What is the reason why it just won’t work for some people?
There are many causes of infertility. In around a third of cases, the reason lies exclusively with the woman or the man. And in another third, it is a combination of both. In women, the reason is often a disorder of egg maturation or the disease endometriosis. However, it is also possible that the fallopian tubes are blocked due to an inflammation, for example, or are completely missing as a result of an operation. In men, the reason for infertility is usually impaired sperm quality. To this day, not all the causes are known.
How can infertility be diagnosed?
We always check with both partners. In men, we carry out a spermiogram to check how many sperm are available that are capable of fertilization. Around 100,000 sperm are needed to fertilize an egg. In women, we determine various hormones to assess the ovarian reserve and the menstrual cycle. In addition, both partners are tested for infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C, HIV and clamydia infections. Finally, we check the uterine cavity and the patency of the fallopian tubes.
What can you do for couples with an unfulfilled desire to have children?
We can help by supporting egg maturation. Once ovulation has been triggered, either sexual intercourse can take place within a defined time window or the purified and concentrated sperm can be introduced directly into the uterine cavity. Both options are only possible if the sperm quality is sufficient. If this method is unsuccessful, in vitro fertilization (artificial insemination) can be carried out, whereby a sperm can also be placed directly into an egg if the sperm quality is very limited. This is called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
What are the chances that these methods will work?
Supporting egg maturation with sexual intercourse or direct introduction of sperm into the uterus has an 8-14 percent chance of leading to pregnancy. In the case of artificial insemination, this is 35-40 percent.
How do the treatments work?
First there is an initial consultation with the head physician. This is followed by the clarifications, which we endeavor to carry out as quickly as possible, i.e. ideally within 4 weeks. On this basis, the subsequent treatment is planned together with the couple and started as soon as possible.
How is the decision made as to which treatment should be carried out?
It is always the couple that decides. It is very important to us to support both partners in making the right decision for them by providing perfect advice. To this end, we have access to the knowledge of all the specialist disciplines required to improve the chances of pregnancy and optimally prepare for a pregnancy. But advice also includes personal support. Based on the positive feedback I have received, I believe that we will succeed. Our success rates are also among the best in the world.
What do assessments and treatments cost?
The health insurance covers the investigations and, for one year, support for the maturation of an egg and up to three intrauterine inseminations. The costs of in vitro fertilization (artificial insemination) and ICSI treatment are generally not covered.
Apart from medical treatments: Do you have any tips on how to make pregnancy work?
Maintaining a normal weight and avoiding nicotine helps. However, these are not usually the decisive factors. Most of the causes we find for infertility cannot be explained by lifestyle.
