Alternative methods of assisted reproduction
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
It is the older method of assisted reproduction. It involves a simple procedure during which prepared sperm from the male partner is introduced into the uterine cavity. Fertilization subsequently occurs within the fallopian tubes without any intervention at all.
The application of this method requires that the tubes are unblocked. IUI can be the first choice for young women with healthy fallopian tubes when the male partner has a mild to moderate reduction in sperm quality.
The method is also used when donor sperm is used in cases of azoospermia.
GIFT - ZIFT
These methods have been abandoned by most IVF centres.
GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer) involves the introduction of 3-4 eggs and small volume of prepared sperm into the fallopian tubes using a special catheter. After an initial ovarian stimulation, the eggs are collected transvaginally and the placement of the gametes (eggs and sperm) into the tubes is performed the same day laparoscopically.
In the case of ZIFT (zygote intrafallopian transfer), IVF-derived embryos are transferred into the fallopian tubes. The embryo transfer is performed 24-48 hours after the egg collection and the embryos are transferred directly to the tubes instead of the uterus.
GIFT and ZIFT require hospitalization and general anesthesia.
Sperm donation
The application of ICSI offers a solution to the majority of male infertility cases. However, in the rare cases of total absence of sperm (non-obstructive azoospermia) the couple may use donor sperm to achieve a pregnancy. Eugonia collaborates with approved sperm banks that conform to strict regulations, according to European and international legislation.
Egg donation
Egg donation may come in use when the woman's ovarian reserve has been exhausted either due to age or premature ovarian failure (menopause) or even after surgical removal of the ovaries.
Also, egg donation is recommended in cases of known hereditary diseases which are passed from the mother to the child.
Egg donors can be:
- Women who offer their eggs altruistically
- Women who already participate in an IVF program and wish to donate their surplus eggs to another woman.
Egg donation must be anonymous according to the law and the age of the donor must not exceed 35 years. Donor anonymity is protected entirely.
The law also states that the highest age for an egg recipient is 50 years.
We are here to inform you about the medical criteria of egg donation.
At Eugonia, in cases of donations of gametes or embryos, special consent forms are signed by the couple and the current legal framework is adhered to for every procedure.
Embryo donation
The indications for embryo donation concern couples with lack of reproductive capability. In these cases frozen embryos can be used, which the parents decide to donate instead of having them destroyed.
This is a highly altruistic act. The decision lies solely on the donor couple. Should they decide to donate, they both sign a special consent stating that they give up any right and that they anonymously donate the embryos for no financial return to anonymous recipients.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy applies to couples with normal eggs and sperm but the woman has a non functional uterus or is unfit to gestate for medical reasons.
Fertilization occurs in the embryology laboratory. The gestation of a couple's embryo by a third woman is allowed by judicial permission according to article 1458 of N.3089/02, provided that there is a documented and unselfish agreement between the couple and the surrogate mother (and her husband if the latter is married).
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