For IVF, your own eggs and sperm can be used, as well as donated eggs and sperm.

‍

What is the age limit for IVF?

IVF treatment can be performed up to the age of 49. We recommend not delaying treatment, as age is an important factor in successful IVF.

‍

What is the success rate of infertility treatment at the Europe IVF clinic?

We have a proven track record, with a success rate of up to 68%, which ranks us among the world's leading centres of assisted reproduction. The success of IVF is greatly affected by the client’s age and the laboratory methods used. Our doctors will advise you on which laboratory methods are suitable for you and plan the IVF process specifically to your needs.

‍

Is IVF treatment covered by insurance?

If you are a foreigner living in the Czech Republic and have health insurance (e.g. through your employer), health insurance companies cover the first 3 cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for clients up to 39 years of age. If only one embryo was transferred in the first two cycles, the insurance company will also cover the fourth cycle. Insurance companies do not cover extra laboratory methods that increase the success rate of the treatment. For example, ICSI, EmbryoScope, EmbryoGlue, or assisted hatching. Our clinic has contracts with all Czech health insurance companies: VZP, ČPZP, RBP, ZP MV, OZP, ZPŠ, and VOZP.

When is it appropriate to undergo IVF?

We recommend a visit to an IVF clinic to clients who fail to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. We will examine you carefully before IVF treatment to determine the cause of infertility. Sometimes we can treat the cause of the problem without the need for IVF.

‍

Do I need a referral from my doctor for my first visit to the clinic?

A referral from your doctor is not necessary for consultation at the clinic. If you have already undergone an examination or treatment, you can bring the results of these tests with you. We recommend a visit to an assisted reproduction centre for couples who have been trying to conceive for at least 1 year.

Why should I choose your clinic?

We have hundreds of satisfied clients from the Czech Republic and many other countries.
We offer top quality treatment at prices comparable to other clinics in Prague.
We have no hidden fees.
We have a proven track record, with a success rate up to 68%, which ranks us among the world's leading centres of assisted reproduction.
We will book you for IVF treatment immediately without waiting.
Our clinic uses the most modern technology currently available in the world.
Our experienced staff and doctors speak English and German.
We approach each client individually.
We will help you with all the formalities.
We offer initial consultation with a doctor by phone or skype free of charge.
We also offer genetic and immunological testing to help determine the cause of infertility.

Who will be my contact during the process?

Be clear about who your main contact will be throughout the process and what the clinic's communication procedures are. Some clinics offer out-of-hours contacts for emergencies.

What other tests will I need to undergo?

Blood tests for hormones, an ultrasound to check the uterus and ovaries, and a semen analysis for men are usually performed. Other tests may be recommended based on your specific needs.

What should I do if I wait too long for the results?

Getting results for a personalised treatment plan is a very complex and lengthy process in many countries. If you are determined to go ahead with the treatment and you don't want to waste your precious time, you can take a weekend trip to Prague; we will take the samples, perform the necessary tests and have results available within 24 hours at our clinic.

Why do I need so many documents for my 1st consultation?

Before your first consultation in the IVF clinic, we will need the results from your gynaecologist for several important reasons:

A complete overview of your health status: Providing complete medical records helps doctors get a comprehensive picture of your reproductive health. This includes the results of blood tests, hormone profiles, ultrasounds and other tests that can reveal essential information about your menstrual cycle, ovulation and overall reproductive health.
Accurate diagnosis: Doctors need accurate and up-to-date results to diagnose the causes of your infertility. Various tests can reveal problems such as hormonal imbalances, anatomical abnormalities, infections or other medical conditions that may affect your fertility.
Personalised treatment plan: based on these results, doctors can create the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for your specific situation. Each patient is unique, so it's important that we have all the information to tailor your treatment to your individual needs and maximise your chances of success.
Minimising repeat testing: giving your results to your gynaecologist can reduce the need to repeat tests that have already been performed, saving time and money and reducing your discomfort.
Safety and effectiveness of treatment: By considering your medical history, doctors can prevent complications or inappropriate treatments. For example, knowing about allergies, previous surgeries, or medications you are taking is key to performing IVF safely and effectively.

Providing this information before your first consultation will ensure that your doctor has all the necessary information to optimally adjust your treatment and increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Do I need a referral from my doctor for my first visit to your clinic?

A doctor's referral is not necessary for a consultation at our clinic. If you have already undergone certain examinations or treatments, you can bring the results of these examinations with you. We recommend that those trying to conceive for at least 1 year visit an assisted reproduction clinic.

What should I expect at the first consultation?

The first consultation involves a thorough review of your medical history and diagnosis of fertility problems. The doctor will explain your treatment options and suggest an individual plan. Before your first consultation, prepare all your medical records, a list of medications you are taking and questions you want to ask the doctor; this will help you make the most of your visit.

Causes of infertility

What dietary supplements are appropriate to use during treatment?

Diet, specifically the micronutrients we provide to the body, plays an important role not only in trying to get pregnant, but also in pregnancy itself. However, it is often difficult to ensure optimal levels through diet, so your doctor may recommend supplementation in the form of a nutritional supplement, which can be purchased freely at the pharmacy. Your doctor will also advise you on the most suitable products, including the recommended dose.

Folic acid
- Folic acid supplementation is not only associated with a greater chance of pregnancy, but is also taken in subsequent pregnancies to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus and the proper development of its cardiovascular system.
Probiotics
- These beneficial bacteria are responsible for many metabolic processes that affect fertility. By aiding in proper digestion, they ensure the absorption of important vitamins and minerals, regulate hormonal levels necessary for pregnancy and also protect the expectant mother from possible infections and inflammation.
Vitamin D
- Commonly known as the 'sunshine vitamin', it helps our bodies absorb calcium for bone health, but it also plays a role in cell growth, muscle function and immunity. Insufficient levels of this vitamin are not ideal for conception or pregnancy, so supplementation is often recommended even during the IVF process.
- ‍

How is male infertility investigated?

The basic male fertility test is a semen analysis, which determines the number and quality of sperm in the ejaculate. A semen analysis result is considered normal if the ejaculate meets the following conditions: At least 15 million sperm/ml At least 40% of the sperm are motile Total volume of at least 1.5 ml

What are the causes of male infertility?

Male fertility is negatively affected by a number of factors, particularly smoking, marijuana use, alcohol consumption, increased temperature in the genital area (due to tight clothing, using a laptop on the lap, etc.) or stress. We also distinguish between pre-testicular, testicular and post-testicular causes. Pre-testicular causes - insufficient development of the male sex glands (testicles) Testicular causes - poor quality ejaculate containing few or no sperm Post-testicular causes - obstructed sperm ducts, prostatitis A semen analysis is the main method of determining male fertility, analysing the quantity and quality of sperm. Based on the results of the semen analysis, further tests or treatment of male infertility are planned.

What is endometriosis and how many women are affected?

Endometriosis is the most common gynaecological disease in women of reproductive age, experienced by up to 10% of women. It is usually a painful disease in which the cells of the uterine lining (endometrium) start growing outside the uterus. These cells also bleed during menstruation, causing inflammation. The main symptoms of this disease include painful menstruation, pain in the lower abdomen and blood in the urine. Endometriosis is a very common cause of female infertility.

What are polycystic ovaries?

PCOS - polycystic ovary syndrome - is one of the common causes of female infertility, affecting up to 10% of women. It usually occurs in women under 30 years of age. Manifestations of the disease include irregular or absent periods, thinning hair, weight gain and excessive facial and body hair growth. Polycystic ovary syndrome prevents the eggs from being released from the ovaries so they cannot be fertilised by sperm.

What are the causes of female infertility?

A woman's fertility is affected by age, with a rapid decline in fertility after the age of 35. Negative factors also include stress, lack of sleep, smoking and alcohol. However, lower fertility or infertility can also be caused by health issues:

Ovarian factor - improper ovarian function
Tubal factor - obstructed or missing fallopian tubes
Endometriosis - parts of the uterine lining growing outside the uterine cavity
Immunological factor - the body forms antibodies against the sperm, egg or embryo
Genetic cause - this may often not result in infertility, but assisted reproduction helps minimise the chance of having a child with a birth defect

IUI

What happens if IUI doesn't work?

If the IUI cycle does not work, your fertility doctor will analyse your condition to identify the problem and try to treat it with other methods, including IVF.

How can I function after IUI?

Immediately after the IUI procedure, you will be asked to lie down for about 20-30 minutes. After this, you should try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night, refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol and limit your caffeine intake.

Is IUI 100% successful?

The success of IUI treatment depends on various factors, such as the age of the patient and the severity of the infertility disorder. Even this simple method cannot be confirmed to be 100% successful.

Which IUI cycle is the most successful?

It is estimated that the first 3 to 4 cycles of IUI are the most successful. However, the success rate varies from couple to couple and depends on factors including overall reproductive health and age.

When is the best time to undergo IUI?

Intrauterine insemination is performed just before ovulation. The treated sperm is inserted into the uterus when the ovary releases an egg for fertilisation. The ovulation period varies in each woman and is monitored when IUI treatment is started.

IVF

Will I get a sick (fit) note for IVF treatment?

Infertility treatment is not a reason for sick leave from work. We only recommend a fit note for women with physically demanding jobs or those who do not feel well during stimulation or after egg retrieval.

Can IVF be done without hormonal stimulation?

Yes, IVF can also be performed without hormonal stimulation. This is called a native (natural) cycle, in which we only retrieve one egg, which is just maturing in the ovary. The success of the natural cycle is lower, which is due to the use of only one egg.

How long does egg retrieval take and how long after that do I have to stay at the clinic?

Egg retrieval takes place at our clinic under short general anaesthesia lasting 10-15 minutes. After a maximum of one hour's rest in the recovery room, you can leave the clinic. Please, make sure you have someone to accompany you, as you cannot drive a car following general anaesthesia.

How does age affect fertility?

Age is crucial for a woman's fertility. A woman starts to be less fertile after the age of 30 and fertility decreases very quickly from the age of 35. One of the reasons is that the quality of eggs decreases. This can be solved by using donated eggs.

How do I know which day is the first day of the cycle?

This is the first day of your period. If you start bleeding after 18:00, count the next day as the first day.

How is medication used to stimulate the ovaries before IVF administered?

Stimulation medication is usually applied into the skin with a thin needle under the navel. You can buy medication from us at the clinic or we will prepare a prescription with which you can buy the medication at any pharmacy.

How to increase the success of IVF?

The success of IVF treatment can be increased by using additional laboratory methods such as ICSI, EmbryoGlue, assisted hatching or Fertile Plus.

What is the ideal thickness of the endometrium?

We consider the ideal thickness of the endometrium to be 9-12 mm. Although we use high doses of hormones and other supplementary medications, many women fail to achieve this value. Even so, they have a high chance of getting pregnant. Even endometrial thickness of 7 mm gives a high chance that embryos will attach.

What are the risks associated with IVF?

The risks associated with IVF are minimal. One of the rare complications of hormonal treatment is hyperstimulation (OOHS), resulting in an enlargement of the ovaries. The main symptom of hyperstimulation is pain in the lower abdomen, with the occasional accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Today's medicine can alleviate symptoms, and hyperstimulation then subsides spontaneously. Pregnancy following IVF is no different from natural pregnancy and presents the same risks (premature labour, miscarriage, etc.).

What conditions do I have to meet for IVF?

IVF treatment is available to women aged 49 years or younger. At the same time, according to the current laws in the Czech Republic, artificial insemination can only be performed on couples consisting of a woman and a man. Therefore, it is necessary for a woman to apply together with her male partner. Health insurance companies cover IVF until the age of 39. Each woman has the right to have 3 IVF cycles per lifetime covered. If only one embryo has been transferred in the first two cycles, the woman is entitled to 4 cycles.

What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?

IVF is a method of assisted reproduction in which fertilisation takes place outside the woman's body. The embryo is subsequently transferred into the uterine cavity. The ICSI method increases thIVF is a method of assisted reproduction in which fertilisation takes place outside the woman's body. The embryo is subsequently transferred into the uterine cavity. The ICSI method increases the success of treatment and consists of introducing sperm directly into the egg using a thin needle.e success of treatment and consists of introducing sperm directly into the egg using a thin needle.

What is the difference between IVF and IUI?

Both IVF and IUI are methods of assisted reproduction. IUI is a basic method of assisted reproduction that does not require the removal of eggs from the woman's body. Treatment involves the introduction of sperm directly into the woman’s uterus. The chances of fertilisation are thus higher than with natural sexual intercourse. IVF is a method of assisted reproduction in which an egg is fertilised outside the woman's body. The embryo is subsequently transferred into the uterine cavity. IVF can be performed with own or donated cells.

Is one or more embryos better for IVF?

The number of embryos per transfer does not affect the success rate of assisted reproduction. The chances of getting pregnant can be increased by repeated transfers. Therefore, we recommend introducing only one embryo per transfer, freezing the remaining embryos and performing a repeat embryo transfer if unsuccessful.

It is advisable to perform PGD/PGS before IVF?

The collective term PGT - Preimplantation genetic testing is now used for PGD/PGS tests. PGT is particularly recommended in cases where one of the parents has a genetic disease. It is also advisable in situations where a woman has had several miscarriages. PGT analysis can significantly reduce the risk of miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy and at the same time detect certain genetic diseases. However, it is not a substitute for prenatal screening for congenital anomalies.

Can an ectopic pregnancy occur during IVF?

After IVF there is about a 2% risk of ectopic pregnancy (1% for natural pregnancy). The risk is higher in women with damaged fallopian tubes (e.g. after inflammation). We can detect an ectopic pregnancy with a follow-up ultrasound.

Why are IVF cycles sometimes unsuccessful?

There are many factors that affect the success of IVF - the quality of oocytes (eggs), quality of sperm, etc. It is never possible to determine exactly why pregnancy did not occur. However, we can plan a treatment programme to increase the chances of pregnancy the next time you try.

What is IVF?

IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a method of fertilisation outside the body in which a female egg is fertilised by male sperm "in a test tube". We can use the patients’ own eggs and sperm for IVF, as well as donated eggs and sperm.

When should IVF be repeated?

The interval between IVF cycles depends on the type of treatment and the intensity of hormonal stimulation. We usually recommend a break of 2 to 3 months.

‍

When should I take a pregnancy test after IVF?

A urine pregnancy test will not be conclusive earlier than the 12thday after embryo transfer. If the test is negative, we recommend repeating the test on the 14thand 20thday after embryo transfer. After a positive test, book an ultrasound to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.

Is it possible to reduce the risk of genetic deseases?

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)is used to minimise the risk of certain inherited disorders and diseases. During a PGT test, one or more cells are taken from the embryo and analysed. The embryo is not damaged during this test and continues to develop.

What regimen do I have to follow after embryo transfer?

We recommend avoiding strenuous physical activities and stressful situations after embryo transfer. There is no need to take sick leave from work.

How is medication administered for ovarian stimulation before IVF?

Stimulants are usually injected with a thin needle into the skin below the belly button. You can purchase the medication at our clinic, or we can give you a prescription to buy it at a pharmacy.

Is IVF painful?

Increased menstrual pain may occur during IVF stimulation. The retrieval of eggs takes place under general anaesthesia and is therefore painless. Clients undergoing treatment with donated eggs do not undergo stimulation with hormonal preparations and therefore experience no pain.

Can I undergo IVF with no fallopian tubes or ovaries?

If a woman doesn't have fallopian tubes, IVF is a good solution in which she can also use her own eggs. Without ovaries, she can only undergo IVF treatment with donated eggs.

What is the success rate of IVF after the age of 40?

Female fertility declines rapidly after the age of 40. To increase the chances of successful IVF, we recommend that women over the age of 40 use donor eggs. It is definitely worth starting IVF treatment as soon as possible, because even a few months delay can have a significant effect on success. Our doctors can also recommend suitable laboratory methods that increase the success of treatment.

Does IVF have any risks?

The risks associated with IVF are minimal. Rare complications of hormone therapy include hyperstimulation (OOHS), which causes the ovaries to enlarge. The main symptom of hyperstimulation is lower abdominal pain, and luid accumulation in the abdominal cavity may occasionally occur. Symptoms can be reduced by current treatment methods that cause the hyperstimulation to subside spontaneously. Pregnancy after artificial insemination is no different from natural pregnancy and carries the same risks (premature labour, miscarriage, etc.).

Is IVF treatment covered by insurance?

Health insurance companies in the Czech Republic cover the first 3 cycles of assisted reproduction for clients up to 39 years of age. If only one embryo was transferred in the first two cycles, the insurance company also covers the fourth cycle. Insurance companies do not cover extra laboratory methods that increase the success rate of the treatment such as ICSI, EmbryoScope, EmbryoGlue or assisted hatching. Our clinic has contracts with all Czech health insurance companies.

What is the success rate of the first IVF cycle?

The success of IVF depends on many factors, such as the age of the mother, the cause of infertility, sperm and egg health, etc. Some couples may conceive right after the first IVF cycle, while it may take several cycles for others. In some cases, couples may also be able to conceive naturally after a cycle of IVF.

IVF with donated eggs

Is the donor’s blood type important?

Blood type and Rh factor are not important for the success of treatment. Immunoglobulin, which suppresses the production of antibodies to the D antigen, is preventively administered to women with negative Rh factor during pregnancy.

Is it good that donors are anonymous?

Definitely yes. This is evidenced by experience in countries where the anonymity of donors was abolished. These countries (e.g. the United Kingdom) are facing a shortage of egg and sperm donors. Because the donation of eggs and sperm is mutually anonymous, i.e., the recipients are also anonymous to the donor, a situation cannot arise in which the biological mother or father, i.e., the egg or sperm donor, makes a later claim on your future child. According to the current laws of the Czech Republic, a child conceived from a donated egg or sperm has no right to learn the identity of their biological parent or parents, even after reaching the age of 18.

What mandatory examinations do donors undergo?

Each donor undergoes a comprehensive range of tests and examinations, which include:

An assessment of their general health, including BMI
Gynaecological examination
Establishing their family history
Genetic testing of the donor’s blood
Interview with a geneticist
Test for sexually transmitted diseases

What are the mandatory tests for donors?

Each donor undergoes a comprehensive examination, which includes:

assessment of general health, including BMI
a gynaecological examination
determination of the family medical history
genetic testing of the donor's blood
an interview with a geneticist
testing for sexually transmitted diseases

How long does it take to select a suitable donor? What are the waiting times?

As we have an extensive database of donors (more than 500 active suitable donors), allowing us to select a suitable donor very quickly. It usually takes 2 months to select a suitable donor, including synchronisation with the recipient's menstrual cycle.

What is the usual age of donors?

Donors are usually aged 20-30 years. According to Czech law, women can donate their eggs up to 35 years of age. We also have some donors who are over 30 years old but have already donated successfully, i.e. the recipients are pregnant or have already given birth to healthy children. These successful donors can continue to donate after the age of 30. At Europe IVF, 29 is the maximum age we allow for donation.

What criteria are used to select donors and what information can I be given about them?

Donation is anonymous. We only provide information about their year of birth, blood type, eye colour, hair colour, height, weight and education. For more information on this topic, please visit our blog where we cover the topic of gamete donation in further detail.

IVF with donated embryos

How is the recipient prepared for the transfer of a donated embryo?

Preparation for embryo transfer involves hormone treatment to prepare the recipient's uterine lining to receive the embryo. This process may involve taking medication and regular ultrasound scans. The embryo transfer is a quick and painless procedure that is followed by a short period of rest.

What is the success rate of treatment with donated embryos?

The success rate of treatment with donated embryos is high, with success rates ranging between 57% and 80% per cycle depending on individual factors. The success of this method is also influenced by the age and health of the recipient, as well as the quality of the donated embryos.

‍

What medical examinations and tests do embryo donors undergo?

Embryo donors must undergo a thorough medical examination that includes genetic testing, testing for infectious diseases and other medical examinations. This process ensures that the donated embryos are healthy and suitable for use in fertility treatment.

How are suitable embryo for donation selected?

Donated embryos come from couples who have completed their fertility treatment and have quality embryos remaining. These embryos are cryopreserved and undergo a thorough quality assessment prior to donation. Embryo recipients may be selected based on compatibility and health criteria to maximise the chance of a successful pregnancy.

KET (FET)

Does the length of embryo cryopreservation affect the success of pregnancy?

The length of embryo cryopreservation does not affect the success of a transfer. Frozen embryos are stored at -200 °C in suspended animation and will not deteriorate over time if the temperature is maintained.

When are embryos frozen?

Embryos are frozen on day 2 (cleavage stage) or day 5 (blastocyst stage) of their culture.

‍What are the risks of FETs?

Not all embryos survive the freezing and thawing process. The risk of embryos being damaged or destroyed during treatment depends on the quality of the embryo before freezing.

What is the success rate of FET?

The success rate of transfer cycles using frozen embryos has increased due to advances in freezing techniques and is comparable to that of fresh embryo transfers. The outcome of treatment also largley depends on factors such as the age of the mother and the cause of infertility.‖

When to use FET

If it is necessary to cancel the transfer after egg retrieval due to hormone therapy

If you are using genetic screening

If you wish to use frozen embryos from previous IVF treatments

Assisted Hatching

What are the risks of this method?

Assisted hatching slightly increases the risk of identical twins in embryos that undergo assisted hatching. Damage to the embryo is very rare.

How does this method work?

Once the embryos are created through IVF, the embryo is surrounded by a tough outer layer of cells called the zona pellucida. You can think of this outer layer as the embryo's 'shell'. The embryo must break free from this shell in order to implant in the uterus and develop into a pregnancy. Assisted hatching is usually performed on the third day of embryo development. Embryologists create a very small opening in the zona pellucida.

What is assisted hatching?

Assisted hatching is a procedure in which we can help the embryo 'hatch' from its 'shell'. Assisted hatching is believed to be able to help the embryo implant in the uterus, leading to higher pregnancy success rates in some patients.

This method is known to be beneficial for:

patients with a history of repeated IVF failures
patients over 37 years of age
patients with a low ovarian reserve and high follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels
patients undergoing a frozen embryo transfer

EmbryoGlue

What are the advantages of EbryoGlue?

Increased implantation success: research shows that using EmbryoGlue can increase implantation successful pregnancy rates compared to conventional embryo transfer media.
EmbryoGlue provides an environment that mimics natural conditions in the uterus, thereby supporting the biological processes required for successful implantation
Safety: EmbryoGlue is safe to use and does not adversely affect the embryo or the mother's health.

What is EmbryoGlue?

EmbryoGlue is a special medium used in an IVF embryo transfer that contains a high concentration of hyaluronan, which helps the embryo attach to the uterine lining. This increases the likelihood of successful implantation and pregnancy. Research shows that using EmbryoGlue can increase pregnancy success rates by several percentage points compared to conventional media. The media mimics the natural environment of the uterus, which promotes the biological processes needed for implantation. EmbryoGlue is safe and does not adversely affect the embryo or the mother's health.

Fertility preservation

How successful are fertility preservation procedures?

Freezing eggs, sperm and embryos is the most common type of preservation and has a long history of success. However, fertility preservation procedures do not guarantee pregnancy. Success varies greatly and depends on a variety of health and treatment-related factors. At Europe IVF, we can assess and evaluate all factors that affect pregnancy and help you understand your chances of pregnancy.

How can fertility be preserved?

8In all cases, the easiest way to preserve fertility is:

Cryopreservation of sperm. In this process, the man provides a sample of his semen, after which it is frozen and stored for future use in a process called cryopreservation.
Oocyte (egg) cryopreservation. Eggs taken from the ovaries are frozen and stored until future use.
Cryopreservation of embryos. This method, also called embryo freezing, is the most common and successful option for preserving a woman's fertility. Eggs taken from your ovary are fertilised with sperm from your partner or a donor in a laboratory in a process called in vitro fertilisation. The resulting embryos are frozen and stored for future use.

Why and when is it good to protect your ability to have children?

If you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

If you are undergoing certain types of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy, you may want to consider freezing your eggs or sperm. This is because some drugs used in cancer treatment can cause infertility, especially in high doses.

If you are in the armed forces

If you are part of the military and/or are involved in military missions, you may choose to freeze your sperm, eggs or embryos before deployment to preserve your fertility in case of injury. This option can give you peace of mind that no matter what happens, you will be able to have a family in the future.

If you are not ready for a family

Not everyone feels ready for parenthood at the same time. You may want to preserve your fertility because you haven't met the right partner, you're focusing on your career, you don't feel financially or emotionally ready, or you have other life plans you want to pursue.

What is fertility preservation?

Fertility preservation is the process of protecting eggs, sperm or reproductive tissue so that a person can use them in the future to have biological children. Fertility preservation is common for people whose fertility is threatened by a medical condition or disease (medically indicated preservation), or when they wish to delay parenthood for personal reasons (elective preservation). Personal reasons for wanting to delay having children may include finding the right partner/spouse or wanting to wait until you having firm footing in your career.

Cryopreservation of eggs

How many eggs can be frozen?

The number of eggs that can be stored depends on the woman's age. Generally, 6 out of 8 eggs will survive the freezing and thawing process. Of these 6 eggs, the chance of a live birth is somewhere between 32% and 18%, depending on the woman's age when she freezes her eggs. This means that about 30-40 eggs need to be stored for a woman to have a reasonable chance of a live birth. To store 30-40 eggs, a woman will need to undergo at least 2-5 treatment cycles to ensure that sufficient mature eggs are stored. A large number of eggs in storage does not guarantee a live birth.

Can I freeze my eggs when I am 40 years old or older?

Yes, you can, but as the amount of eggs produced by the body declines, there will be a minimal number of eggs that can be extracted and frozen. Pregnancy rates are lower for eggs frozen after the age of 35, so it is often recommended to freeze eggs much earlier. For women who wish to preserve fertility beyond the age of forty, the use of donated eggs from a younger woman is often recommended.‖

What is the best age to freeze eggs?

Fertility starts to decline from the age of thirty and drops sharply after forty. The best age to freeze your eggs is before your thirties, but freezing eggs between the ages of 30-35 is also quite common.

How long can eggs be stored?

Eggs can be stored safely for an indefinite period of time; their quality depends on the age and health of the woman at the time of their retrieval.

How are eggs retrieved?

The process begins with ovarian stimulation, which lasts about 12 days. This is followed by egg retrieval, which takes about 5-10 minutes and is performed under brief general anaesthesia. This process is similar to IVF.

How are the eggs frozen?

The process involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval under general anaesthesia, freezing by vitrification and storage in liquid nitrogen. Vitrification rapidly freezes the eggs with a high concentration of cryoprotectants. This method ensures a high egg quality for future fertilisation.

Why freeze eggs?

You may choose to freeze your eggs for health reasons, scheduled cancer treatment, or simply because you are not ready to have children and you want to preserve your fertility for the future.

Sperm cryopreservation

‍Is sperm freezing covered by insurance?

Sperm freezing is only covered by insurance in the case of serious medical indications, otherwise patients must pay for it themselves.

‍How is sperm frozen?

The process is quick and simple. The sperm is first collected and analysed, and then it is frozen with cryoprotectants to protect the cells during freezing. The quality of the frozen sperm is comparable to fresh sperm, allowing successful fertilisation with assisted reproduction methods.

Why freeze sperm?

Sperm freezing is suitable for men with high-risk occupations, unhealthy lifestyles, those delaying fatherhood, or men undergoing cancer treatment. This process preserves fertility for future use. Sperm can be stored in liquid nitrogen for an indefinitely long period of time while its quality remains stable.

What is sperm freezing?

Sperm freezing, or cryopreservation, allows sperm to be preserved for future use. This process is suitable for men with high-risk occupations, health problems or those who wish to postpone fatherhood.

Embryo cryopreservation

Why are only some embryos frozen?

Not all embryos develop well in the lab. Any embryos that are not properly developed (frozen or unfrozen) have little chance of a successful pregnancy, so freezing all embryos can result in false expectations and increased costs.

How long can an embryo stay in cryopreservation?

Embryos can be stored indefinitely under Czech law. The cost of the freezing process, including the cost of the annual storage payment, is listed in the price list.

How do you freeze embryos?

If you have been with your partner for a long time but you're not ready for children yet, you can freeze your embryos, which have a higher success rate. The medical term for freezing is 'cryo'; we use a method of cooling embryos by 'vitrification'. In vitrification, the temperature of the embryos is changed very quickly and a higher concentration of 'cryoprotectants' is used than in slow freezing. Cryoprotectants are chemicals added to the solution around the embryo to protect it from damage caused by the formation of ice crystals.

Preconception genetic testing

What specific genetic disorders are included in the test?

In cooperation with the genetic laboratory, we offer two variants of preconception testing. Both include karyotype testing and differ in the number of monogenic diseases tested: Basic preconception test: detection of mutation carriers for the 3 most common autosomal recessive monogenic diseases in the Czech population or Central Europe.

Testing for:

Cystic fibrosis,
spinal muscular atrophy
and nonsyndromic hearing loss (due to mutation of the GJB2 gene).

The testing is covered by Czech health insurance.

Extended preconception test - 'Carrier screening': Carrier screening for 116 autosomal recessively inherited and 14 X-linked monogenic diseases. This test is partially covered by health insurance with a co-payment for patients in the Czech insurance system. This testing targets the most frequently occurring recessive diseases in all world ethnicities, e.g.:

cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, nonsyndromic hearing loss (with GJB2 gene mutation), α and β thallasemia, sickle cell anaemia, phenylketonuria, albinism type 1 and others.

What types of genetic disorders can be tested for?

We test for the transmission of predispositions (mutations) to the most common monogenic diseases, i.e. diseases caused by a defect in a single gene. These are either autosomal recessive diseases, where the affected child inherits mutations in the same gene from both parents (hidden healthy carriers), or X-linked diseases, where the mother (hidden healthy carrier) passes the mutated gene on the X sex chromosome to the affected son.

Preconception testing includes karyotype (chromosome) analysis. A karyotype test may reveal a hidden carrier chromosome rearrangement that is associated with the risk of chromosomally imbalanced gametes (eggs or sperm). This may result in recurrent miscarriages or the birth of a disabled child.

Is it also appropriate for couples with a family history of a genetic disorder?

For couples with a genetic disorder in their family the cause of which was determined, tests targeting this disorder are performed. However, testing for hidden predispositions to other genetic disorders can also be performed, and it is highly recommended.

‍Is preconception testing suitable for couples with no genetic disorders in their family?

Yes, this type of testing is intended especially for couples with no known family history of genetic disorders. The performed tests are aimed at detecting genetic predispositions that do not cause any symptoms in carriers. These predispositions are passed on to your children without you knowing, and they can lead to the birth of a severely disabled child even in families with no (so far) determined genetic burden.

Egg donation

What are the risks and complications associated with egg donation?

Most egg donors handle blood tests and hormone injections well. Some may experience a sore or red injection site.Side effects may include breast tenderness, mood swings, fluid retention, discomfort around the ovaries. Egg donors may also experience temporary weight gain until their next menstrual cycle due to bloating. Overstimulation of the egg donor may result in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which generally occurs in less than 5 % of egg donors and is the worst side effect of egg donation. Like any medical procedure, egg donation can carry some risks. However, our clinic takes care to prevent these complications as much as possible.

What does preparation for donation and hormonal stimulation look like?

Subcutaneous injections are administered according to the stimulation protocol for 12-15 days. Injecting the hormones in your lower abdomen is not time consuming or painful, and it can be done in the comfort of your home. You will visit our clinic for ultrasound scans throughout the stimulation process. At your last check-up, you will be told when your eggs will be retrieved and you will be instructed on the next course of action. The actual egg retrieval is performed in the morning under very gentle and brief general anaesthesia, which usually lasts up to ten minutes.

Do you mind if I take birth control?

Do I have to go off birth control? What if I have an IUD? None of this matters, you will just need to discontinue hormonal birth control for one month. All types of IUDs are okay; we certainly don't have to remove it and its function won't be affected in any way.

What kind of tests do I have to undergo before the egg retrieval?

After your initial interview, in which we will ask you about your medical history (previous illnesses, allergies, etc.), you can expect a normal gynaecological examination to rule out gynaecological disorders and sexually transmitted diseases. Your blood group and Rh factor will also be determined. Then you will have an interview with a geneticist and he will assess your hereditary burden, which also includes a blood test to rule out genetic disorders.

Is my egg donation anonymous?

Yes, we ensure complete confidentiality of the donor's information. Both the donor and recipient must sign a legal consent form that guarantees the anonymity of the egg donation. This means that the recipient will not have access to any identifying information about you, nor will you be informed of the recipient's identity. Act No 373/2011 on Specific Health Services stipulates that the donation must be completely anonymous, and we are obliged to strictly observe mutual anonymity. This means that you, as the donor, will not know who will receive your egg, and the recipient will not know who donated it. This anonymity continues even after the child born through assisted reproduction reaches the age of 18.

How are egg donors evaluated?

Egg donors are evaluated in the same way as couples who have undergone IVF. The full medical history of both partners should be taken, including blood type and Rh factor and sexually transmitted diseases. Genetic testing and personal consultations identify potential genetic burdens that could threaten the recipient's ability to carry a healthy child. The egg donor will undergo a pelvic examination and uterine examination, and an AMH (anti-müllerian hormone) test and an ovarian scan will be performed on day 2 to accurately assess the egg donor's fertility.‖

Legal issues

Before your first visit

Causes of infertility

IUI

IVF

IVF with donated eggs

IVF with donated embryos

KET (FET)

Assisted Hatching

EmbryoGlue

Fertility preservation

Cryopreservation of eggs

Sperm cryopreservation

Embryo cryopreservation

Preconception genetic testing

Egg donation

Take the first step in your fertility treatment

Book a free consultation

Or contact our coordinator

Or contact our coordinator

Mgr. Marija Mitrović

Nebo zavolejte naší asistentce

Nebo zavolejte naší koordinátorce

Jana Dudková

Or contact our assistant

Or contact our assistant

Lenka Dudková