What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
IVF is a method of assisted reproduction used to help couples conceive a child when natural conception methods have been unsuccessful. This process involves the combined use of pharmaceutical and technological interventions to facilitate the fertilization of an egg by sperm outside the woman’s body.
The resulting embryo is then transferred into the woman’s uterus to develop and complete the pregnancy. IVF is used to address infertility and other reproductive challenges and has become one of the most common and effective methods of assisted reproduction worldwide.
Factors Affecting IVF Success
Woman’s Age: Success rates decline with age, particularly after 40.
Quality and Quantity of Eggs and Sperm: The quality of both plays a critical role in fertilization and implantation.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Issues such as endometriosis, infections, or anatomical abnormalities of the uterus may impact success.
IVF can assist in many cases of infertility, including the following:
Stages of the IVF Process
The IVF process includes the following main stages:
Initial Evaluation and Preparation
Medical History and Testing: Comprehensive medical history and tests like blood work, ultrasound, and semen analysis.
Counseling: Couples are informed about the process, success rates, risks, and side effects.
Ovarian Stimulation
Medication: Women take hormonal medications (usually injections or a combination of pills and injections) to stimulate multiple egg production.
Monitoring: Regular ultrasounds and blood tests track follicle development.
Egg Retrieval
A minor surgical procedure is performed to remove eggs from the ovaries under light sedation and ultrasound guidance.
Fertilization
Sperm Processing: Sperm is prepared in the lab to select the healthiest and most motile.
Fertilization Methods: Eggs are fertilized either traditionally or through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg..
Embryo Culture
Fertilized eggs are cultured in a lab for 3–5 days until they reach the blastocyst stage.
Embryo Selection: The healthiest embryos are selected for transfer, often assisted by artificial intelligence.
Embryo Transfer
Selected embryos are transferred to the uterus using a thin catheter. This painless procedure rarely requires anesthesia.
Awaiting Pregnancy Diagnosis
Waiting Period: After embryo transfer, there’s a 9–11 day wait to determine if implantation occurred.
Pregnancy Test: A positive test is followed by ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy and fetal development.
In Vitro Fertilization Process
Ovarian Stimulation
Ovarian stimulation is the first stage of IVF, where hormonal medications are used to produce multiple eggs. This is necessary because not all collected eggs are healthy or will fertilize successfully. Patients are closely monitored with ultrasounds and blood tests to ensure proper egg development.
Egg Retrieval – Fertilization
Egg retrieval is performed through a process known as follicular aspiration, which is done using ultrasound guidance and a thin needle inserted transvaginally into the ovaries. The eggs are collected and then fertilized with the partner’s or donor’s sperm in the laboratory. Fertilization can be carried out using traditional IVF or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), where the sperm is directly injected into the egg when conditions require it.
Embryo Transfer
After fertilization, the embryos are cultured in the laboratory for a few days (usually 3-5 days), and the most suitable embryos are selected for transfer to the woman’s uterus. Embryo transfer is a simple and painless procedure that rarely requires anesthesia. The embryos are placed in the uterus using a thin catheter.
IVF Treatment Protocols
Treatment protocols vary based on individual patient needs. Common protocols include:
Short Protocol: Typically for women with normal or high ovarian response.
Long Protocol: Begins on the 21st day of the menstrual cycle, involving GnRH agonists like Daronda to regulate hormone levels before ovarian stimulation.
Antiestrogen Protocols: Reduce natural hormone production before stimulation.
Emotional Aspects of IVF
IVF is an emotionally taxing process that may lead to stress, anxiety, or frustration. Couples are encouraged to seek support from psychologists or support groups to manage the emotional and psychological challenges involved.
Success Rates
IVF success depends on factors such as the woman’s age, the number of eggs and embryos, the cause of infertility, and the clinic’s expertise. Success rates are higher in younger women and decline with age. Personalized counseling helps provide realistic expectations.
2023 Success Rates
Reproduction after 40
Reproduction after the age of 40 is a common topic of discussion for women who wish to have children at a more mature age. Despite the challenges, advancements in reproductive medicine have significantly improved the chances of success. Surgeon-gynecologist Dr. Marinos Tsirigotis, specializing in reproductive medicine, approaches each case individually, employing the most advanced treatment methods.
Success rates for women over 40 are encouraging, particularly thanks to egg donation and other innovative techniques that are now available. Dr. Tsirigotis and his team design tailored therapeutic plans for every woman, focusing on optimizing pregnancy chances. The personalized protocols, combined with the team’s expertise, result in high success rates.
The support and scientific knowledge provided by Dr. Marinos Tsirigotis are also crucial factors contributing to achieving motherhood, even after the age of 40.
If you’re seeking specialized solutions, don’t hesitate to contact the gynecologist to receive the best possible services!
Under 35 years old
35 – 37 years old
38 – 39 years old
40 – 42 years old
Ask the expert
Ask for a second opinion from Dr Marinos Tsirigotis!

Frequently Asked Questions About In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF costs vary based on the assisted reproduction unit, medications, and additional procedures like ICSI or genetic testing. Costs typically include:
- Medication costs
- Medical procedures: Doctor visits, tests, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer.
- Laboratory procedures: Fertilization, embryo culture, and freezing.
- Additional services: Genetic testing or implantation support.
Conclusion
IVF is an advanced and highly effective assisted reproduction method that offers hope to many couples dreaming of parenthood.
For any questions or further information about IVF, feel free to contact our clinic. We are here to support you every step of the way on your journey to building the family you desire.