This multi-layered approach ensures we understand the patient’s complete reproductive and medical background. By combining all available information, our physicians and embryologists can devise a personalized protocol that maximizes the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.

Emotional and Psychological Readiness

We acknowledge that fertility treatments can be emotionally demanding. As part of our holistic philosophy, we provide counseling services and psychological support before, during, and after treatment. This is especially significant for patients traveling from the UK who may be away from their usual support networks. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where both partners feel emotionally prepared and empowered at every stage.

Ovarian Stimulation

In IVF, the first clinical step is to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs in a single cycle. This process typically starts at the beginning of a woman’s menstrual period and lasts about 10–12 days. We customize each protocol based on hormonal levels, previous responses to fertility medications, and other individual factors.

1. Hormonal Medications: We use a combination of gonadotropins (FSH, LH) to encourage the development of multiple follicles.
2. Monitoring: Regular blood tests help track hormone levels, while transvaginal ultrasounds enable us to visualize follicular growth in real time.
3. Trigger Injection: When follicles reach the optimal size (usually 18–20 mm in diameter), we administer a “trigger” shot—often human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)—to finalize egg maturation.

Our experience and adherence to the British Fertility Society (BFS) recommendations help us maintain a balance between achieving an optimal number of mature eggs and minimizing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Egg Retrieval and Sperm Preparation

Egg Collection

Egg retrieval is scheduled approximately 36 hours after the trigger injection. This procedure is performed under light general anesthesia to ensure comfort. Guided by transvaginal ultrasound, a thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall to aspirate fluid from each follicle, retrieving the eggs. Typically, the procedure takes about 10–15 minutes.

Sperm Capacitation

On the day of egg retrieval, we also collect or thaw the male partner’s sperm sample. In order to optimize sperm quality, 3–5 days of sexual abstinence is usually recommended. If the male partner cannot provide a fresh sample or in cases of donor sperm, we prepare frozen samples to ensure the best sperm parameters.

In instances of azoospermia (no sperm in the ejaculate), a surgical procedure called microTESE (Microscopic Testicular Sperm Extraction) may be performed under general anesthesia to collect sperm directly from testicular tissue. This approach has enabled many men who might otherwise be unable to father a child to have a biological connection to their offspring.

Fertilization in the Laboratory

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

We employ ICSI for the majority of our IVF cases, particularly if sperm quality is compromised. During ICSI, a single healthy sperm is meticulously injected into each mature egg. This technique has dramatically improved success rates for couples with severe male infertility. Once injected, the eggs are placed in specialized media and incubated in strictly controlled conditions—temperature, humidity, and gas composition are all maintained within precise limits to nurture optimal embryo development.

Embryo Culture

Within approximately 24 hours, our embryologists check for successful fertilization by observing the presence of two pronuclei, which represent the maternal and paternal genetic material. Embryos then continue to develop in our laboratory for 2–5 days:

• Day 3 Embryos: They generally reach the 6–8 cell stage.
• Day 5 Blastocysts: These embryos have advanced into a more complex structure, offering a higher chance of successful implantation if deemed viable.

In certain cases, we recommend Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). This involves performing an embryo biopsy, removing one or more cells for genetic analysis to ensure only healthy embryos—free from specific genetic or chromosomal abnormalities—are selected for transfer.

Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer is typically conducted between Day 2 and Day 5 post-fertilization, although recent advances often favor a blastocyst (Day 5) transfer for more precise embryo selection. The procedure itself is straightforward:

1. We insert a thin catheter containing the selected embryo(s) through the cervix into the uterus.
2. Ultrasound guidance from the abdomen ensures accurate placement.
3. It is generally painless and does not require anesthesia.

Following a brief rest (about 30–60 minutes), patients can resume normal daily activities, although we do advise taking it easy for the remainder of the day. Any remaining healthy embryos may be cryopreserved for future use, a process that can significantly reduce the physical and financial burden of additional IVF cycles.

Achieving a Positive Pregnancy Test

Approximately 10–12 days after embryo transfer, we ask our patients to undergo a blood test (beta-hCG) to verify whether implantation has occurred. A positive, increasing beta-hCG level suggests the onset of pregnancy. Around two weeks later, a transvaginal ultrasound can often confirm the presence of a gestational sac.

During the first trimester, we typically prescribe hormone support, especially progesterone, to stabilize the uterine lining and support the developing pregnancy. It is crucial to follow medication guidelines closely; discontinuing progesterone too early can elevate the risk of miscarriage.

Why Choose Vita Altera Cyprus IVF Center?

Scientific Excellence and Cutting-Edge Technology

Our team of reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists, and counselors stays abreast of the latest research, such as publications from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines in the UK. We integrate new insights into our protocols to improve clinical outcomes for our patients.

Personalized Care for UK Patients

By choosing Vita Altera Cyprus Ivf Center, you gain access to a facility that understands the practical and emotional challenges of traveling for fertility care. We work closely with our UK-based patients to schedule treatment windows that align with travel availability, ensure minimal disruption to life at home, and maintain continuity of care throughout the process.

Transparent Costs and Shorter Wait Times

In the UK, many fertility centers face long waiting lists, and the associated costs can be significant. At Vita Altera, we strive to offer competitively priced, high-quality treatments with transparent pricing structures. Additionally, we often have more flexible scheduling options, which means less waiting and more direct access to the care you need.

Comprehensive Support Services

From airport transfers to accommodation recommendations, we aim to make your time in Cyprus as seamless and stress-free as possible. Our staff is fluent in English, and we work diligently to create an environment that feels like a home away from home for our international patients.

Your Journey to Parenthood Begins Here

At Vita Altera Cyprus ivf center, we consider it both a privilege and a responsibility to assist you in your fertility journey. Our approach is rooted in scientific rigor, personalized treatment strategies, and a commitment to the highest medical and ethical standards. Whether you are contending with male or female infertility factors, or are simply exploring your options for starting or expanding your family, we welcome you to discover the advantages of undergoing IVF in our state-of-the-art facility in Cyprus.

If you are in the United Kingdom and are considering IVF abroad, we invite you to contact us. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing compassionate care, grounded in evidence-based medicine, to guide you every step of the way toward the fulfillment of your family goals. We look forward to partnering with you on this transformative journey.