The 15 questions I hear most often in clinic. If yours isn't here, send me a message.
When should a couple see a fertility doctor?
When pregnancy hasn't been achieved after 12 months of trying in women under 35, or 6 months in women over 35. If there's a known cause (irregular periods, polycystic ovaries, previous pelvic or uterine surgery, male factor) or the woman is over 38, the visit can happen sooner.
What happens at the first visit?
Duration 45 minutes. We discuss your full history (gynaecological, medical, family), I review any previous tests you bring, and I explain what investigation is needed. You leave with a written plan for investigation or treatment. Bring: ID, insurance card, all previous tests (blood work, hormone panels, ultrasounds, semen analyses).
How much does an IVF cycle cost?
The exact cost depends on age, ovarian reserve, and the chosen protocol. The Greek public insurance (EOPYY) covers part of the treatment for insured women up to age 50 (up to 4 attempts). Private out-of-pocket cost varies. At the first visit I give you a detailed cost breakdown before treatment begins.
What are the success rates?
Success rates depend mainly on the woman's age:
- Under 35: ~40–50% live birth per embryo transfer
- 35–37: ~35–40%
- 38–40: ~20–30%
- Over 42: <10%
These are averages from the European ESHRE registries. At our consultation we'll discuss realistic expectations for your specific case.
Is IVF painful?
The injections for ovarian stimulation are subcutaneous and well tolerated. Egg retrieval is performed under light anaesthesia — you won't feel anything. Embryo transfer is painless, no anaesthesia needed. The hardest part for most women is the psychological tension of waiting, not physical discomfort.
How long does an IVF cycle take?
From the first injection to the pregnancy test, about 4–6 weeks:
- Ovarian stimulation: 10–14 days
- Egg retrieval and fertilisation: 1 day
- Embryo development in the lab: 3–5 days
- Embryo transfer: 1 day
- Wait + pregnancy test: 14 days
Is IVF safe for the woman?
Yes, when performed by an experienced team. The main risks (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, bleeding at retrieval) are rare when modern guidelines are followed. I design an individualised protocol for each woman to minimise hyperstimulation risk. Long-term safety has been confirmed by large follow-up studies spanning over 30 years.
Is egg donation anonymous in Greece?
Yes, completely anonymous, per Greek law (3305/2005). There is never any contact or exchange of identifying information between donor and recipient — neither before nor after birth. Matching is done only by phenotypic characteristics (hair colour, eye colour, skin tone).
What's the risk of twin or multiple pregnancy?
With single embryo transfer (eSET), which is the modern standard for most women under 38, the twin risk is <5%. Our goal isn't "more babies" but one healthy baby — twin pregnancies carry increased risk of complications for both mother and babies.
What if I don't have enough eggs?
In women with low ovarian reserve (AMH <1, AFC <7) I use different stimulation protocols (mild or natural cycle) that maximise available eggs. If despite this, eggs aren't sufficient for a viable pregnancy, we discuss alternatives: oocyte accumulation across consecutive cycles, or egg donation.
Do I need to stop work during treatment?
No. Most treatment happens with morning or afternoon appointments coordinated around your schedule. Egg retrieval requires one day of rest. Embryo transfer is painless and you return to your activities immediately. There is no medical reason to stop work for longer.
Does my partner need to attend every appointment?
At the first visit yes — the history concerns both of you, and we need to discuss options together. At subsequent visits (stimulation monitoring, embryo transfer) attendance is welcome but not required. At egg retrieval he must provide a sperm sample on the same day.
How long can frozen embryos be stored?
Greek law allows embryo storage for up to 5 years, renewable for another 5 years upon request. Frozen embryos are kept in liquid nitrogen (-196°C) at certified cryopreservation facilities. Survival rates after thaw: >95% with the vitrification method we use.
What if no viable embryos result from my cycle?
It happens — it's not failure, it's information. At the next visit we analyse why (egg quality, sperm quality, fertilisation factors, embryo development grade) and modify the protocol for the next attempt. There's no re-charge for tests already completed.
How quickly will things happen?
From the moment you decide to start:
- First visit: within 2 weeks
- Fertility work-up complete: 4–6 weeks
- First IVF cycle starts: 6–10 weeks from the first visit
- Pregnancy test: ~12 weeks from the first visit
There is no waiting list for appointments.