The decision for a couple—or a single woman—to pursue in vitro fertilization (IVF) is deeply personal and often accompanied by many questions, concerns, and emotional challenges. Today, IVF is one of the most effective assisted reproductive techniques, offering hope to thousands of people who wish to start their own family.
At Southeastern Fertility Solutions, under the scientific guidance of Dr. Ioannis Zervomanolakis, the approach is always personalized, compassionate, and based on the most advanced fertility medicine techniques.
What is In Vitro Fertilization?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process in which an egg is fertilized by sperm in a laboratory, outside the body. The resulting embryo is cultured for a few days before being transferred to the woman’s uterus, with the goal of achieving pregnancy.
IVF is recommended in cases such as:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Severe sperm disorders
- Endometriosis
- Advanced maternal age
- Unexplained infertility
- Failure of other treatments, such as intrauterine insemination
What are the stages of the IVF process?
IVF involves several key stages:
- Ovarian stimulation: The woman receives injectable medications to stimulate the development of multiple eggs, rather than the single egg produced naturally each month.
- Monitoring and egg retrieval: Ultrasounds and blood tests are used to track follicle development. When the eggs are ready, they are retrieved through a short, painless procedure under sedation.
- Fertilization and embryo culture: The eggs are fertilized in the lab with the partner’s or donor’s sperm. The fertilized eggs are monitored for 3 to 5 days.
- Embryo transfer: One or two embryos are placed into the uterus. The procedure is simple and painless.
- Pregnancy test: After 12–14 days, a blood test (β-hCG) is performed to confirm implantation.
What are the success rates of IVF?
Success rates depend on several factors, including:
- The woman’s age (the most important factor)
- Egg and sperm quality
- History of previous attempts
- Underlying medical conditions
Generally, success rates reach 40–50% for women under 35 and gradually decrease with age. At Southeastern Fertility Solutions, techniques such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) and blastocyst culture are used to optimize outcomes.
Common concerns of couples
Many people worry about:
- The safety of the procedure
- Possible medication side effects
- Financial costs
- Risk of treatment failure
In reality, IVF is a safe and well-controlled procedure. Most side effects are mild and temporary (e.g., bloating, tenderness). Additionally, psychological support is important, and at SFS, emphasis is placed on the emotional empowerment of couples.
What to consider before starting IVF
If you are considering IVF, it is important to:
- Choose a specialized team with experience and scientific credibility
- Discuss your full medical history thoroughly
- Set realistic expectations
- Take care of your mental well-being
In vitro fertilization is a modern medical tool that has transformed the lives of thousands of families. While it comes with challenges, it offers realistic hope to women and couples facing fertility issues. With proper guidance and support, this journey can lead to the most beautiful outcome: the birth of a child.
Dr. Ioannis Zervomanolakis and the team at Southeastern Fertility Solutions are with you every step of the way, providing personalized treatment and compassionate support.