IVF is the most common and most successful method of medically assisted reproduction. At Polyclinic Cito you can expect the highest level of care throughout the entire procedure. Before the procedure itself, a fertility assessment is required. After fertility testing is performed and our medical team determines that IVF is the next step in infertility treatment, we proceed with the following phases of the procedure.
Although it is not always the first step in the treatment of infertility, it is often the most promising option in the case of certain findings and life circumstances. After the diagnostic work-up, we most often recommend the programme in the following groups of situations:
The exact recommendation of the method is always made after an introductory conversation and analysis of the findings, with an explanation of why the IVF programme is the recommended option in your case and what its realistic chances of success are.
Every stage of the programme is carefully planned and individually adapted so that it can guide you safely and professionally through the entire process: from preparation to confirmation of pregnancy.
Preparation for IVF 
Ovarian stimulation On average it takes 10-14 days from the start of the menstrual cycle until your egg cells are mature enough for aspiration (the process of egg retrieval).
The egg cell aspiration procedure (egg cell retrieval)Once our doctors determine that the follicles are of an appropriate size, you will receive a medicine that triggers the final maturation of the egg cells. Thirty-six hours after the administration of the medicine the egg retrieval procedure is carried out.
The egg cell aspiration procedure usually takes 10 to 20 minutes and takes place in a specially equipped room in which ideal conditions are provided for the safe performance of the procedure. The procedure itself is carried out using a very thin needle (1 mm) which, under ultrasound control, is introduced into the ovary and the egg cell is gently aspirated from the follicle. The puncture is performed under local anaesthesia with mild sedation. At Cito Polyclinic there is also the option of performing the aspiration under short-term general anaesthesia.
After aspiration the patient recovers in one of our apartments and within two hours of the procedure is discharged for home care. It is recommended to take the whole day to rest and recover.
Sperm collection After the process of egg cell retrieval and their preparation for fertilisation, a sperm sample from the partner is required so that the fertilisation process can begin.
Embryo development On the day of aspiration you will receive information about the number of oocytes retrieved. After the fertilisation procedure the embryos are placed in specially controlled conditions in which they continue to develop. Depending on the number and quality of the embryos, our embryologists assess the optimal time for embryo transfer. At the same time they adjust the conditions in the incubator to encourage the best possible growth and development of the embryos. On the second day after the puncture we will contact you with new information and inform you of the planned date for the embryo transfer.
Embryo transfer Depending on the number and quality of the embryos, it is decided whether the embryo transfer will be carried out on the third or the fifth day after the puncture. Before the embryo transfer itself, together with our doctors you will agree on the number of embryos that will be transferred.
The embryo transfer procedure itself causes no discomfort for the patient. Using a thin catheter, our doctors and embryologists transfer the embryo into the uterus under ultrasound control.
Cryopreservation (freezing)Embryos that are not used in the current transfer have the option of being frozen. If the couple decides to make another attempt, the embryos in cryostorage can be used without the need for new ovarian stimulation. At Cito Polyclinic, three years of embryo cryostorage is included in the price of the IVF procedure.
Pregnancy test 14 days after the embryo transfer you will take a pregnancy test (bHCG). In the case of a positive test we will ask you to repeat the test in two days. In the case of an appropriate rise in the hormone we will book you in for a follow-up ultrasound examination 4 weeks after the transfer or 6 weeks after the last menstrual period in order to check the development of the pregnancy.
From the start of stimulation to the transfer, on average 10–16 days are required. FET (frozen embryo transfer) is planned separately, in a natural or mildly assisted cycle.
Appointments for follow-ups, aspiration and transfer are planned so as to disrupt your daily life as little as possible, while respecting the medical indications and the safety of the procedure.
The success rate depends on several factors – primarily the age of the patient, ovarian reserve, sperm quality and previous procedures.
In this age group we record the highest success rate per cycle, especially in patients with good ovarian reserve. A smaller number of procedures is often sufficient to achieve pregnancy.
At this age success is still good, but it requires more precise planning of stimulation. A cumulative approach (fresh and FET transfers) is often recommended in order to increase the overall chance of pregnancy.
After the age of 40 the chances of pregnancy decrease, primarily due to the quality of the egg cells. At this stage it is particularly important to discuss realistic expectations, individual possibilities and available alternatives openly.
Important: The number of egg cells collected, the quality of the embryos and the number of frozen blastocysts are key indicators in assessing cumulative success after one or more cycles.
The quality of the embryology laboratory is crucial to the success of the IVF procedure. In our programme we combine the experience of an expert embryology team with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring stable laboratory conditions and precise monitoring of embryo development at every stage.
that ensure stable conditions for optimal embryo development
in line with international guidelines
key to embryo quality
for detailed and reliable diagnostics during the procedure
After aspiration you receive information about the number of egg cells collected, fertilisation and the early development of the embryos. Together we plan the optimal day for embryo transfer and discuss the possibilities of freezing surplus high-quality embryos, always taking into account your individual circumstances.
Our goal is not simply to “carry out the procedure”, but to assess the chances realistically and, together with you, make decisions that are medically grounded and acceptable to you. As a clinic with many years of experience in the treatment of infertility, we believe in honest communication, an individual approach and continuous care – from the first examination to early pregnancy.
We do not copy protocols from a template. We tailor the stimulation plan to your age, ovarian reserve, previous cycles and lifestyle.
Gynaecology, pregnancy and ART are connected fields. The same team that runs the IVF programme also follows you through early pregnancy, which provides additional reassurance.
We do not promise what medicine cannot deliver. We always present the chances in the context of your age and findings, with a discussion of plan B and C.
We strive to minimise the number of visits that are not strictly necessary and to align appointments with the couple's daily commitments.
The prices of the services included in the programme at Cito Polyclinic are defined transparently and in line with the methods used and the medical services included.
At the first consultation we explain in detail all the costs, what is included in the price and what is charged additionally - with no hidden costs.
You can get the first available consultation appointment by calling +385 21 457 800 or by sending a short message via the contact form.
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics
Subspecialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics
Subspecialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics
Subspecialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction
Clinical Embryologist
Clinical Embryologist
