IVF & ICSI

⚕ Medically reviewed by Prof. Stratis Kolibianakis, MD, MSc, PhD · Thessaloniki Medical Chamber Reg. No. 16340 · Last reviewed 6 July 2026

IVF is the cornerstone of assisted reproduction. We design an individualised stimulation protocol based on age, ovarian reserve (AMH via blood test, AFC via ultrasound) and previous attempts, following the international guidelines (ESHRE, ASRM) for ovarian stimulation. We perform egg retrieval transvaginally under light anaesthesia. Embryo transfer is either fresh (3–5 days later) or in a subsequent cycle after a freeze-all of all embryos, depending on the protocol that suits you. In severe male-factor infertility or previous fertilisation failure we use intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). See in our calculator the predicted chance of pregnancy based on your case.

The timeline of a cycle. An IVF cycle usually takes 2–3 weeks from the start of injections to egg retrieval. Ovarian stimulation is done with daily subcutaneous gonadotrophin injections over 8–12 days, with 2–4 ultrasound scans to track follicle growth and adjust the dose. When the follicles mature, a trigger injection is given and egg retrieval takes place 36 hours later, transvaginally, under light sedation, in 10–15 minutes. The eggs are fertilised in the laboratory the same day, and embryos are cultured for 5–6 days to the blastocyst stage.

IVF or ICSI? In conventional IVF the eggs and sperm are placed together and fertilisation happens on its own. In ICSI a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. ICSI is not better “in general”; it is indicated for severe male factor or previous fertilisation failure. When the sperm is normal, ICSI does not raise the chances. The choice is made from the semen analysis and history, not automatically.

Fresh or frozen transfer (freeze-all). In some situations — a high response with risk of hyperstimulation, raised progesterone on the trigger day, or planned genetic testing — we freeze all embryos and transfer in a later natural or prepared cycle. Modern vitrification gives embryo survival rates above 95%, so freezing does not “damage” embryos. Fresh versus frozen is individualised; neither is inherently superior for every patient.

Realistic expectations. The chance of a live birth per cycle depends mainly on the woman’s age and ovarian reserve. Many couples need more than one cycle; the cumulative chance after 2–3 attempts is considerably higher than that of a single cycle. Our calculator gives an individualised estimate based on published data, so you know what to expect before you start.

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