Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery time varies from person to person. In general, strenuous activities should be avoided during the initial recovery period, and the wound should be cared for according to the doctor’s instructions. If you experience pain, swelling, bleeding, or any unusual symptoms, you should contact your doctor.

TESE can be performed in some cases even when no sperm are found in the semen. However, the chance of successfully retrieving sperm depends on the underlying cause of azoospermia and the testicles’ ability to produce sperm. The doctor will assess each case individually.

TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) is a technique that involves retrieving sperm from testicular tissue. A doctor makes a small incision to collect a tissue sample from the testicle, which is then examined in the laboratory to identify viable sperm for use in fertility treatments such as ICSI.

PESA is a technique that helps retrieve sperm for use in fertility treatment, particularly in men who cannot obtain sperm through normal ejaculation. However, the chance of pregnancy depends on several factors, including sperm quality, egg quality, the woman’s age, and other factors affecting both partners.

Yes. If suitable sperm can be successfully retrieved, sperm obtained through PESA can be used directly for ICSI to help achieve fertilization with the egg.

PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) is a technique for retrieving sperm from the epididymis using a fine needle inserted through the skin. The retrieved sperm can then be used in fertility treatments such as ICSI.

Conventional semen collection involves collecting sperm from semen after ejaculation, whereas SSR involves retrieving sperm directly from the male reproductive system through a medical procedure. Therefore, SSR is suitable for men who cannot obtain sperm through normal ejaculation.

SSR may be considered for men who have no sperm in their semen, blockage of the sperm ducts, or difficulty ejaculating normally. The doctor will first evaluate the underlying cause before selecting the most appropriate sperm retrieval technique.

It is a procedure that involves retrieving sperm through a medical procedure or surgery from the male reproductive system when sperm cannot be obtained through normal ejaculation. The retrieved sperm can then be used for fertility treatments such as ICSI.

PGT-SR is generally recommended for couples where one partner is known to carry a balanced chromosomal rearrangement, such as a balanced translocation, or in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss where a chromosomal abnormality is suspected. The fertility specialist will assess each couple’s individual circumstances and determine the most appropriate type of genetic testing to address the underlying risk.

Although PGT-SR is a highly effective tool, there are some limitations that couples should be aware of:

It cannot always determine whether an embryo is completely chromosomally normal or a carrier of a balanced translocation; it primarily identifies whether the embryo has an unbalanced chromosomal rearrangement.
It may not detect all very small genetic abnormalities, such as microduplications or microdeletions.
It does not guarantee a 100% successful pregnancy, although it may help improve treatment outcomes in selected cases.
PGT-SR is performed as part of an IVF/ICSI treatment cycle to create embryos for genetic testing.

It can help. PGT-M can use genetic information from a previously affected child as a reference when developing the test, allowing the specific disease-causing genetic variant to be identified more precisely. This can increase confidence that a future child will not be affected by the same genetic disorder and help reduce the risk at its source.

It is highly recommended if both the father and mother are carriers of the same genetic disorder, such as thalassemia. The child has a 25% chance of being affected by the disorder, while PGT-M can help select embryos that are unaffected or are only carriers, helping reduce the risk of the genetic disorder affecting the child’s health in the future.

It does not affect the embryo, as embryologists take only 5–10 cells from the trophectoderm, which will develop into the placenta, without touching the part that will develop into the baby. Therefore, the embryo can retain its potential for normal development.

PGT-A is a screening test for chromosomal abnormalities, such as those associated with Down syndrome, while PGT-M specifically tests for single-gene disorders associated with a particular genetic condition based on the family history. In some cases, both tests may be performed together to help select embryos without the specific genetic or chromosomal abnormalities being tested.

PGT-A does not need to be performed on every embryo, but it may be considered for couples with certain risk factors, such as women over 35 years of age, a history of recurrent miscarriage, or previous unsuccessful embryo transfers, to help select embryos with a normal chromosome profile for transfer.

Current embryo cryopreservation technology is highly safe, and embryo structure and quality are generally well preserved. However, undergoing multiple freeze–thaw cycles may slightly increase the risk, particularly for embryos that are already of lower quality. It is recommended to undergo the procedure at a clinic with advanced laboratory standards to help minimize potential risks.

Thawing embryos for PGT-A generally does not affect embryo quality, particularly when the embryos are of good quality and handled in a high-standard laboratory. However, embryos that are of lower quality from the beginning may have a higher chance of incomplete recovery after thawing, so each case should be individually assessed by a fertility specialist.

You can still have children. IVF/ICSI is one of the treatment options that allows fertilization to occur outside the body without relying on the fallopian tubes to bring the egg and sperm together.

The primary purpose of HSG is to evaluate the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes, rather than directly treat infertility. However, some patients may experience an increased chance of pregnancy after the procedure, particularly when an oil-based contrast medium is used, although this benefit does not occur in everyone.

Because the fallopian tubes are where the sperm and egg meet for fertilization, blocked fallopian tubes can be one of the causes of difficulty conceiving. HSG helps doctors assess potential causes of infertility and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

HSG (Hysterosalpingography) is a diagnostic procedure that involves injecting a contrast dye into the uterus and using X-rays to examine the shape of the uterine cavity and determine whether the fallopian tubes are open or blocked.

A thin endometrial lining may be associated with a lower chance of successful embryo implantation. Direct injection of PRP into the endometrium is intended to support tissue regeneration and may help improve endometrial thickness through concentrated growth factors, potentially helping prepare the uterine lining for embryo transfer.

It may be suitable for women who retrieve a low number of eggs or whose embryos frequently have chromosomal abnormalities. For example, in Khun Yok’s case, after undergoing ovarian PRP treatment, the number of eggs retrieved increased significantly (22 and 24 eggs), potentially increasing the chance of obtaining chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos for transfer into the uterus.

The embryo development data obtained from EmbryoScope helps doctors plan embryo transfer at an appropriate time, such as selecting blastocyst-stage transfer or deciding to freeze the embryos for a more suitable cycle. This may help improve the chances of embryo implantation and a successful pregnancy.

In cases where embryos may be sensitive to changes in temperature, light, or other environmental conditions, EmbryoScope’s closed incubation system can help minimize these external disturbances. This may be particularly beneficial for couples who wish to maintain a stable environment for embryo culture throughout the entire development process.

Embryoscope Plus is not necessary in every case, but it may be particularly suitable for couples who want to minimize risks during embryo culture and obtain detailed information about embryo development, especially those who have previously experienced unsuccessful IVF/ICSI treatment or have a limited number of embryos. Suitability should be assessed individually in consultation with a fertility specialist.

The overall timeline remains the same as the standard ICSI process, as it only involves changing the type of culture medium used to grow the embryos in the incubator.

GM-CSF does not improve the quality of the original reproductive cells, such as eggs or sperm. Its role begins after fertilization, once the egg has developed into an embryo, where it is used to support embryo development during the early stages.

Yes, the two techniques can be used together. Chromosome testing helps screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, while GM-CSF-containing embryo culture medium is intended to support embryo development before embryo transfer. However, GM-CSF does not guarantee stronger implantation or a higher chance of pregnancy.

GM-CSF is considered safe because it is not a foreign chemical, but a naturally occurring protein found in the human body. When used during ICSI, it is intended to mimic components of the maternal environment and support the embryo during its early stages of development.

Embryo Glue is not necessary in every case. If the woman is young, has a healthy endometrial lining, and has no history of implantation problems, embryo transfer without Embryo Glue can still be successful. However, for patients at higher risk of implantation failure, Embryo Glue may help increase the chance of pregnancy.

Embryo Glue helps the embryo attach more effectively to the uterine lining, which is an important step in implantation. It also contains essential nutrients that support the embryo during the early stages of development.

Embryo Glue may be suitable for individuals at higher risk of implantation failure, such as women aged 35 and above, those with previous unsuccessful embryo transfers, or those with a thin endometrial lining. The use of Embryo Glue may help improve the chances of embryo implantation and development.

Embryo Glue is not glue in the conventional sense. It is an embryo culture medium containing Hyaluronan, which helps enhance the attachment of the embryo to the uterine lining and may increase the chance of implantation. It is a specialized biotechnology used during embryo transfer in IVF or ICSI.

It helps select sperm with low DNA fragmentation, resulting in sperm with greater genetic integrity, which is an important factor in fertilization, embryo development, and the success of IVF (ICSI).

This technology plays a role in selecting high-quality sperm from a semen sample to obtain sperm that are more suitable for use in IUI or ICSI treatment. Therefore, it cannot treat sperm abnormalities.

It may be suitable for individuals with poor sperm quality, high DNA fragmentation, a history of unsuccessful fertility treatment, or cases where a doctor determines that this technology may support more effective sperm selection before treatment. Individual assessment by a fertility specialist is recommended.

Microfluidics Chip is a technology that selects sperm through microscopic channels by utilizing the sperm’s natural motility to select sperm with high quality and genetic integrity for use in fertility treatments such as IUI and ICSI.

It may be considered for men with abnormal sperm quality, low sperm motility, a high proportion of abnormal sperm morphology, high Sperm DNA Fragmentation, or couples with a history of unsuccessful IVF/ICSI treatment. Medical evaluation should be performed beforehand.

Sperm Selection is the process of selecting sperm with suitable characteristics, such as good motility, normal morphology, and appropriate quality for use in fertility treatment, particularly ICSI.

MACS uses substances that can bind to sperm showing signs of apoptosis and uses a magnetic field to separate these sperm from the sample, allowing the remaining sperm to be selected for use in the treatment process.

PICSI is a safe technique with no additional side effects; it simply improves the method of sperm selection.

Studies show that pregnancy rates increased by 10-15% compared with standard ICSI.

The FSHR Genotype Test provides additional information about how the ovaries may respond to FSH stimulation and may help doctors develop a more personalized ovarian stimulation plan based on an individual’s genetic profile. However, the test does not guarantee a higher chance of pregnancy, as treatment success depends on multiple factors, including age, egg quality, sperm quality, and embryo quality.

The FSHR Genotype Test may be considered before starting IVF/ICSI treatment to provide additional information for planning ovarian stimulation. It may be particularly useful for women over 35 years of age or those with a history of difficulty conceiving or poor response to ovarian stimulation. The decision to perform the test should be based on an individual assessment by a fertility specialist.

The FSHR Genotype Test provides information about how a woman may respond to ovarian stimulation with FSH. This information may help doctors develop a more personalized stimulation plan and determine an appropriate medication dosage, potentially helping to avoid unnecessary use of higher doses.

The FSHR Genotype Test is a genetic test that helps assess how the ovaries may respond to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The results can provide additional information for developing a more personalized ovarian stimulation plan, particularly for patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment.

Couples can still have a good chance of having a healthy baby. Depending on their individual circumstances, they may consider assisted reproductive technologies such as ICSI or IUI together with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to help identify embryos without specific genetic abnormalities. Another option may be prenatal diagnosis during pregnancy, based on the recommendations of a fertility or genetic specialist, to support safer pregnancy planning.

The two tests are significantly different. Routine preconception health screening generally includes blood tests to assess overall health, such as screening for infectious diseases and evaluating organ function. In contrast, genetic carrier screening focuses on analyzing genes to determine whether an individual carries genetic variants that could be passed on to their children. It provides a deeper assessment of inherited risks and can help couples make more informed decisions when planning a pregnancy.

Today, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology can analyze hundreds of genes simultaneously in a single test. It provides highly accurate and detailed genetic information beyond routine health screening. However, the accuracy and clinical interpretation of the results depend on the testing method, laboratory standards, and expertise of the medical team involved.

Any couple planning to have children can consider genetic carrier screening, even without a family history of genetic disorders, as carriers may have no symptoms. Screening is particularly recommended for couples with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss, a family history of genetic disorders, or those undergoing IVF/ICSI, as it can help assess the risk of passing inherited conditions to their children.

No. Freezing sperm or embryos does not affect the ability to conceive naturally in the future. Cryopreservation is simply a method of preserving sperm, eggs, or embryos for potential future use and does not directly affect natural fertility.

Based on available studies, there is no significant evidence of an increased risk of congenital abnormalities in children conceived using frozen sperm or frozen embryos compared with naturally conceived pregnancies. However, pregnancy outcomes can also be influenced by factors such as parental age, genetic factors, and overall reproductive health.

Frozen sperm can potentially be stored for more than 50 years when properly cryopreserved and maintained under appropriate laboratory conditions. Frozen embryos can also be stored for many years. However, the recommended storage period may vary depending on local regulations, clinic policies, and individual circumstances. Your fertility specialist can advise on the appropriate storage duration for your specific situation.

You may experience temporary side effects such as bloating, breast tenderness, or bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, ovarian stimulation may cause Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), in which the ovaries respond excessively to the medication.
In general, most patients can return to their normal daily activities within 1–2 days after egg retrieval. However, if you experience severe pain, significant abdominal swelling, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, or other unusual symptoms, you should seek medical attention promptly.

The recommended number of eggs to freeze depends on your age and egg quality. In general, around 10–20 mature eggs may be considered for a reasonable chance of having a child in the future, although women who freeze their eggs at an older age may need more eggs to achieve a similar chance.
Frozen eggs can be stored for many years when properly preserved under appropriate laboratory conditions. The potential for future use depends on factors such as the quality of the eggs at the time of freezing and the standards of the laboratory where they are stored.

Before egg freezing, you should have a fertility assessment, including AMH testing and an ultrasound to evaluate the number of antral follicles. You may also need basic blood tests and screening for certain infections. Discuss any medications and underlying medical conditions with your doctor. During the preparation period, get enough rest, avoid smoking and alcohol, exercise moderately, and follow the prescribed medication schedule carefully during ovarian stimulation.

Egg freezing is the process of retrieving a woman’s own eggs and freezing them for potential use in the future. The main steps include:

Ovarian stimulation: Hormonal medication is administered for approximately 8–14 days, with ultrasound monitoring to track follicle development.
Egg retrieval: Mature eggs are retrieved through the vagina under anesthesia. The procedure usually takes only a short time.
Egg selection and freezing: Mature eggs (MII oocytes) are selected and rapidly frozen using a technique called vitrification, then stored in liquid nitrogen.
Future use: When you are ready to have a child, the eggs are thawed and fertilized with sperm, typically using ICSI. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus.

The ideal age to consider egg freezing is generally 25–35 years old, when egg quantity and quality are more favorable. In general, freezing eggs at a younger age may provide a better chance of future use. Egg freezing may also be considered before treatments that could affect fertility, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, before ovarian surgery, or when there are signs of reduced ovarian reserve, such as a low AMH level.

Yes, there is still a chance of having a child. An abnormal fertility test result does not necessarily mean that pregnancy is impossible. Your doctor will evaluate the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which may include assessing the fertility of both partners.

A semen analysis evaluates key sperm parameters, including sperm count or concentration, motility, and morphology, which help doctors assess male fertility.

Male fertility testing is used to evaluate factors that may affect a man’s ability to conceive, particularly sperm production and sperm quality.

Not necessarily. Although having regular menstrual cycles can be a sign of normal reproductive function, it does not guarantee normal egg quality, ovarian reserve, fallopian tube function, or overall fertility.

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a hormone used to help assess the ovarian reserve, or the estimated number of eggs remaining in the ovaries.

Female fertility testing is a series of assessments used to evaluate a woman’s reproductive health, including ovarian reserve, ovarian function, ovulation, hormone levels, and the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes. These tests can help identify factors that may affect fertility and guide an appropriate treatment plan.

The success rate of IVF varies depending on several factors, with the woman’s age being one of the most important factors. Other factors include egg and sperm quality, embryo quality, reproductive health, and the underlying cause of infertility. Your fertility specialist can assess these factors and provide a more personalized estimate of your chances of success.

One IVF cycle typically takes around 4–6 weeks, starting from the initial health assessment and ovarian stimulation through egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo development, and embryo transfer. The exact timeline may vary depending on each patient’s condition and treatment plan.

The IVF process includes several steps, such as health assessments, ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. Some steps may cause mild discomfort, but overall, the pain is generally mild to moderate and manageable.

The level of discomfort may vary at each stage:

• Pelvic examination and transvaginal ultrasound
  You may feel some pressure or tightness when the instruments are inserted, but the procedure is generally not painful and usually takes only about 5 minutes.
• Ovarian stimulation injections
  Hormone injections are administered into the abdominal wall daily for approximately 8–12 days. Since a small needle is used, you may experience mild pain or a brief stinging sensation during the injection.
• Egg retrieval
  Egg retrieval is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and should not feel pain during the procedure. After waking up, you may experience mild abdominal cramping similar to menstrual pain, which typically lasts around 2–3 days.
• Embryo transfer
  During embryo transfer, you may feel slight pressure or mild discomfort, but it is generally not very painful.

Overall, any discomfort associated with IVF is generally manageable, and the medical team will take steps to ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout the treatment.

An unsuccessful first IUI attempt does not mean that pregnancy is impossible. The physician will evaluate the treatment results and various factors to determine whether to proceed with further IUI cycles or transition to more suitable methods such as IVF/ICSI.

In general, you can return to your normal daily activities after IUI. Prolonged bed rest is not necessary. However, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations and avoid strenuous activities if advised.

IUI is generally a quick procedure and usually causes only mild discomfort when the catheter is inserted into the uterus. Some patients may experience mild cramping or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen after the procedure.

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a fertility treatment in which specially prepared and selected sperm are directly inserted into the uterus around the time of ovulation. This helps bring the sperm closer to the egg, increasing the chance of fertilization.

Yes, sexual intercourse is generally allowed during the ICSI treatment process. However, condoms should be used consistently to prevent unintended natural conception and reduce the risk of a multiple pregnancy. Follow your doctor’s specific recommendations throughout the treatment.

Pelvic examination and transvaginal ultrasound: You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort when the ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina. The procedure is generally not painful and usually takes no more than 5 minutes.
Egg retrieval: Egg retrieval is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and should not feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience mild lower abdominal cramping similar to menstrual pain, which usually improves within 1–2 days.
Ovarian stimulation injections: You will need to inject medication into the abdominal wall for approximately 8–12 days. Because a small needle is used, you may experience mild discomfort or a brief stinging sensation during the injection.

ICSI treatment typically takes around 4–6 weeks, starting from the initial health assessment and ovarian stimulation through egg retrieval, sperm collection, fertilization, embryo development, and embryo transfer back into the uterus. The exact timeline may vary depending on each patient’s condition and treatment plan.

The main difference between IVF and ICSI lies in how fertilization takes place.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): The eggs and sperm are placed together in a laboratory dish, allowing the sperm to naturally swim toward and fertilize the egg. IVF may be suitable when the sperm has adequate quality and is capable of naturally penetrating the egg.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A single sperm is directly injected into an egg by an embryologist to facilitate fertilization. ICSI may be recommended when the male partner has poor sperm quality, low sperm motility, or difficulty fertilizing the egg naturally.

Yes, it is highly suitable. VFC Center meets international standards, has a multilingual support team, and has received positive feedback from international patients who have received treatment there. This helps confirm the quality of care and services provided.