Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility Treatments

The answers to these frequently asked questions have been prepared by the editorial team at GAIA Fertility Clinic and medically reviewed by Dr. Grether Pérez to ensure the information is accurate, up to date, and based on scientific evidence.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines infertility as a disease of the reproductive system characterised by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

Strictly speaking, the following definitions are currently accepted:

  • Primary Sterility: When a couple has not achieved a pregnancy after one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
  • Secondary Sterility: When a couple is unable to achieve another pregnancy after the birth of their first child, despite one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
  • Primary Infertility: When a pregnancy is achieved but does not result in the birth of a live baby.
  • Secondary Infertility: When a couple who have previously had a child are unable to achieve another pregnancy resulting in a live birth.

The chance of conceiving during the first month of trying is approximately 25%. After three months of regular unprotected intercourse, the cumulative chance of pregnancy is around 50%.

However, female age remains one of the most important factors affecting fertility. For this reason, we generally recommend seeking fertility advice within the following timeframes, provided there are no known fertility-related medical conditions:

  • Under 35 years old: After 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse.
  • 35–38 years old: After 6 months of regular unprotected intercourse.
  • Over 38 years old: After 3 months of regular unprotected intercourse.

In general, fertility investigations cannot guarantee fertility or infertility with absolute certainty, as no test provides a definitive answer.

However, fertility testing can provide a highly accurate assessment of reproductive potential and the likelihood of achieving pregnancy.

Only in certain situations, such as the complete absence of sperm or confirmed absence or blockage of the fallopian tubes, can infertility be diagnosed with certainty.

Approximately 20% of couples of reproductive age experience fertility difficulties.
In Spain alone, an estimated 800,000 couples are affected by fertility-related problems.

The first consultation is designed to understand your individual circumstances and fertility history.
Your specialist will review any previous medical tests, discuss your reproductive health, and recommend further investigations if necessary.
A comprehensive gynaecological and fertility assessment will be performed, including a transvaginal ultrasound scan.

Based on the information gathered during this consultation, your fertility specialist will be able to advise on the most appropriate treatment options and next steps.

The chances of achieving pregnancy vary depending on several factors, including age, fertility diagnosis, egg quality, sperm quality, and overall reproductive health.

Thanks to advances in assisted reproduction, many fertility challenges can now be successfully treated. At Gaia Fertility, we personalise every treatment plan to maximise the chances of success based on each patient’s individual circumstances.
For further information, you can consult the success rates provided within each treatment section.

Diagnostic tests provide valuable information about sperm quality and its ability to fertilise an egg.
Combined with the results of the female partner’s fertility assessment, these findings help our fertility specialists recommend the most appropriate assisted reproduction treatment for your specific situation.

When ovarian function has ceased and menopause has occurred, pregnancy can generally only be achieved using donor eggs or, in some cases, donor embryos.
Egg donation offers high success rates because the eggs come from young donors who have undergone comprehensive medical screening.

At Gaia Fertility Clinic, treatment is generally not offered to women over the age of 50, except in exceptional circumstances, due to the increased maternal and pregnancy-related risks associated with advanced age.

In many cases, yes.

Through Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), embryos created through IVF can be analysed before transfer. This allows specialists to identify embryos that are not affected by a specific inherited condition and select those suitable for transfer.

The suitability of PGT depends on the particular genetic condition involved and requires individual assessment by a fertility specialist and genetic counsellor.

Fertility medication is tailored to each patient based on factors such as age, weight, and ovarian reserve. During treatment, some women may experience mild discomfort and mood changes similar to those that can occur before menstruation. These effects are usually temporary and well tolerated.

No. In most cases, you can continue your normal daily routine throughout treatment.

We generally recommend avoiding strenuous physical activity around the time of egg collection, but there is usually no need for complete rest during ovarian stimulation.

No. Current scientific evidence does not show that bed rest improves implantation rates following embryo transfer.

Most patients can resume their usual daily activities after the procedure.
However, it is important to follow all medical advice provided by your fertility specialist and take any prescribed medication exactly as instructed.

Following embryo transfer, a blood test is usually performed approximately 10 days later to measure levels of the hormone beta-hCG.
This test determines whether implantation has occurred and whether pregnancy has been achieved.

Yes. At Gaia Fertility Clinic, we believe emotional wellbeing is just as important as medical care.

Fertility treatment can be an emotionally demanding experience, which is why we provide ongoing support throughout the process.
Our patients have access to personalised guidance and support whenever they need it, helping them feel accompanied, understood, and cared for at every stage of their fertility journey.