Dr.Alex Aldape

Frequently Asked Questions.

We are here to answer all your questions.

The probability of natural pregnancy varies based on several factors, such as the woman's age, the overall health of the couple, and the frequency of sexual intercourse.
Generally, young and healthy couples have about a 25% chance of getting pregnant each menstrual cycle.

  • Age: Women's fertility declines with age, particularly after 35 years old. By age 40, the probability of pregnancy per cycle is around 5%.
  • Health: Certain health issues, such as fallopian tube diseases, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids, can reduce fertility.
  • Frequency of sexual intercourse: Having regular sexual relations, especially around the time of ovulation, increases the chances of pregnancy.

Genetic screening of embryos, also known as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), is a procedure performed in the field of assisted reproduction to analyze the genetic composition of embryos before transferring them to the mother's uterus.


This technique offers several benefits, including:

  • Increased chances of pregnancy: By selecting genetically healthy embryos, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy is increased, and the number of miscarriages is reduced.
  • Prevention of genetic diseases: PGT allows for the detection and exclusion of embryos carrying hereditary genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, or hemophilia, among others.
  • Improvement of maternal health: By reducing the number of failed pregnancies and miscarriages, the risks associated with these events for the woman's health are decreased.
  • Reduction of emotional stress: For couples with a history of genetic diseases or infertility, PGT can provide relief from emotional stress and greater peace of mind during the assisted reproduction process.

It is important to note that PGT is not without controversy. Some people view it as an unethical practice, as it involves the selection and disposal of human embryos.
However, for others, PGT represents a valuable tool for preventing genetic diseases and improving the chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
The decision to undergo PGT is personal and should be made after careful consideration of the medical, ethical, and psychological aspects involved.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of cysts in the ovaries and hormonal imbalances.
PCOS can affect fertility in several ways:

  •  Ovulation disruption: Women with PCOS may have irregular or absent ovulation, making conception more difficult.
  • Egg quality issues: The hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can affect egg quality, making fertilization more challenging.
  • Insulin resistance: Women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and make weight loss more challenging. Excess weight can further impact fertility.

However, it is important to note that not all women with PCOS experience fertility issues. In fact, many women with PCOS can conceive without treatment.
If you have PCOS and are concerned about your fertility, talk to your doctor. They can help determine if PCOS is affecting your fertility and recommend treatment options.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a protein produced in the ovarian follicles of women. Its main function is to inhibit the development of additional follicles, which helps regulate the number of eggs available for fertilization.

How is the AMH test used?

The AMH test is used to assess a woman's ovarian reserve, meaning the number of eggs she has left.

This information can be useful for:

  • Planning for pregnancy: Women with low AMH levels may have more difficulty getting pregnant.
  • Making fertility decisions: The AMH test can help women decide whether they need to freeze their eggs or explore other fertility treatment options.
  •  Investigating reproductive disorders: Abnormally high or low AMH levels can be a sign of a reproductive disorder, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

 

How is the AMH test performed?

The AMH test is a simple blood test that can be done at any time during the menstrual cycle. Fasting is not required before the test.

Is the AMH test accurate?

The AMH test is a useful tool for assessing ovarian reserve, but it is not perfect. Some factors that can affect the test results include:

  • The woman's age: AMH levels naturally decline with age.
  • The woman's menstrual cycle: AMH levels can vary throughout the menstrual cycle.
  • Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as PCOS or POI, can affect AMH levels.

There are various causes of infertility in both men and women.

Possible causes in women:

  • Ovulatory disorders: Polycystic ovary syndrome, amenorrhea, and thyroid issues can affect ovulation.
  • Fallopian tube problems: Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
  • Endometriosis: Endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, which can cause infertility.
  • Age Female fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35 years old.
  • Uterine problems: Polyps, fibroids, and uterine malformations can hinder the implantation of the fertilized egg.

 

Possible causes in men:

  • Low sperm count: A low sperm count or poor-quality sperm can make it difficult to fertilize the egg.
  • Reduced sperm motility: Sperm that do not move enough cannot reach the egg.
  • Obstruction of the seminal tract: An infection or injury can block the flow of sperm.
  • Hormonal problems: Hormonal imbalances can affect sperm production.

PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies) is an assisted reproduction technique that is... is recommended in the following cases:

  • Couples with recurrent miscarriages: PGT-A can help identify and select chromosomally normal embryos, which may reduce the risk of miscarriage.
  • Women or couples with repeated implantation failures in IVF/ICSI: PGT-A can also help increase implantation and pregnancy rates in couples with repeated IVF/ICSI failures.
  • Women of advanced age equal to or older than 37 years: As women age, the quality of their eggs declines, increasing the risk of chromosomally abnormal embryos. PGT-A can help select healthy embryos from older women.
  • Couples with infertility who desire high therapeutic efficacy: PGT-A can be an option for couples with infertility who want to maximize their chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
  • Men with abnormal sperm FISH or severely altered semen: PGT-A can also be helpful for couples with men who have sperm with chromosomal abnormalities.

Popular Questions

The main difference between low-complexity and high-complexity infertility treatments lies in the level of intervention and the complexity of the procedure.

Low-complexity treatments:

  •  They are performed inside the woman's body.
  • They are less invasive and carry a lower risk.
  • Suelen ser la primera opción de tratamiento.

Examples:

  • Timed intercourse
  • Intracervical artificial insemination (IAC).
  • Intrauterine artificial insemination (IUI).

 

High-complexity treatments:

  • They require the extraction of eggs and sperm from the woman's body.
  • Fertilization is carried out in the laboratory.
  • They are more expensive and carry a higher risk.
  • They are reserved for more severe cases of infertility.

Examples:

  • In vitro fertilization (IVF)
  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
  • Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).

Live birth rate:

  • Artificial insemination (AI): 15-20% per cycle.
  • In vitro fertilization (IVF): 25-35% per cycle.

Factors that influence success rates:

  • Woman's age: Success rates decrease with age, especially after 35 years old.
  • Cause of infertility: Some causes of infertility are more difficult to treat than others.
  • Quality of eggs and sperm: The quality of eggs and sperm is an important factor in the success of any fertility treatment.
  • Experience of the fertility center: The experience of the fertility center can also influence success rates.

In general, IVF has a higher live birth rate than AI. However, AI may be a more cost-effective and less invasive option for some couples.

It is important to speak with a fertility specialist to discuss your options and determine which treatment is best for you.

There are several reasons why clomiphene may not be helping you get pregnant:

  • Ovulation issues: Clomiphene works by stimulating ovulation, so if you are already ovulating regularly, it may not help you get pregnant.
  • Ovarian quality issues: Clomiphene can help the ovaries produce more eggs, but it cannot improve egg quality. If you have ovarian quality issues, clomiphene may not help you get pregnant.
  • Tubal issues: Clomiphene cannot help if you have problems with the fallopian tubes, which are the tubes that transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
  • Partner issues: Clomiphene only addresses female infertility. If your partner has fertility problems, clomiphene may not help you get pregnant.
  • Incorrect dosage: It is important to take the correct dosage of clomiphene. If the dose is too low, it may not be effective enough. If the dose is too high, it can cause side effects.
  • Incorrect treatment duration: Clomiphene is usually taken for 5 days at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. If you take the medication for too long or too short a time, it may not be effective.
  • Side effects: Clomiphene can cause some side effects, such as hot flashes, nausea, and mood swings. These side effects can affect your chances of getting pregnant.

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