We recently spoke with Dr Tsakos from EmbryoClinic who shared with us his top tips for safe and successful fertility treatment. If you are looking for ways to increase chances of a successful treatment, read on!

Tip #1: Educate

It’s a reality that as we grow up, we are often taught how not to get pregnant! So, the first tip is to learn as much as you can about your body, reproduction, and the basics of IVF.

When you start treatment, there are also a lot of acronyms and it can almost seem like you are speaking in a foreign language. But as you read articles like this, engage on the online course, or watch videos and webinars, you will learn about this new language. Soon, the words IVF, ICSI, PGT-a and blastocyst culture will not seem so foreign to you!

It’s also useful to identify what treatment options are more adequate to your individual circumstances. Whether you may consider having treatment with your own eggs, with donor eggs or surrogacy for example.

There is a lot of information online, and it’s not always reliable. Remember to choose trustworthy sources of information, like HFEA, ESHRE, BFS or ASRM. Joining patient support groups can also be a good way of learning about fertility and treatment.

Tip #2 Prepare

Ahead of the initial consultation, there are a few things you can do to prepare for it, and make sure you are taking as much as you can of that moment with the clinicians. You can start by collecting all relevant medical files about your and your partner’s health, medical and surgical history, sexual and menstrual health etc.

If you are monitoring ovulation or have done any basic fertility tests like AMH testing, pelvic ultrasound scan, tubal assessment or semen analysis, remember to bring these to the examination. The more information you have about yourself and your history of trying to conceive, the better the clinicians will be able to help you. You can for example complete the Fertility Risk Detection Tool and take the results to your consultation.

Tip #3 Optimize

Optimizing your chances of success with treatment is also about making sure your body, mind and soul are ready for what’s come. You can improve your nutrition, to make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to thrive, practice moderate exercise, seek fertility coaching, psychological support etc. It’s also important to take essential vitamins supplements, like folic acid and vitamin D.

Tip #4 Explore & Decide

Take your time to explore and decide on the options that are available to you. Reflect on the type of treatment that might be more suitable, for example IUI, IVF, ICSI, egg or sperm donation, surrogacy.

Consider the location where you’d like to have treatment. Different countries have different regulations that may be more fertility friendly to the treatment you need. You may want to have local NHS treatment, or local private treatment, or you may prefer to go a bit further way nationally or even have treatment abroad. To help you explore and decide, you may be able to visit clinics either physically or digitally. You may also be able to have online consultations.

Tip #5 Trust

Finally, once you have made your decision, trust the chose clinic and the team. They are there to support you and guide you in your treatment. Mutual trust is essential for a great experience and for safety and success!

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If you want more information about our egg donation programme, please fill in the contact form in the end of our profile page and we will get in touch with you. You are also welcome to visit our website and see the full range of services e treatments we offer.