Although it may be the most pragmatic option, having a baby using another woman’s eggs is a hugely difficult decision which requires a lot of soul-searching. Here are the 5 most common fears:

1. The baby will not share its mother’s DNA

This is often the hardest pill to swallow and many women naturally struggle with the idea of having a baby they share no genetic link with and worry they’ll feel like it does not ‘belong’ to them. 

But…

You are not an incubator for a stranger’s baby! The baby is yours and your partner’s, even if the maternal genes came from someone else. Your role in shaping your child’s future is all-important. Pregnancy is the most crucial stage of human development and you will influence your baby’s brain development, immune system, and metabolism amongst other things through a process called epigenetic modulation. Epigenetics is a fascinating fast-growing field that studies how our environment can impact how genes work. Although you did not contribute to and cannot change your baby’s DNA, the nurturing environment your uterus and then your care provides has a life-long impact on your child’s physical and mental health and behaviour. Your health and lifestyle can positively or negatively impact the prenatal environment and how your baby’s genes are expressed (turned on and off) in utero and beyond. Nurture is just as vital as nature

2. Egg donor IVF takes longer

An IVF cycle using donor eggs takes on average a month longer than a cycle using your own eggs, where embryo transfer is usually carried out around day 21. First of all a suitable donor must be found and this can take at least a month, but can be up to two months if parents have specific requirements for blood group match, etc. Once a donor is found, it is necessary to coordinate with them and work around their schedule. If the donor is ready to proceed immediately, then the next step is to synchronise menstrual cycles. If the donor drops out for whatever reason, you must start the process from scratch. 

But…

If you are undergoing IVF with your own eggs and require preimplantation genetic testing (recommended for women in their 40s) then the IVF cycle will be longer. PGT results can take a month and then you must prepare for frozen embryo transfer. The timeline of 2 to 3 months is then similar to donor egg IVF. A large pool of donors and no waiting list also means that donor IVF abroad is a much faster process than it would be at home.

3. Donor egg IVF is more complicated

At first glance, it can seem that IVF with donor eggs involves a lot more moving parts. Bringing another person into the process and ensuring donor and recipient are perfectly in tandem at all stages up to embryo transfer means spinning a lot of plates. 

But…

Donor egg IVF is more complicated for the clinic but far easier for you! Donor IVF abroad requires fewer (and shorter) visits to the clinic than IVF with your own eggs. When donor eggs are used, you only need to visit the clinic on the day of embryo transfer. If you are using your partner’s sperm, then he is only required to attend the clinic once in order to provide a semen sample.

4. IVF with donor eggs is more expensive

IVF is not cheap and money is naturally a big concern. The cost of one round of IVF with donor eggs starts from around EUR 4500/5000 and fertility drugs cost an additional EUR 300. One round of IVF with your own eggs starts at around EUR 2500/3000 and fertility drugs are an extra EUR 1500.  

But…

Using your own eggs instead of donor eggs to avoid the extra expense may well be a false economy, especially if you are in your 40s. For women aged 40+ the IVF success rate is around 15%. With donor eggs, it rises to around 50 to 60%. The likelihood of needing multiple rounds of IVF is much higher if using your own eggs, costs can quickly spiral and there is a much lower chance of a baby at the end of it all.

5. Anonymous donors

Czech law stipulates that both parties (donor and recipient + child) are anonymous and have no way of finding out about each other, even after the child reaches adulthood. This means that you will never meet your donor to see what kind of person they are, their traits and values, what they look like, etc. Naturally, this might leave you worried about whether your child will look anything like you.

But…

Clinics use a process called phenotype matching which involves assessing physical characteristics to ensure hair colour, eye colour, skin tone, height, physique, etc can be matched as closely as possible. Sharing DNA is no guarantee your baby will look like you and there are plenty of children who do not resemble their parents at all! 

There are also numerous benefits to donor anonymity. It encourages potential donors to come forward, which leads to a large donor pool, more variety and choice, cheaper prices, and no waiting lists. Clinics in countries without donor anonymity have far fewer donors forthcoming and have to cast their net much wider, whereas Czech clinics can be more selective. Only young women under the age of 34 and in excellent health (they must undergo extensive screening) are considered. This ensures you have access to the highest quality eggs from women at peak fertility. The result is higher success rates, especially in women over 40 who would otherwise be unable to have a healthy baby, making the Czech Republic a leading destination for donor egg IVF.

Once you have grieved the loss of having a child with your own eggs, you may see donated eggs as the gift they are. For many women, it is the only way to improve their chances of IVF success. Having a baby using donor eggs no longer evokes the negative reactions it once did and thankfully women now feel less isolated and stigmatised for taking this route. 

If you want to discuss your options and would like to know more about donor IVF, please get in touch with one of our IVF experts.  

The post 5 key concerns of couples considering donor egg IVF first appeared on Praga Medica Blog.

When it comes to breast cosmetic surgery, the Czech Republic shines as a leading destination for individuals seeking transformative procedures like breast augmentation, reduction, implants, uplift, and treatment for gynecomastia. In this article, we delve into the reasons why the Czech Republic stands out as the ultimate choice for achieving your desired breast enhancements.

Expertise Beyond Compare

The Czech Republic is home to a cadre of highly skilled plastic surgeons specializing in a wide array of breast cosmetic procedures. These experts undergo extensive training and possess a wealth of experience, ensuring precision and superior outcomes for patients seeking augmentation, reduction, implants, uplift, or gynecomastia treatment.

Cutting-Edge Facilities

Leading clinics and hospitals in the Czech Republic boast state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest technology and amenities conducive to safe and comfortable surgical experiences. From advanced imaging systems to modern operating rooms, patients can trust that they’re receiving care of the highest caliber throughout their breast cosmetic surgery journey.

Comprehensive Range of Services

Whether you’re considering breast augmentation to enhance size and shape, breast reduction to alleviate discomfort, breast implants for reconstruction, breast uplift for rejuvenation, or gynecomastia treatment for male breast reduction, the Czech Republic offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet diverse patient needs.

Exceptional Affordability

One of the most compelling reasons to choose the Czech Republic for breast cosmetic surgery is the exceptional affordability of procedures. Compared to many Western countries, the cost of surgery in the Czech Republic is significantly lower without compromising on the quality of care or the expertise of the surgeons, making it an attractive option for those seeking value without compromise.

Renowned Reputation

With a track record of delivering outstanding results and exceptional patient care, the Czech Republic has earned a stellar reputation as a hub for breast cosmetic surgery. Positive testimonials and reviews from satisfied patients speak volumes about the country’s commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction, solidifying its status as a trusted destination for aesthetic enhancements.

Cultural Exploration

Beyond the surgical benefits, undergoing breast cosmetic surgery in the Czech Republic offers patients the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture, history, and vibrant atmosphere. From exploring Prague and historic landmarks to indulging in delicious cuisine, patients can complement their surgical journey with unforgettable cultural experiences.

Conclusion

For individuals seeking breast cosmetic surgery, the Czech Republic offers an unparalleled combination of expertise, advanced facilities, affordability, and a comprehensive range of services. Whether you’re considering augmentation, reduction, implants, uplift, or treatment for gynecomastia, the Czech Republic provides the ideal setting for achieving your aesthetic goals with confidence and peace of mind. Choose the Czech Republic for breast cosmetic surgery and embark on a transformative journey towards enhanced confidence and beauty.

The post Unlocking the Czech Republic’s Superiority in Breast Cosmetic Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide first appeared on Praga Medica Blog.

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the eyes by removing excess skin, fat, or muscle from the eyelids. While this procedure is popular worldwide, the Czech Republic has emerged as a premier destination for individuals seeking high-quality and affordable blepharoplasty surgery. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why the Czech Republic stands out as the best country for blepharoplasty.

1) Renowned Expertise:

The Czech Republic boasts a robust healthcare system with highly skilled surgeons specializing in various cosmetic procedures, including blepharoplasty. Surgeons in the Czech Republic undergo rigorous training and adhere to strict quality standards, ensuring optimal results for patients.

2) State-of-the-Art Facilities:

Leading clinics and hospitals in the Czech Republic are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology, providing patients with access to cutting-edge surgical techniques and a comfortable environment for their blepharoplasty procedure.

3) Cost-Effectiveness:

Compared to many Western countries, the cost of blepharoplasty surgery in the Czech Republic is significantly lower. Patients can save a considerable amount of money without compromising on the quality of care or the expertise of the surgeons.

4) Comprehensive Care:

From the initial consultation to post-operative follow-ups, patients undergoing blepharoplasty in the Czech Republic receive comprehensive care and personalized attention from dedicated medical professionals. Clinics prioritize patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction throughout the entire surgical process.

5) Excellent Reputation:

The Czech Republic has earned a stellar reputation as a top destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from around the globe seeking affordable yet high-quality cosmetic procedures. Positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied patients further solidify the country’s status as a trusted hub for blepharoplasty surgery.

6) Cultural Experience:

Beyond the medical benefits, visiting the Czech Republic for blepharoplasty allows patients to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of this beautiful European country. From exploring Prague and historic landmarks to sampling delicious cuisine, patients can enjoy a memorable travel experience while undergoing treatment.

Conclusion:

For individuals considering blepharoplasty surgery, the Czech Republic offers an unbeatable combination of expertise, affordability, and quality care. With skilled surgeons, state-of-the-art facilities, and a reputation for excellence, it’s no wonder that the Czech Republic has become the preferred destination for individuals seeking to enhance their appearance through eyelid surgery. By choosing the Czech Republic for blepharoplasty, patients can achieve their aesthetic goals with confidence and peace of mind.

The post Why the Czech Republic is the Best Destination for Blepharoplasty Surgery first appeared on Praga Medica Blog.

Celebrity IVF Stories: Breaking the Silence

Renowned TV reality star Kim Kardashian faced the emotional rollercoaster of IVF while striving for a second child. She openly shared her journey on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, describing moments of hope and heartbreak. Kim’s IVF journey resonated with many couples undergoing fertility treatments.

Courage Amidst Challenges: Stars Like Us

The beloved star of Friends, Courtney Cox, underwent IVF during the show’s filming, facing multiple miscarriages before discovering a rare blood antibody affecting pregnancy. In an interview, she bravely recounted the difficulty of filming a sitcom while grappling with the pain of repeated losses.

Sarah Jessica Parker, famed for her role in Sex and the City, also turned to IVF. Her twin daughters, born through IVF, brought an indescribable joy. Parker shared, “Meeting your children rather than giving birth to them — it’s as if everything else disappears for a moment.”

Nicole Kidman, in her journey toward motherhood, faced setbacks with IVF attempts before turning to a gestational carrier. Her openness about the challenges highlights individuals’ diverse paths to build their families.

Perhaps one of the most candid celebrities about IVF, Brooke Shields, detailed her struggles in her 2005 book, Down Came The Rain. Overcoming multiple failures and miscarriages, she ultimately experienced success, giving birth to two beautiful daughters.

Celine Dion, the iconic singer, opened up about the emotional difficulty of IVF, emphasizing the toll it can take on individuals. Her resilience led to the successful conception of her children after multiple attempts.

Mariah Carey, another acclaimed artist, bravely discussed her IVF journey, navigating through miscarriages to welcome her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, in 2011.

If these stories resonate with you or someone you know, remember that undergoing IVF is a shared experience, transcending backgrounds and status. Let’s continue the conversation and support one another on this transformative journey.

The post Embracing IVF Journeys: Celebrities and Everyday Warriors Share Their Stories first appeared on Praga Medica Blog.

How does a fresh IVF cycle differ from frozen?

The lead up to embryo transfer during a fresh cycle is much more lengthy and complicated. You need to take a regimen of hormones to stimulate your ovaries into producing a greater number of eggs. These eggs are then retrieved when mature enough and viable oocytes are fertilised with sperm in the lab. The most promising embryo will then be transferred to the uterus either on day 3, or more usually on day 5 when it has reached the blastocyst stage.

Any remaining embryos can then be frozen on day 5 or 6 for later use. With a frozen cycle, the best-quality embryo is thawed and transferred to the uterus. The stages of ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval are bypassed and this means the process is fast (the procedure takes around 20 minutes) and much less mentally and physically demanding.

Advances in embryo freezing

The process of cryopreservation has been greatly improved with the introduction of vitrification (flash freezing), which prevents the formation of ice crystals which damage the cells of the embryo. Under these conditions, embryos can be stored indefinitely and many women are now opting for freeze-all cycles where all embryos are frozen.

Modern thawing techniques mean that currently around 95% of embryos survive the procedure. This cutting-edge technology is now standard in most fertility clinics.

So why use fresh embryos?

When it comes to using donated eggs, FET is highly recommended due to the need for synchronization. Planning for FET after the creation of embryos is a stress-free process and can be tailored to your menstrual cycle. The primary benefit is that you can get pregnant faster, as the embryo is usually transferred 5 days after egg retrieval. With FET, you have to wait 6 to 8 weeks, as a recovery time of one full menstrual cycle is needed after egg retrieval and transfer needs to be coordinated with the following menstrual period.

Also, fresh embryos appear to implant quicker. A fresh embryo usually takes one or two days to hatch (break out of its protective outer membrane in order to implant in the endometrium), whereas a frozen embryo can take up to 5 days to hatch. Fresh transfer also spares you the cost of an additional trip to the clinic, which needs to be factored in when considering FET abroad. As mentioned above, although the risk of cryodamage during embryo freezing and thawing is minimal, for some patients this is not a risk worth taking.

Benefits of FET

Good success rates: Thanks to advances in the field, FET now has comparable or even better live-birth rates than fresh embryo transfer. This is most notable in women with PCOS who are more susceptible to OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), or women with advanced endometriosis. Also, a study by Stanford University showed that women with high progesterone levels during egg retrieval benefit from freezing their embryos and waiting for hormone levels to fall to improve the chances of implantation.

In these instances, the evidence showing the advantages of FET over fresh is compelling. It’s important to note that FET is not necessarily a cheaper option. The process of stimulating the ovaries with medications is similar for both fresh and FET cycles. The main difference is in the timing of preparing the uterus for the transfer. In fact, for international patients, FET can be more expensive, as they may incur additional expenses when traveling for subsequent visits.

Preserve fertility: It is common knowledge that women are starting their families later in life and egg or embryo freezing before the age of 35 is an excellent way to ensure that even if you are considered of advanced maternal age, your embryos won’t be!

The age at which a woman decides to use her frozen embryos has far less impact on success than the age of her eggs (or the donor’s eggs) and subsequent embryos. Medical conditions such as cancer can also affect fertility, so embryo freezing before undergoing chemotherapy provides these patients with the opportunity to start a family after their treatment has finished.

Convenience: As frozen embryos can be stored for years, you can choose to get pregnant when it suits you. This also allows you to plan your ideal spacing between siblings. If you are using donor eggs, FET is highly recommended as there is no need to coordinate with the donor in order to synchronise menstrual cycles so egg retrieval and transfer can be done in tandem. In a fresh cycle, if the donor drops out or doesn’t respond to ovarian stimulation; or if the recipient’s uterus isn’t ready for embryo transfer, the IVF cycle is cancelled.

Enables genetic screening: PGT (pre-implantation genetic testing) involves taking a biopsy of the embryo, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. Results can take time (often more than 2 weeks), so the embryo needs to be frozen in the meantime.

PGT allows the embryologist to select only chromosomally normal embryos for transfer, which in turn leads to better pregnancy rates and lowers the risk of miscarriage.

As you can see, there are pros and cons to consider when weighing up which transfer is best for you, but the mantra ‘fresh is best’ no longer holds true. It seems the pendulum is now swinging firmly in the direction of FET.

Get in touch with our fertility experts to discuss your IVF options

The post To freeze or not to freeze, that is the question: Weighing up fresh or frozen embryo transfer first appeared on Praga Medica Blog.

Nicholas’s journey wasn’t just an ordinary experience toward the perfect vision; he documented this incredible transformation in a fantastic video.

Nicholas’s Life-Changing Video Journey:
Nicholas underwent the revolutionary FemtoLASIK HD surgery at our sister’s eye clinic in Bratislava. His video beautifully captures the essence of this procedure, offering a unique perspective into the world of clear vision.
This surgical innovation, FemtoLASIK HD, has been a game-changer in eye care. It is a safe and highly precise laser eye surgery that corrects various vision issues, including nearsightedness and astigmatism. The procedure is renowned for its minimal discomfort, rapid recovery, and, most importantly, its ability to provide patients with crisp, unaided vision.

Enjoy Nick’s Amazing Video
Nicholas’s video will take you through his entire journey, from the initial consultation to the surgery and finally to the moment he experienced the world with newfound clarity.
This video is more than just a testament to Nicholas’s experience; it also showcases the high expertise and care our sister’s eye clinic in Bratislava provides. We couldn’t be prouder of its positive impact on his life.
Enjoy the video HERE

The post Experience the Miracle of Clear Vision with FemtoLASIK HD Surgery first appeared on Praga Medica Blog.