fertisuisse Basel

Practice in Basel

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Center for fertility treatment, women's and men's health

Desire to have children

Have you been trying to get pregnant for more than a year without success? Are you over 35 and worried because you still haven't gotten pregnant? Are you already undergoing treatment and want a second opinion ? Have you had complications during pregnancy or suffered repeated miscarriages?

Unfortunately, around one in ten couples in Switzerland are unable to have children. In around 20-30% of cases, the cause lies with either the woman or the man, and in around 40% of cases it is a combination of both partners. The most common reasons are disorders in the production or function of male sperm cells, the woman's age, polyps and fibroids in the uterine cavity, blocked fallopian tubes, lack of ovulation, endometriosis, and sexual dysfunction. Being overweight, smoking, and stress can also contribute to unwanted childlessness. In about 20% of cases, despite careful investigation, no cause for the inability to conceive can be found. This is referred to as unexplained infertility. Unwanted childlessness can greatly affect the physical and mental health of a couple and is therefore recognized as a disease by the WHO (World Health Organization).

Care concept

Your medical examiner will conduct all consultations (initial consultation, second consultation, follow-up consultation) with you and will accompany and support you throughout all phases of treatment. Necessary examinations as part of the investigations and fertility treatments are carried out by all members of the medical team. This approach is efficient and has proven very successful. Please let us know if you have any special requests.

Causes

In order to find the cause(s) of unwanted childlessness, examinations must be carried out on both the man and the woman. Even if the cause seems clear (e.g., blocked fallopian tubes), examinations must still be carried out on both partners in order to select the optimal, tailor-made treatment method.

Possible causes of unwanted childlessness:

Examinations

One of the most important steps in investigating unwanted childlessness is a confidential consultation with your doctor. This involves discussing your personal medical history, your sexuality as a couple, and any hereditary diseases. We attach great importance to finding the cause of your inability to conceive and the right treatment. To this end, examinations are necessary.

For women, this usually involves monitoring the menstrual cycle. For men, the investigations include a blood test ( e.g. to examine certain sex hormones), an examination of the sperm cells, and a physical examination of the testicles with an ultrasound scan. In certain cases, it is necessary to carry out genetic testing. These tests are all painless and help in the search for the causes of unwanted childlessness.

Our team strives to carry out the diagnostics efficiently and keep you informed of the results.

Treatments

We constantly strive to understand your needs and find the optimal treatment to give you the best chance of becoming pregnant. However, the basis of the treatment is a precise clarification of the cause of the infertility. Since there may occasionally be a combination of causes, both partners must always be examined. Sometimes a change in lifestyle (e.g., weight loss, giving up regular alcohol consumption and nicotine) is enough to achieve pregnancy naturally. In other cases, surgery is sufficient, e.g., for blocked or adhesions in the fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or polyps and fibroids in the uterine cavity. If ovulation does not occur, it can usually be induced with medication. Insemination (injection of sperm into the uterine cavity) usually takes place at the time of ovulation. In the presence of serious or unexplained causes, in vitro fertilization (IVF) with or without microinjection (ICSI) may be necessary. Fertility treatments are only ever carried out with the written consent of the couple after they have been informed of possible side effects and complications and in strict compliance with legal guidelines.

Women's health

As the name suggests, our medical services are aimed at women of all ages. The need for medical advice and treatment changes over the course of a woman's life. For very young women, the focus is on reliable contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies and the investigation of irregular or painful bleeding. At any time, women of reproductive age may experience cycle and bleeding disorders that can severely impair their quality of life and must be taken seriously. Before and after menopause, preventive healthcare and maintaining good health play an important role. In addition, symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disorders may occur during menopause. We care for and treat women of all ages and strive to help them in every way possible.

Contraception

Preventing unwanted pregnancies is an important area of women's health. Contraception should be effective, safe, affordable, and practical, with few side effects and risks. Today, there are a wide variety of safe methods available for all age groups. We are happy to help you choose the best method of contraception for you!

Contraception in high-risk situations
There are many conditions for which it is advisable to consult a specialist in order to avoid health risks when using contraception. Some examples are a tendency to thrombosis, migraine, breast cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. There are many methods of effectively preventing pregnancy without posing a health risk.

Cycle and bleeding disorders

If your period is absent, too frequent or too infrequent (cycle disorders), very heavy or painful (bleeding disorders), it is advisable to seek clarification in order to rule out serious causes and treat the symptoms correctly and to your satisfaction. Bleeding that occurs after menopause should always be clarified.

PCOS

Women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) often have irregular cycles and tend to have increased hair growth and skin blemishes. This is caused by excessive production of male sex hormones (androgens), which can be treated. Sometimes there is also obesity and an increased risk of having or developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and other so-called lifestyle diseases. Women with PCOS need good medical care and must pay particular attention to their health.

Hirsutism and acne

Hirsutism refers to excessive hair growth, similar to that of a man, which is caused by excessive production of male sex hormones (androgens). Acne can also be caused or aggravated by increased production of androgens. This is disturbing and stressful for most of those affected and should therefore be treated.

Overweight

The number of overweight people is steadily increasing worldwide, including in Switzerland. Being overweight and lack of exercise can have serious health consequences and are important risk factors for the development of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. In young women, being overweight can lead to unwanted childlessness, increased miscarriages, and complications during pregnancy. Losing weight permanently is difficult and requires a profound change in lifestyle. Thanks to professional advice, friendly support, and motivation from your doctors, we can help you reduce your weight.

Adolescent gynecology

Very young women are sometimes reluctant to see a gynecologist, even though they have urgent questions or problems, fears, and doubts. Effective contraception is particularly important for women who are still in education. We are happy to advise and help you in a straightforward and confidential consultation.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by the presence of uterine lining outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis may or may not be painful, and symptoms usually occur during menstruation. Endometriosis can also be a possible cause of infertility. It often takes a long time before endometriosis is diagnosed, which can be very frustrating for those affected. Endometriosis can be treated surgically and/or with hormones. Particular caution and restraint are required when surgically removing endometriosis, especially in women who still wish to have children. Repeated surgery on the ovaries in particular can severely impair their function and lead to premature menopause. The course of endometriosis can usually be positively influenced by hormonal treatment.

Menopause

The last menstrual period (menopause) occurs on average at around 51 years of age, and most women do not regret this. However, the hormonal changes that occur before and after menopause can lead to a disturbing reduction in quality of life. There are various treatments that can alleviate the symptoms. Due to numerous and sometimes contradictory media reports, many women are uncertain and have questions, which we are happy to answer. We will work with you to find the best solution.

Premature menopause

If menopause occurs before the age of 40, it is considered premature. Women affected by this diagnosis are often overwhelmed and have many concerns and questions. The cause of premature menopause can rarely be determined. Young women with premature menopause should receive hormone treatment to prevent osteoporosis (bone loss) and cardiovascular disease and to restore their quality of life. We are happy to advise you on your questions and concerns.

Osteoporosis

To a certain extent, bone formation and development in both men and women depend on sex hormones. Being underweight, lifestyle, osteoporosis in close relatives, or premature menopause can increase the risk of osteoporosis (bone loss). We are happy to advise you in collaboration with specialists in bone diseases.

Laboratory

Our laboratories comply with all regulations and are equipped with the highest quality equipment. Our employees are highly trained and motivated. In the andrology laboratory, ejaculate analyses are performed and sperm is prepared for treatment, among other things. IVF and ICSI treatments take place in our clean room laboratory. Here, the eggs are prepared for fertilization and injected. The embryos to be transferred to the uterine cavity are cultivated in special incubators. Fertilized eggs that are not yet ready for transfer are frozen using the vitrification process.

Ejaculate analysis

The ejaculate solidifies quickly after ejaculation and is therefore warmed to 37°C for half an hour so that it liquefies again and can be analyzed. On the one hand, the volume, pH value, and concentration of the sperm are measured. Tests are also carried out to check whether there are autoantibodies against the patient's own sperm, whether the survival (vitality) of the sperm is impaired, and whether there is a bacterial infection. To prepare the sperm, one milliliter of liquefied ejaculate is placed in a tube and washed with a nutrient medium to remove the seminal plasma. Centrifugation (very rapid spinning) causes the sperm to collect in the lower part of the tube, where they must swim to the surface on their own. Only the sperm that manage to float to the surface are then removed and tested for various parameters, such as concentration, speed, and maturation capacity (capacitation).

Testicular biopsy (TESE)

If no or very few sperm are detectable in the ejaculate, sperm can be obtained for artificial insemination with the help of a testicular biopsy. In this procedure, a small amount of tissue is removed from the testicles with a fine needle (TESE = testicular sperm extraction). These tiny pieces of tissue are examined under a microscope in the laboratory to search for living sperm. It is not always possible to find living sperm in the biopsies. In special cases, the testicular tissue can be removed under microscopic view (micro TESE).

IVF therapy

After the cumulus complexes (eggs with the surrounding nutrient cells) have been aspirated from the follicles, they are placed in a drop of nutrient medium covered with oil. In IVF therapy, the prepared sperm are added to the untreated cumulus complexes and left there overnight to fertilize the eggs. This means that at this point, it is not known what stage of maturity the eggs are at. However, fertilization can only take place if the eggs are at the right stage of maturity. The next day, the sperm is separated from the eggs. The eggs are examined closely under a microscope. Successfully fertilized eggs remain in the embryo culture until they can either be frozen or transferred to the uterine cavity.

IVF therapy

After the cumulus complexes (eggs with the surrounding nutrient cells) have been aspirated from the follicles, they are placed in a drop of nutrient medium covered with oil. In IVF therapy, the prepared sperm are added to the untreated cumulus complexes and left there overnight to fertilize the eggs. This means that at this point, it is not known what stage of maturity the eggs are at. However, fertilization can only take place if the eggs are at the right stage of maturity. The next day, the sperm is separated from the eggs. The eggs are examined closely under a microscope. Successfully fertilized eggs remain in the so-called embryo culture until they can either be frozen or transferred to the uterine cavity.

Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation means "preserving by cold." Eggs, sperm, and fertilized eggs can be frozen using modern methods such as vitrification (glassification) and thawed again at a later date. This makes it possible, for example, to freeze eggs and sperm before chemotherapy in order to fulfill the desire to have children after recovery. If several fertilized eggs are produced after fertility treatment, some of them can be frozen and used later for another pregnancy.

Men's health

Men's health issues are often emotionally stressful and can have many causes. These include fertility problems, sexual dysfunction, or androgen imbalance (androgens = male sex hormones). Andrology is a multidisciplinary specialty that covers urology, endocrinology, general medicine, sexual medicine, and reproductive medicine. Our andrologist has been treating men with andrological issues since 2004 and is also available to assist you with examinations and any necessary treatment.

Male sex hormones

Androgens, and testosterone in particular, are responsible not only for the development of sexual characteristics, sex drive (libido), and erectile function in both young and older men, but can also play an important role in psychological and emotional factors (performance, fatigue, depression, etc.). Male sex hormones are important for physical functions such as muscle building, bone health, red blood cell production, and fat distribution. A deficiency in sex hormones can therefore lead to corresponding disorders.

Sexual function

Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, problems with premature or delayed ejaculation, problems with internet sexuality, etc., is an enormous strain on many men and their relationships. The causes of sexual dysfunction can be purely physical or purely emotional. Very often, there is a combination of causes behind it. Trusting and specialized care often leads to a solution to the problems or to a better way of dealing with one's own sexuality. A wide range of therapy options is available for this purpose.

Unfulfilled desire to have children

It is very important to examine both partners, as in about half of couples with an unfulfilled desire to have children, relevant causes can also be found on the male side. In addition to a confidential consultation with the doctor and a physical examination, a thorough examination of the man also includes optimal laboratory tests of his ejaculate and certain blood values.

Our doctors