FAQ

Here you may find answers to some of the most common questions. If you do not find the answer to your question, feel free to contact us by phone or email.

You can also download our Patient Information, see our vocabulary or find useful links.

General Questions

How long is the wait?

We have no waiting. All our treatments start immediately after a menstrual period (see treatment types). So one treatment cycle can be started when you want it. It is of course a prerequisite, that you beforehand have had a consultation at Trianglen. 

Can we do anything to increase the chance of having a baby?

In some cases. See details under "Lifestyle Factors".

How long should we try to achieve pregnancy, before we seek treatment?

Generally in less than one year. After that, about 84% of all couples have achieved pregnancy. After two years, about 92% have achieved pregnancy. In some cases, we would recommend to seek medical advice and appropriate treatment earlier:

  • If the woman has irregular menstrual periods
  • If the woman has previously had a serious pelvic inflammatory disease or ectopic pregnancy.
  • If the woman is over 37 years, it may be prudent not to wait too long because the possibility that a woman can become pregnant decreases with age, especially after 37 years of age. See more about egg quality and age.
  • If the man had inguinal hernia or undescended testes in childhood, it is also a good idea to get a semen sample tested.
  • If one of you earlier have been in a relationship where it was difficult to achieve pregnancy.

Should we be married to be treated for infertility?

No. It is possible to treat both couples and singles. See legal requirements here.

Is there an age limit for fertility treatment?

Yes. According to Danish law you may not receive fertility treatment if you are 46 years or older. There is no age limit for the man. The public fertility clinics do not treat couples where the woman is 40 years or older.

Can you be sure to have a child by fertility treatment?

No, unfortunately. But the possibilities are good in most cases. For example,  a couple where the woman is under 40 years old have around 25-30% chance of achieving the birth of a living child after one IVF treatment. After three treatments, the overall chance around 65-70%. See more detailed information, see "Pregnancy Chances" and "Results".

The sperm sample showed that there were no sperm. Can we still be treated?

Yes. In some cases, where there is no sperm in the semen, the sperm cells can taken directly from the testicles (TESA). This sperm can be used to fertilize oocytes with micro insemination (ICSI). If it is not possible to obtain sperm from the man, we recommend insemination with sperm from a sperm donor.
 

What if a man is sterilized and now wants a child?

Sterilization (vasectomy) of a man is carried out by a removing a small piece of both vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm from the testes). The testes still produce sperm, but the sperm does not come out in the seminal fluid. In this situation, there are various options for treatment:

  • Micro insemination (ICSI). Sperm for this procedure be obtained by sampling a little bit of tissue from the testicles (TESA). The method is effective, but it is is necessary to perform IVF og ICSI afterwards.
  • Sterilization reversal, it means that an attempt is made to repair the severed ducts. The chance that there will be enough sperm in the semen after this treatment of this is about 50%.
  • Insemination with sperm from a sperm donor. This treatment has good results, but the man is not the biological father.

Can you freeze a sperm sample for later use?

Yes. But sperm quality deteriorates whenever the sample is frozen. Freezing of semen samples can be used in rare cases where the husband, for example, are away when the sperm sample is needed.

Freezing of semen samples can also be used for storage of semen, if the man is facing treatment, for example with chemotherapy, which is known to harm sperm production significantly.

Should the fallopian tubes removed if they are damaged?

In some cases, it may be a good idea. If the fallopian tubes are distended by fluid, it can double the possibility of achieving pregnancy if the fallopian tubes are removed before IVF treatment. The fallopian tubes can be removed by surgery (laparoscopy). Fallopian tubes that are not distended by liquid does not need to be removed.

What if a woman is sterilized and now wants child?

Sterilization of a woman is carried out by blocking the passage through the fallopian tubes. This can be done by having been put small metal clip on the fallopian tubes or by removing a small portion of the tubes. There are two options for treatment:

  • The most effective method is in vitro fertilization (IVF)
  • The second treatment option is to try to re-establish the passage through tubes by an operation. In general, the chance of getting pregnant after this procedure is very low.

Can we have intercourse during fertility treatment?

Yes. There is no evidence to suggest that sexual intercourse reduces the chance of getting pregnant.