Using a donor embryo may be the key to making your dream of having a child come true. If you’re considering this option as the next step in your treatment, Dr. Shefketova is here to provide you with professional support and a personalized approach to guide you through your entire journey to parenthood.
REPRODUCTIVE SERVICES
Treatment Options
The key to resolving a case lies in an accurate diagnosis. When we know what we’re dealing with, the process goes much more smoothly. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is by no means the first method of choice, and the fact that you are patients of Dr. Shefketova does not mean that IVF is the only solution to your problem. We offer a personalized approach and various options on the path to becoming parents.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
FOLLICULOMETRY
Folliculometry is an ultrasound method used to monitor follicle growth and accurately determine ovulation. By identifying the most fertile days, couples can plan sexual intercourse accordingly to maximize their chances of conception. For couples who do not have frequent sexual intercourse or who have been trying to conceive for only a few months
ROLLING SEXUAL INTERCOURSE AND OVULATION INDUCTION
An approach involving timed intercourse following ovarian stimulation with oral medications or injected gonadotropins. It is suitable for patients with absent or irregular ovulation. Induction involves promoting the maturation of several eggs simultaneously.
INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION (IUI)
A quick, minimally invasive treatment for infertility in which concentrated, motile sperm are placed directly into the uterus. It is suitable for couples with patent fallopian tubes and normal or slightly impaired sperm parameters. The procedure is a painless and cost-effective alternative to IVF.
The Journey to Parenthood
-
Hormonal stimulationControlled ovarian stimulation using subcutaneous hormone injections. The dosage is carefully tailored to each individual. This phase lasts approximately 10–12 days under strict medical supervision. (Alternative: Conception during the natural cycle—without ovarian stimulation.).
-
Follicle aspirationEgg retrieval is performed under brief intravenous anesthesia. Using ultrasound guidance, the eggs are aspirated from the follicles and immediately transferred to the embryology laboratory.
-
Methods of InseminationAdvances in reproductive medicine offer a variety of fertilization methods: conventional IVF, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), IMSI (morphologically selected sperm injection), or PICSI.
-
Embryo CultureThe embryos are cultured in a specialized nutrient medium for 3 to 6 days. If necessary, assisted hatching is performed—a laser technique used to thin the outer shell of the embryo, which improves implantation.
-
Transfer and FreezingOne or two high-quality embryos are selected and transferred to the uterus. The procedure is painless. High-quality embryos that are not used immediately can be frozen using vitrification for future transfers.
Clarity and peace of mind at every step
Development and transfer on embryos
Nurturing life, one step closer to parenthood.
Initial Consultation
€33
Folliculometry
€28
Follow-up office hysteroscopy
€296
Semen Analysis (according to Krüger)
€64
DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa
€84
Office Hysteroscopy
€557
Egg Freezing
* Up to 2 eggs: €149. Each additional egg: €74.
starting at €149
Sperm Cryopreservation
€118
Fertility Treatments—Science, Precision, and the Path to Parenthood
Advances in reproductive medicine offer a variety of fertility treatments tailored to individual needs. Each technique is designed to maximize success and bring prospective parents closer to their dream. Understanding these options helps in choosing the right path to parenthood.
Embryonic Stage and Embryo Storage
Embryo Culture
Once fertilization is confirmed, the developing embryos are cultured in a specialized nutrient medium for 3 to 6 days. It is important to note that the embryos are not routinely monitored every day. Instead, they are carefully examined only on the day after fertilization to verify their proper development, and again on the day of embryo transfer (day 3 or day 5). The reason for this is that it is best to leave the embryos undisturbed in the controlled culture conditions, as frequent handling or disruption can have a negative impact on their growth and development. During this critical period, the embryos are allowed to develop in a stable and constant environment, ensuring optimal conditions for their growth.
Embryo Transfer
This is the final and most eagerly awaited stage of the IVF process. Ideally, the embryo transfer takes place on day 3, 4, or 5 after fertilization. One or two high-quality embryos with the best potential for implantation are selected and transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is painless and similar to a Pap smear. If there are additional high-quality embryos available, they can be frozen and stored for future use, in case of a failed cycle or to achieve a new pregnancy later on.
Assisted hatching
Assisted hatching is a laboratory technique in which laser technology is used to thin or pierce the outer shell of the embryo, thereby improving implantation.
Recommended for:
- Thickened zona pellucida
- Recurrent Implant Failure
- Advanced maternal age
- Frozen Embryo Transfer
This helps the embryo implant more easily, which increases the chances of success.
Embryo Freezing
High-quality embryos that are not used immediately for transfer can be frozen using the vitrification method. Cryopreservation offers the advantage of future transfers if pregnancy does not occur in the current cycle.
In some cases, all embryos may be frozen if embryo transfer is not recommended due to factors such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or an unfavorable endometrial lining—for example, the presence of a polyp, bleeding, or other issues.
Donation Programs
IVF with donor sperm
Donor sperm may be the best way to fulfill your dream of having a healthy child. If you’re considering sperm donation as the next step in your treatment, Dr. Shefketova is here to help, offering expert guidance and personalized care throughout your fertility journey.
IVF with donor embryos
Frequently Asked Questions
This option is suitable in cases of absent ovaries, premature ovarian failure, or infertility resulting from chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Donor eggs are also used for women who have had previous unsuccessful in vitro fertilization attempts, recurrent pregnancy loss, or genetic conditions with a high risk of transmission to offspring. Before making a decision, Dr. Shefketova will evaluate your age, medical history, responses to previous treatments, and test results to determine the best approach for you.
The choice is a personal decision and is based entirely on your preferences. Some patients choose an anonymous donor or frozen eggs from a certified bank, while others prefer a biological connection and choose a relative or friend as a donor. Anonymous donation is carried out through specialized tissue banks that select donors in excellent health based on strict criteria. The specific donor is selected based on the individual phenotypic characteristics of the patient couple, and our team will guide you through every step.
In Bulgaria, the woman who carries and gives birth to a child is recognized as the child’s mother by law. Once the embryo is transferred, your body plays a crucial role in its growth and development. Regardless of whether the recipients know the donor’s identity or not, all donors sign consent forms and are fully informed that they do not have, and will not have, any legal rights or obligations regarding the children born as a result of the donation.
Are you ready to get started?
My approach is strictly personalized. There is no set template—every couple has their own story.