FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the desire to have children

If pregnancy does not occur despite regular unprotected sexual intercourse for six to twelve months, a medical examination is advisable. Women over the age of 35 are recommended to contact us after six months, as fertility decreases significantly with age.

The initial consultation involves a detailed assessment of your medical history. We will discuss your previous fertility history, any previous findings, previous pregnancies or miscarriages, your cycle, lifestyle and frequency of sexual intercourse. On the basis of this discussion, we plan further clarifications or therapies on an individual basis.

"My first appointment with fertisuisse"

At the beginning, a gynecological examination, hormone analyses, an ultrasound check of the ovaries and uterus and a sperm analysis in men are usually carried out. Depending on the findings, further specific investigations may follow.

We offer all common forms of assisted reproduction, including innovative hormonal stimulation treatments, insemination (IUI), insemination with donor sperm, in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. We also carry out surgical treatments such as hysteroscopies and laparoscopies. The choice of treatment depends on the diagnosis and situation.

Yes, since the introduction of "marriage for all", lesbian couples in Switzerland are allowed to make use of sperm donation. We provide same-sex couples with comprehensive advice on legal and medical aspects and accompany them through the entire treatment process.

Under current Swiss law, sperm donation is only permitted for married couples. Single women can therefore not currently be treated in Switzerland, but we are happy to advise on serious options abroad and provide support with medical diagnostics.

In around 20 percent of cases, no clear cause for the inability to conceive can be found despite extensive diagnostics. In such situations, we speak of idiopathic or unexplained infertility. Various treatment strategies are also available here.

Age, especially of the woman, is a decisive factor. Egg quality and the number of eggs decrease significantly from the mid-30s. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, alcohol, stress and lack of sleep can also have a negative impact on fertility in both partners.

At our fertility center in Olten and Basel, we place the utmost importance on safety. Hormone treatments and invasive procedures such as egg retrieval are carefully monitored. Nevertheless, side effects such as overstimulation can occur in rare cases - we will provide you with comprehensive information before starting treatment.

In Switzerland, basic insurance covers the costs of certain basic investigations. Reproductive medical treatments such as IVF or ICSI, on the other hand, are generally not covered by health insurance and must be paid for by the couple themselves. We will provide you with a transparent cost plan before the start of treatment.

The duration depends on the chosen procedure and the individual situation. IVF treatment usually lasts several weeks, including hormonal stimulation, egg retrieval and embryo transfer. In some cases, several cycles are necessary before pregnancy occurs.

A negative test result is emotionally very stressful. We offer you psychological support at all times and discuss the next steps together - be it a new attempt at treatment, an alternative approach or, if necessary, coming to terms with the decision to stop having children.

Yes, unfertilized eggs may be frozen in Switzerland and used for a later attempt within the framework of legal requirements. Storage takes place in our center under strictly controlled conditions.

Surplus embryos can be used for further treatment cycles within the framework of the legal provisions or - after consultation with the couple - discarded. Use for research or donation is not permitted in Switzerland.