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Our patients’ questions can also be yours.
Treatments such as IVF, egg donation, the ROPA method, ICSI, PGD or artificial insemination often give rise to doubts and fears, as well as concerns related to endometriosis and other conditions that affect fertility.
Here you will find some of the most frequent questions that our patients ask us.
Yes, and it is crucial that women with endometriosis do not postpone seeking pregnancy, as the condition can affect fertility over time.
It is important to consider that, if pregnancy does not occur naturally, starting an assisted reproductive treatment early can take better advantage of the age factor and improve the chances of success.
No, although it can interfere with conception, not all women with endometriosis have problems getting pregnant.
Only between 30-40% of women with endometriosis have difficulty conceiving, which means that many achieve pregnancy naturally without the need for treatment.
Many women with fertility problems resort to egg donation in order to become mothers through techniques such as in vitro fertilisation, where the donated eggs are fertilised with the sperm of the partner or of a donor.
In Spain, in accordance with Law 14/2006 on assisted human reproduction techniques and complementary regulations, women can be egg donors if they meet the following requirements:*Be between 18 and 30 years old and in good physical and mental health.
*Have NO personal or family history of serious genetic or hereditary diseases, or relevant gynaecological pathologies.
*Be free of sexually transmitted infections.
*Have availability to attend the necessary medical consultations throughout the selection and donation process.
Many women decide to delay motherhood for personal or professional reasons or because they have not yet found the right partner. To avoid depending on the biological clock, there is the option of preserving fertility through egg vitrification, a technique that allows you to preserve your fertility and use your eggs when you are ready.
What does it consist of? Vitrification is an ultra-rapid freezing method that maintains the quality of the eggs. The process lasts between 8 and 10 days and involves ovarian stimulation, and egg retrieval and preservation in the laboratory.
What you should know It does not affect your fertility or your ovarian reserve.
The success of the treatment will depend on the age at which you decide to vitrify.
You can keep them stored for as long as you need.
It is a safe technique, designed both for medical cases and for those who wish to plan their maternity.
At HC Fertility we will accompany you throughout the process with a specialised team and the reassurance of being in good hands.
And then what? When you decide to become a mother, your vitrified eggs are thawed and used in an In Vitro Fertilisation treatment, where they are fertilised in the laboratory to obtain the embryos that will be used to seek pregnancy.
Male infertility can be due to multiple factors, whether physiological, hormonal, genetic, environmental or lifestyle related.
Health problems: these include hormonal imbalances, hereditary disorders, varicocele (dilation of the testicular veins), infections or inflammation (such as prostatitis or orchitis), blockages in the seminal ducts, ejaculation problems, the presence of antibodies against sperm, tumours in the reproductive system or cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Alterations in the semen: low sperm count, reduced motility or alterations in sperm shape (morphology) may be present, thus hindering fertilisation.
Environmental factors: prolonged exposure to heat (such as saunas or working under high temperature conditions), toxic substances, industrial chemicals or heavy metals can affect semen production and quality.
Unhealthy lifestyle and habits: excessive use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs, chronic stress and obesity are factors that can reduce male fertility.
Genetic factors: some alterations in sperm DNA or karyotype (such as Klinefelter syndrome) can compromise reproductive capacity.
No, it is not possible to choose the donor directly, as in Spain egg donation is anonymous by law.
At HC Fertility we select the donors according to strict medical and genetic controls, following the protocols of the National Commission for Assisted Human Reproduction (CNRHA) and the recommendations of the Spanish Fertility Society (SEF).
Although the donor cannot be chosen, we guarantee the maximum possible compatibility. The medical team at HC Fertility will select the donor for you based on your physical characteristics (blood group, skin colour, eyes, hair, complexion, etc.), always complying with legal anonymity.
In addition, donors undergo a very rigorous selection process that includes gynaecological check-ups, hormone analysis, genetic studies, tests for infectious diseases and psychological assessment. The aim of all this is to ensure that their eggs are suitable and safe for the treatment, and to offer the patient the best medical guarantee and emotional peace of mind.
The female fertility study is a very simple and quick process and, at HC Fertility, you can have the results within 24 hours.
A female fertility diagnosis consists of:
– Ovarian reserve testing, which we know as the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test, by means of a blood sample.
– Ultrasound evaluation, the gynaecologist will carry out an ultrasound examination to count the follicles.
At HC Fertility, you will also have an initial assessment consultation and a second consultation to explain the results and determine the most appropriate treatment, if necessary.
If there are no other causes of infertility, the chances of pregnancy are only slightly lower than in the general population.
An ectopic pregnancy can leave sequelae in the affected tube, even if it has not been removed, and increase the risk of another ectopic pregnancy in the future (by about 15%). This is due to possible damage or alterations in the functioning of the fallopian tubes. Still, many women achieve a normal pregnancy at a later time, especially if well monitored by a doctor.
It is a simple and safe process, which consists of a medical and psychological assessment, a few days of ovarian stimulation and a small operation to extract the eggs.
First, we welcome you at our centre to inform you about fertility, the importance of egg donation and answer any questions you may have. After the medical and psychological assessment, the treatment begins, lasting about two weeks.
It begins with a gentle ovarian stimulation by means of medication that you will self-administer at home for 10-12 days, with follow-up visits to the centre. Once the eggs are ready, they are extracted by means of a painless and short ovarian puncture (15-20 minutes), under sedation. You will then rest in a recovery room for 1 to 2 hours. You can come accompanied if you wish.
Is there any financial compensation? Yes, at HC Fertility we offer financial compensation which is regulated by the Ministry of Health and the National Commission for Assisted Human Reproduction as compensation for the inconvenience resulting from the process.
Is the confidentiality of my data guaranteed? Yes, in compliance with current regulations, HC Fertility guarantees the anonymity of both the donor and the recipient.
What do I have to do to donate? Call us on 952 908 897. We will provide you with all the necessary information and arrange an appointment to resolve your doubts.
Your decision can change the life of another woman. Thank you for your generosity.
The most common causes are ovulation problems, age, endometriosis, fallopian tube disorders and certain medical treatments.
Female infertility can be due to multiple factors, such as ovulation disorders, early menopause, tubal lesions, previous surgeries, uterine tumours, endometriosis or cancer treatments that affect ovarian function. External factors such as weight (both low and high), smoking, the use of certain medications or uncontrolled illnesses also play a role in this.
At HC Fertility, we have precise diagnostic tools to determine what causes may be affecting your fertility. We individually assess your age, medical history, hormonal and reproductive health status, with special attention to your ovarian reserve, to offer you a personalised treatment and the best options to achieve pregnancy.
We do not have a waiting list for the egg donation programme at HC Fertility. Once we select a compatible donor, the preparation process takes between 6 and 8 weeks.
You will need to visit our clinic for an initial consultation.
During this appointment, which lasts approximately 2 hours, our specialists will review your medical history, explain the procedure and perform the necessary tests, including an ultrasound scan. If you have a partner, a frozen semen sample can be left at this same visit to facilitate the subsequent process.
The second consultation will depend on whether the sample has been frozen or not. If it has, you may come directly on the day of the embryo transfer, which normally takes place 5 days after the donor has undergone the ovarian puncture. If no sperm was frozen, you will need to be present from the day before the puncture, which translates into a stay of about 6 to 7 days in Marbella.
We always recommend using this visit to rest and disconnect. Emotional well-being is also part of the treatment, and Marbella offers the perfect environment to reduce stress and increase the chances of success.
Genetic matching reduces the risk of transmitting hereditary diseases to offspring.
Genetic matching consists of comparing the genetic profile of both partners (or a donor) to identify whether they share mutations in the same recessive genes. If they both carry variants in the same gene, there is an increased risk that their children will inherit the disease. In such cases, alternatives such as the use of gametes from a non-carrier donor or pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGT-M) can be used. Therefore, genetic matching is a key preventive tool to improve reproductive safety.
PGT allows embryos to be analysed before transfer to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) is a technique applied in IVF treatments that analyses the DNA of embryos before transfer. It facilitates the detection of genetic mutations or chromosomal abnormalities and the selection of embryos with the greatest reproductive potential.
One of its most commonly used modalities is PGT-A, which examines all chromosomes to rule out aneuploidy. This test is particularly useful in cases of repeated miscarriages or implantation failure in women of advanced maternal age, as it increases the likelihood of an ongoing pregnancy and reduces genetic risks.
Oocyte, sperm or embryo preservation prior to treatment offers the possibility of having children in the future.
Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, can reduce or even eliminate fertility. For this reason, it is recommended that gamete or embryo preservation be considered before starting treatment. Once the disease has been overcome, these techniques allow patients to have the option of achieving a pregnancy with their own reproductive cells.
Smoking affects both egg and sperm quality. It can reduce the number and motility of sperm, as well as decrease the body's response to fertility treatments. Moreover, even passive smoking can hinder the implantation of an embryo in the uterus. Quitting smoking is one of the most important measures to improve your chances.
Nutrition plays a key role in fertility. Eating a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and quality protein, helps prepare your body to conceive.
In addition, some supplements are recommended: folic acid before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of malformations in the baby, and depending on each case, vitamin D, iron or prenatal complexes can be included in the diet. In men, antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc can improve sperm quality.
Being overweight or underweight can hinder conception and increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Maintaining a body mass index (BMI) within the healthy range (approximately 18.5-24.9) promotes a better response to fertility treatments and increases the chances of success.
Excessive alcohol consumption can affect sperm quality, ovulation and pregnancy development. When seeking pregnancy and during fertility treatments, it is best to minimise —or completely avoid— alcoholic beverages.
Emotional balance and quality sleep are allies of fertility. High stress can alter the menstrual cycle and affect sperm quality, while getting 7-8 hours of sleep helps regulate the hormones involved in ovulation and sperm production. Practising relaxation techniques, doing yoga, taking a massage or simply enjoying leisure time promotes both emotional and physical well-being, thus increasing the chances of conception.
Moderate and consistent exercise improves hormonal balance and fertility. The recommended amount of light to moderate aerobic activity is about 150 minutes per week, avoiding excessive workouts that may alter the menstrual cycle or sperm quality.
Properly planning the process of seeking pregnancy increases the chances of success and reduces risks. Identifying fertile days through ovulation tests or apps can help to choose the most suitable time for sexual relations. In addition, a medical check-up can detect and correct possible factors affecting fertility. It is also important to check and update the necessary vaccinations (such as rubella, chickenpox or hepatitis B) to protect both the mother and the future baby during pregnancy.