In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Your Journey to Parenthood Starts Here
At Gennet clinic, we understand your desire to start a family, and we're here to guide you through on every step of the IVF treatment process with the highest level of care and expertise. With over 25 years of experience, top medical professionals, and cutting-edge technology, we have helped thousands of couples from around the world to achieve the dream of becoming a parent. Your journey begins with a single clinic visit in Prague.
What is IVF and how does it work?
IVF stands for in-vitro fertilization, which means fertilization outside the body. It is one of the most effective and commonly used methods of assisted reproduction, helping couples overcome various causes of infertility. It is often recommended when attempts to conceive have not succeeded for over a year.
The basic principle is to retrieve eggs (oocytes) following hormonal stimulation of the ovaries. These eggs are then fertilized in our embryology lab using your partner's sperm. The resulting embryos are cultured for several days, and the highest-quality one(s) are transferred back into the woman's uterus during the embryo transfer procedure.
At Gennet, our standard is the ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) method. To ensure the highest success rate of fertilization, we thoroughly select a single sperm and inject it directly into the egg – in most IVF cycles.
Who is IVF treatment for?
IVF offers a solution for a wide range of diagnoses. It is most often beneficial in these scenarios:
- Couples who have been trying to conceive for over one year without a clear cause.
- Men with poor sperm quality (low count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology).
- Women with low ovarian reserve (low supply of eggs).
- Women with blocked fallopian tubes, pelvic adhesions, or endometriosis.
- Women with ovulation disorders who have not responded to basic treatments.
- Couples with immunological causes of infertility.
- Cases where preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is recommended to prevent hereditary diseases.
The IVF process – step by step
Our entire process is designed to be as efficient and minimally burdensome as possible:
Initial Consultation & Treatment Planning
It all begins with a no-obligation consultation (in-person or online) where you'll discuss your medical history and goals with our IVF specialist. Based on this, the doctor will recommend an individualized plan and any necessary tests.
Hormonal Stimulation
Our goal is to obtain an optimal number of high-quality eggs. You will self-administer hormonal medication for about 10–14 days based on a personalized protocol. Your stimulation is closely monitored via ultrasound by your treating physician, allowing us to schedule the egg retrieval precisely.
Egg (OPU) and Sperm Collection
Egg retrieval is a brief, approximately 10-minute procedure typically performed under general anesthesia (or alternatively under conscious sedation or without anesthesia). Under ultrasound guidance, the doctor aspirates the follicular fluid containing eggs from the ovaries. On the same day, your partner will provide a sperm sample, which we immediately analyze and prepare for fertilization.
Fertilization & Embryo Culture
Mature eggs are fertilized in the lab, most commonly via ICSI. The resulting embryos are observed for 5–6 days (extended culture, standard at our clinic) until they reach the blastocyst stage. To choose the best embryo, we may use advanced methods like continuous time-lapse monitoring enhanced by AI for quality assessment or preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
Embryo Transfer
The highest-quality embryo is transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter--a quick and painless procedure. Due to our high success rates, we typically transfer one embryo to minimize the risk of multiple pregnancies. Any additional high-quality embryos can be vitrified (frozen) for future use.
Post-Transfer Support & Pregnancy Test
After the embryo transfer, you'll take medications (such as progesterone) to support implantation and maintain early pregnancy. Approximately 14 days later, a blood test measuring hCG levels will confirm success.
Congratulations -- you're pregnant! From your first contact with the clinic to a positive test, the process may take as little as eight weeks. Our team will continue caring for you until the 12th week of pregnancy.
IVF success rates and prices at Gennet
IVF success depends on many factors, particularly the woman's age and fertility diagnosis. At Gennet, our results consistently exceed national averages thanks to our experienced team, cutting-edge technology, and individualized approach.
Price and insurance coverage
IVF with own eggs
Price Includes
- Initial consultation and examination by a physician
- HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis tests for both partners
- Semen analysis
- Preoperative assessment (if a second ultrasound is performed at Gennet), including an internist visit
- Egg retrieval with general anesthesia
- ICSI, extended culture, and possibly assisted hatching
- Embryo transfer
- Constant support from a coordinator fluent in English, German, or Italian
IVF with own eggs
Price Excludes
- Medications
- Additional specialized laboratory methods (these depend on physician or embryologist recommendations and patient preference)
Specialized lab methods can significantly boost the chances of pregnancy. The most suitable approach is recommended by your doctor or embryologist, but ultimately, the decision to use these methods lies with the patients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you have further questions or would you like to book a consultation? Our team at Gennet Prague and Liberec is here for you.
What is the age limit for IVF in the Czech Republic?
According to Czech legislation, assisted reproduction is available to heterosexual couples where the woman has not exceeded 48 years and 364 days on the day of embryo transfer.
Is IVF painful?
Not at all. Hormonal stimulation may cause mild discomfort similar to PMS (bloating, breast tenderness). Egg retrieval is painless under anesthesia. Embryo transfer is quick and painless, similar to a standard gynecological exam.
How long does the entire IVF process take?
At GENNET, there are no waiting times. From initial consultation and testing to embryo transfer typically takes 4–6 weeks. Your stay in Prague will generally last about 7–10 days.
Is there a BMI limit for IVF?
Yes. For safety and success with using a patient’s own eggs, we require a BMI of 35 or below. A higher BMI significantly increases risks associated with anesthesia and the procedure itself.
How should I prepare best for IVF?
We recommend a healthy lifestyle—maintaining optimal weight, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and managing stress. Your doctor may also suggest supplements like folic acid.
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Book your first consultation today.
Take an important step toward your future.
At Gennet, we offer all new patients a completely free initial consultation with an IVF specialist.
We’ll explain your results in a way that’s easy to understand and design a personalized plan just for you. Together, we’ll find the best way to make your journey to a baby as smooth and as short as possible.
