Assisted Reproduction

Infertility – Assisted Reproduction Techniques

We are pioneers and a leading national center in the study and treatment of reproductively challenged couples. We offer advice and leading-edge techniques as well as a wide experience in fertility surgery and subsequent monitoring of pregnancy and delivery.

Artificial Insemination:

• A simple technique in which a previously treated sample of seminal fluid is deposited in the patient’s uterus using special tools. With success rates of around 20 percent, at the Unidad de la Mujer artificial insemination is often the first choice for couples with minor fertility problems (small alterations in seminal fluid or ovulation problems) and for single women.

In vitro fertilisation/ICSI:

• It is the process by which the eggs are fertilized outside the woman’s body with the aim to generate embryos that will be later transferred to the future mother’s uterus. It is the most effective reproduction technique with success rates of around 50-60 percent. It is recommended when other techniques have failed and also in couples facing major fertility challenges (severe alterations of seminal fluid, Fallopian tube obstruction, ovarian disorders such as endometriosis…).

Egg donation:

• This is a reproductive technique in which the female gamete (egg) comes from an external donor. It is indicated in women with premature ovarian failure, poor egg quality due to surgeries, genetically transmitted or age-related diseases. The donor’s eggs are later fertilized in vitro with the father’s seminal fluid. The fact that eggs come from young and healthy women (<30 years) allow for high success rates (60 -70 percent).

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis:

• It is the study of the DNA of the embryos obtained in an in vitro fertilization prior to their implantation. Its aim is to select the healthy embryos and discard those that might carry any genetic disease, thus guaranteeing healthy babies. It is indicated in couples that are carriers of genetic mutations (Huntington’s Chorea, cystic fibrosis, Marfan syndrome, fragile X syndrome…), in couples with a history of repeated miscarriages, advanced age o with a history of high rate failure in other fertility treatments.

Fertility preservation for men and women:

• Patients with severe diseases such as cancer who are subject to aggressive treatments can lose their reproductive capacity. There are several treatments that can help preserve their fertility. With males, it is sperm cryopreservation, with women, the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue, embryos or eggs.

Eggs vitrification:

Indicated for the fertility preservation of cancer patients risking the loss of ovarian function due to oncologic therapy.
Also indicated for healthy women who wish to postpone motherhood.