Fertility Treatments

Not every case of reduced fertility requires the same treatment. Our guiding principle is: We start with the gentlest methods that place the least burden on the couple—and go only as far as necessary. The assessment will determine which approach is right for you. Treatment is therefore tailored to your needs, not formulaic. On this page, we explain our general approach and when each treatment is appropriate. 

Our guiding principle: as simple as possible, as much as necessary

Reproductive medicine does not automatically mean IVF. Many couples conceive using simple methods—such as ovulation support or insemination. Only when these approaches do not lead to the desired outcome, or when the initial situation requires it from the start, do we discuss IVF and ICSI.

These steps serve as a guideline, not a rigid, automatic process. Sometimes it makes sense to start at a higher level right away—for example, if the evaluation shows that a simpler treatment would have little chance of success. We’ll discuss together what’s right for you. 

The starting point: the evaluation

During the evaluation, we examine both partners—because the causes of fertility problems can lie with the woman, the man, or both, and in some cases, no clear cause can be identified. The results will determine which treatment stage is appropriate for you.

→ Learn more on our page “Fertility Evaluation” 

Stage 1:  Supporting Ovulation

If ovulation does not occur or is irregular, it can be specifically stimulated—preferably with low-dose pills or self-administered injections starting on the third to fifth day of the cycle. Around the tenth day of the cycle, we use ultrasound to monitor how the follicle is maturing and trigger ovulation at the optimal time to optimize the timing of intercourse.

This is the softest form of treatment and often represents the first step, sometimes in combination with insemination.

Stage 2:  Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination is an option in cases of mild male infertility or unfavorable conditions in the cervix that make it difficult for sperm to penetrate. As in stage 1, we follow the growing follicle by ultrasound and trigger ovulation in the ideal moment.

The success rate per cycle is about 10 to 15 percent, depending on the initial situation and age (Bahadur et al. 2020). That’s why multiple attempts are advisable—the probability increases over several cycles. If there is no success after three attempts, we take the time to meet with both partners for a review to jointly determine the next steps.

Costs of insemination

Basic health insurance generally covers hormone treatment for up to twelve months as well as three insemination cycles—provided the applicable conditions are met. This makes the simpler treatment options readily accessible to most couples. 

Stage 3:  IVF, ICSI, and Other Procedures

If the simpler treatments are unsuccessful—or if the initial situation requires it from the start, such as in cases of blocked fallopian tubes or significant male factor infertility—we discuss in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). 

We perform these procedures in our own certified laboratory. They are more complex but open up possibilities and achieve success rates that are not possible with simpler methods. Unlike the previous stages, IVF and ICSI are not covered by basic health insurance.

→ Learn more on our pages “IVF, ICSI & Other Procedures” and “Pricing & Health Insurance” 

Finding the Right Path Together

We don’t decide which stage is right for you without consulting you. After the initial evaluations and at every stage, we take the time to talk with you—and choose the path that’s right for you.