IVF Programs in Yerevan

Natural-cycle IVF follows the development of the follicle that grows during a natural menstrual cycle, without routine ovarian stimulation. Ultrasound and, when needed, blood tests help plan egg retrieval before ovulation. A modified natural cycle may use medication to trigger ovulation or prevent its premature onset.

The retrieved mature egg is fertilised by conventional IVF or ICSI when indicated. Any resulting embryo may be transferred or frozen. Usually only one egg is expected, and the cycle may end without an egg, an embryo or a transfer. Your specialist will explain whether this approach is suitable for you and discuss the alternatives.

Mild-stimulation IVF uses lower doses or a shorter course of ovarian stimulation medication than a conventional protocol. The medication, dose and duration are selected individually and adjusted using ultrasound and, when needed, blood tests.

After egg retrieval, mature eggs are fertilised by conventional IVF or ICSI according to the clinical indications. Embryos may be transferred or cryopreserved. The number of eggs obtained varies and cannot be guaranteed.

This approach may reduce medication use, but it is not automatically the best option for low AMH, older age or a previous unsuccessful cycle. Fewer eggs may mean fewer embryos available; more than one retrieval may be needed. Side effects, an inadequate response, premature ovulation and ovarian hyperstimulation remain possible.

Conventional stimulated IVF uses medication to support the growth of several ovarian follicles. Each follicle may contain an egg; the number of follicles does not equal the number of mature eggs or usable embryos.

The protocol and medication doses are chosen individually. Ultrasound and blood tests monitor the response. Eggs are retrieved before ovulation and fertilised by conventional IVF or ICSI when indicated. Embryos are assessed for transfer or freezing.

Low AMH alone is not a contraindication to ovarian stimulation, although fewer eggs may be obtained. More eggs do not automatically mean better egg quality. Risks include medication side effects, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and complications of retrieval. The team adapts treatment to reduce these risks and discusses realistic expectations.

Previously frozen eggs from the patient or a donor are warmed in the laboratory. Surviving mature eggs are usually fertilised by ICSI, and any resulting embryos are assessed for transfer or freezing.

This option can avoid another egg retrieval when stored eggs are available. Not every egg survives warming, fertilises or develops into an embryo. The chances depend on factors including age at freezing, egg quality and laboratory conditions. Donor programmes may use either frozen or fresh eggs.

A donor sperm unit is a labelled vial or straw of cryopreserved sperm intended for an agreed treatment. Its suitability for IVF, ICSI or intrauterine insemination depends on the preparation and laboratory assessment; one unit is not automatically suitable for every procedure.

Sperm donors are aged 18–35 and undergo medical assessment, infection testing and appropriate genetic screening. Quarantine and repeat testing follow applicable requirements. Screening reduces risk but cannot eliminate all infections or genetic conditions.

The laboratory confirms the sample specifications and treatment plan before use. Donor selection may take account of physical characteristics and the information available in the donor profile.

A donor egg is an oocyte provided by a screened donor for use in an agreed IVF programme. Depending on the programme, fresh eggs or previously frozen eggs may be used and fertilised with the partner’s or donor sperm.

Donor eggs may be considered when the prospect of treatment with the patient’s own eggs is limited or when there is a relevant genetic risk. Low AMH alone does not make treatment with one’s own eggs contraindicated; options should be discussed individually.

One egg does not guarantee fertilisation, an embryo, pregnancy or a live birth. The number of eggs, laboratory procedures, costs and refund conditions must be set out in the programme agreement.

An individual egg donor programme includes donor selection, screening, ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval for an agreed recipient programme. Donors are aged 20–32 and must meet the clinic’s medical eligibility criteria.

The stimulation dose is individualised. A yield of 10–15 eggs is an expectation, not a guarantee: the actual number of eggs, their maturity and the number of embryos vary. Treatment may use fresh eggs or involve freezing, depending on the plan.

Donor compensation is typically $2,000–$5,000 or the equivalent in another currency; the exact amount, included services and allocation of eggs are specified in the agreement. Discuss the total cost, scheduling, medical risks and options if the response is lower than expected.

In a frozen embryo transfer cycle, a previously cryopreserved embryo is warmed and transferred into the uterus. Endometrial preparation may follow a natural cycle or use medication, depending on the patient’s circumstances.

The embryologist assesses survival after warming. A thin catheter is used for transfer; anaesthesia is usually unnecessary, although discomfort or cramping may occur. The number of embryos transferred is decided individually, taking account of clinical guidance and the risks of multiple pregnancy.

Medication and the timing of pregnancy testing are prescribed by the treating specialist. Freezing and warming do not guarantee embryo survival, implantation or a live birth.

Surgical sperm retrieval may be considered for some men with azoospermia or when sperm cannot be obtained from an ejaculate. Depending on the diagnosis, the specialist may recommend aspiration, TESE or micro-TESE, or another treatment.

The laboratory searches the collected material for sperm, which may be used for ICSI or frozen when suitable. Finding usable sperm is not guaranteed, particularly in non-obstructive azoospermia. Retrieval is not the only possible treatment for every cause of azoospermia.

Risks include pain, bleeding, infection and possible effects on testicular function. The method, anaesthesia, storage period and fees are discussed before the procedure.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared from a sample of the patient’s blood, not from endometrial tissue. The blood is processed to obtain plasma with a higher concentration of platelets, which may then be introduced into the uterine cavity.

Endometrial PRP is an investigational fertility add-on. Current evidence does not establish that it improves the chance of a live birth. It should not be described as a proven treatment for thin endometrium, implantation failure or chronic endometritis.

Using the patient’s own blood does not eliminate risks. Possible harms include pain, bleeding, infection and contamination during preparation. Before considering PRP, discuss the evidence, alternatives, costs and uncertainties with your specialist. An endometrial biopsy, when medically indicated, is a separate procedure.

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) examines a sample of cells from an embryo before transfer. PGT-A assesses chromosome number; PGT-M tests for a specified monogenic condition; PGT-SR is used when a parent carries a relevant chromosomal structural rearrangement.

For blastocyst biopsy, a small opening is made in the zona pellucida, the shell surrounding the embryo, and several cells are taken from the trophectoderm, the outer cell layer. Embryos are generally frozen while results are pending.

Testing has limitations, including mosaic or inconclusive results and possible false results. Biopsy, freezing and warming carry risks. PGT does not detect every genetic condition or guarantee a healthy child, implantation or a live birth. PGT-A is not proven to improve overall live-birth rates for all IVF patients.

The indication, type of test and interpretation require individual discussion with a reproductive specialist and genetic counsellor. Prenatal screening or diagnostic testing may still be recommended during pregnancy.