Frequently asked questions
Find the answers to the most commonly asked questions about fertility treatment
Many patients, understandably, have a lot of questions before starting fertility treatment. We have collated some of the most frequent of these to arm you with as much information as possible, in advance of you coming in to the clinic.
Get the answers you need
Many patients, understandably, have a lot of questions before attending a clinic appointment. We have collated some of the most frequent of these so that you can find out as much as you wish to before coming in to the clinic.
Livio’s FAQs
Seek help if you have irregular or no periods, past appendix surgery, repeated fallopian tube inflammation, or already know you may have trouble conceiving. If under 35, contact us after a year of trying; if over 35, after six months. Men with testicular surgery or missing a testicle should also seek help early.
Checklist for seeking help:
- Over a year of trying without pregnancy (six months if woman is over 35)
- Irregular cycles (longer than 40 days or shorter than 23)
- Infertility in a previous relationship
- Previous ectopic pregnancy or fallopian tube inflammation
- Previous scrotal surgery
- Sexual problems
- Taking medication that may affect fertility
- General worry about fertility
Most contraceptives do not affect fertility after stopping. After a contraceptive injection, fertility may be delayed up to six months, but most couples conceive within a year.
Track your cycle to help time intercourse. Ovulation is about 14 days before your next period. Sperm can live for several days, so sex before ovulation increases your chances.
Insemination (also called IUI – intrauterine insemination) involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization. It is less invasive and closer to natural conception.
IVF (in vitro fertilization) involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and transferring a resulting embryo into the uterus. It is more complex but has higher success rates, especially in certain cases.
The choice depends on several factors: age, fertility test results, reason for infertility, previous treatments, and personal preferences. A fertility specialist will assess your specific situation and recommend the most suitable option.
Yes, in some cases it is recommended to go straight to IVF, especially if there are known fertility issues (like blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm quality, or if the woman is older). You don't always need to try insemination first.
We check egg reserve in all women. We generally offer IVF treatment to women up to the age of 42.
Three out of four women under 39 become pregnant after three IVF cycles with associated frozen transfers.
Not usually during the same cycle, as the protocols and timing differ significantly. However, if one method doesn’t work, it is common to switch approaches in the next cycle or treatment plan.
Investigation appointments are usually available within 1–2 weeks. The full investigation takes about four weeks and includes 2–3 visits.
You start with a call with a nurse or midwife at our clinic, then visit for blood and sperm samples. After analysis, you meet a doctor to review results and plan next steps. Further tests may be needed depending on results.
- Irregular or absent ovulation
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Reduced ovarian reserve
- Uterine malformations
- Severe endometriosis
- Over- or underweight
- Age
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm motility
- Blocked sperm transport (azoospermia)
Send us your previous results and book a consultation. Additional tests may be needed.
Most feel well, but tiredness, bloating, or mild headaches are common. Paracetamol is safe to use.
Yes, except on egg retrieval day when you may feel tired and sore. On transfer day, you can work as usual.
Yes, that’s fine. Ultrasound can be done at any time in your cycle.
You can provide a sample at the clinic or bring one from home within 45 minutes in a sealed container.
Yes, but you may need to pay for your own treatment and medication.
Smoking reduces fertility in both men and women, increases the risk for a miscarriage, and shortens the fertile period. All tobacco contains harmful substances.
Both underweight and overweight can reduce fertility and increase pregnancy risks. A BMI between 19 and 25 is considered normal.
All women trying to conceive should take 400 µg/day of folic acid1.
Moderate exercise is good, but intense training can disrupt ovulation. Reduce intensity if you exercise a lot.
Normal stress does not cause infertility, but severe stress can disrupt cycles. Reducing stress is good for general well-being.
Yes.
About 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, higher risk with age. Most miscarriages are due to genetic factor
The Livio clinics - your Nordic partner
Livio is the largest provider of fertility treatments in the Nordic countries with clinics in Sweden, Norway and Iceland. Our aim is to provide the highest quality fertility treatments and best results in the area of reproductive medicine.
