Frequently asked questions
The questions that come up most often in consultation, grouped by subject. If yours is not here, ask it in the consultation — that is where you will get a more precise answer.
General questions
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1. Is my medical information kept confidential?
Yes. Protecting patient privacy is one of our highest priorities. All medical records, laboratory results, imaging, treatment history, and personal information are handled with strict confidentiality and are only accessible to authorized healthcare professionals involved in your care.
2. Can I receive an online consultation before traveling?
Yes. Before traveling to Iran, you may submit your medical records through our website for an initial review. Our team will evaluate your information and arrange an online consultation to discuss your fertility history, possible treatment options, and your personalized treatment plan.
3. What medical records should I send before my consultation?
Please send all available fertility-related medical records, including laboratory results, ultrasound reports, previous IVF or ICSI records, surgical reports, medications, semen analysis, and any other relevant documents. These records help our specialists better understand your medical history.
14. What documents should I bring when traveling for treatment?
Please bring your passport, previous medical records, laboratory reports, imaging studies, and any medications you are currently taking. Our International Patient Department will inform you in advance if additional documents are required.
4. Can I continue my fertility treatment at Taban if I have already been treated elsewhere?
Yes. Many of our international patients begin treatment at another clinic and continue their fertility journey with us. Our specialists will carefully review your previous records before recommending the most appropriate treatment plan.
5. Should both partners attend the first consultation?
Whenever possible, yes. Fertility evaluation usually involves both partners, and attending together helps our specialists provide a more comprehensive assessment and treatment recommendation.
6. Do international patients receive assistance before arriving in Iran?
Yes. Our International Patient Department coordinates your treatment schedule before your arrival and assists with travel planning, accommodation, airport transfers, translation services, and appointment scheduling.
7. Does every patient receive the same treatment plan?
No. Every treatment plan is individualized based on age, fertility diagnosis, medical history, previous treatments, laboratory findings, and each couple's specific needs.
11. How can I contact the clinic during my treatment?
Your International Patient Coordinator will remain available throughout your treatment journey to answer your questions, coordinate appointments, and communicate with your medical team whenever necessary.
8. Will I need to repeat my previous laboratory tests?
Not necessarily. If your previous test results are still valid and clinically appropriate, our physicians may use them. Additional tests will only be requested if updated or more detailed information is needed.
9. Can treatment be delayed after my first consultation?
Yes. In some cases, additional medical evaluation or further diagnostic tests may be required before treatment begins. This helps ensure both patient safety and the best possible treatment outcome.
10. What happens if my treatment is not successful?
If a treatment cycle is unsuccessful, our fertility specialists will carefully review the outcome, discuss the findings with you, and recommend the most appropriate next steps based on your individual situation.
15. Why do international patients choose Taban Fertility Center?
Patients choose Taban Fertility Center for its personalized fertility care, experienced multidisciplinary team, advanced embryology laboratory, modern reproductive technologies, coordinated international patient services, and commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care throughout every stage of treatment.
12. How long should I plan to stay in Iran?
The required length of stay depends on your treatment plan. After reviewing your medical records, we will provide an estimated treatment schedule and recommend the appropriate duration of your visit before you travel.
13. Can you help me arrange accommodation and airport transfers?
Yes. We assist international patients with airport transfers, hotel reservations, serviced apartments, and transportation between their accommodation and the clinic throughout their stay.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
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Is IVF painful?
Most stages of IVF do not cause significant pain. Egg retrieval is usually performed under short-term anesthesia or sedation, while embryo transfer is generally painless and does not require anesthesia.
Are all embryos transferred?
No. Only the embryo or embryos considered suitable for transfer are selected. Additional good-quality embryos may be frozen for possible future use.
If the first IVF cycle is unsuccessful, must all stages be repeated?
Not always. If suitable frozen embryos are available, treatment may continue with a frozen embryo transfer without repeating ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.
Can lifestyle affect the outcome of IVF?
Yes. A balanced diet, healthy weight, adequate sleep, avoiding tobacco, and following medical recommendations may support general health and the treatment process.
Supporting you throughout your treatment journey
Fertility treatment is more than a series of medical procedures. It is a journey that begins with hope and requires planning, precision, and continuous support.
At Taban Fertility Center, every treatment plan is designed according to the specific needs of each couple. All stages, from the initial evaluation to embryo transfer, are coordinated by fertility specialists, embryologists, nursing staff, and the wider treatment team.
Our goal is not simply to perform IVF. Our goal is to help every couple move through treatment with greater understanding, confidence, and peace of mind while providing the best possible opportunity to achieve parenthood.
Can an IVF cycle be cancelled before egg retrieval?
Yes. If the ovaries respond either less or more than expected to the stimulation medications, or if certain medical conditions arise, your physician may recommend cancelling or postponing the cycle to protect your health and optimize future treatment outcomes.
If fewer eggs are retrieved than expected, is it still worth continuing treatment?
Yes. The success of IVF does not depend solely on the number of eggs retrieved. Even a small number of eggs can result in healthy embryos and a successful pregnancy.
Is it possible that no embryos will develop after egg retrieval?
Yes. Embryo development is a multi-step process. Although eggs may be successfully retrieved and fertilized, embryo development may stop before reaching the stage suitable for transfer. If this occurs, your medical team will carefully review the possible reasons and discuss the most appropriate next steps with you.
Do all embryos continue developing until the day of embryo transfer?
No. Embryos are monitored daily in the laboratory, and some may naturally stop developing during the culture period. This is a normal part of embryo development and helps identify those with the highest developmental potential.
Is it unusual if there are no embryos available for freezing?
No. The number of embryos suitable for cryopreservation varies from one patient to another and depends on factors such as egg quality, sperm quality, fertilization, and embryo development.
Can my doctor recommend freezing all embryos instead of performing a fresh embryo transfer?
Yes. In certain medical situations, delaying embryo transfer and freezing all embryos may improve both treatment safety and the chances of success. Your physician will explain the reasons if this approach is recommended.
Can embryo quality change during development?
Yes. Embryos are evaluated daily based on their rate of development and cellular characteristics. Their quality assessment may change as they continue to develop in the laboratory.
If my previous IVF cycle was unsuccessful, will my treatment plan change?
Yes. Every IVF cycle provides valuable clinical information. Based on your ovarian response, egg quality, fertilization, embryo development, and previous outcome, your physician may adjust your medications or treatment protocol for future cycles.
Is it possible for all mature eggs to be fertilized but none to reach the transfer stage?
Yes. Fertilization is only the first step in embryo development. Continued cell division and normal embryo development are essential before an embryo is considered suitable for transfer.
What happens if there are more high-quality embryos than needed?
With your consent and when medically appropriate, additional high-quality embryos can be cryopreserved for future treatment cycles in accordance with applicable medical standards and regulations.
Can the outcome of one IVF cycle influence future treatment?
Yes. Your ovarian response, egg quality, embryo development, and the overall outcome of each IVF cycle help your physician refine and personalize future treatment plans.
Can the number of clinic visits or ultrasound examinations change during an IVF cycle?
Yes. Every patient responds differently to fertility medications. Your physician may adjust the timing or frequency of clinic visits, ultrasounds, and laboratory tests to monitor your response and optimize your treatment safely.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
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Is ICSI painful?
No. ICSI is performed in the laboratory on the egg, so the patient does not feel any pain during this stage.
Is a large number of sperm required for ICSI?
No. Only one suitable sperm is selected for each mature egg.
Are all eggs suitable for ICSI?
No. Only eggs that have reached the appropriate stage of maturity can undergo ICSI.
Does ICSI guarantee that an embryo will develop?
No. Although ICSI may increase the chance of fertilization, embryo development also depends on the quality and maturity of the egg, the condition of the sperm, and other biological factors.
Is a pregnancy achieved after ICSI different from a natural pregnancy?
No. Once the embryo implants successfully, the pregnancy generally develops in the same way as other pregnancies, unless additional medical monitoring is required.
Precision That Can Make the Beginning of a New Life Possible
In ICSI, every decision and every movement matters. From selecting the sperm and evaluating the egg to performing the injection and monitoring embryo development, each stage requires precision, coordination, and careful laboratory judgment.
At Taban Fertility Center, fertility specialists, andrology professionals, and the embryology team work closely together to select the most appropriate fertilization method for each couple.
Our goal is not simply to perform a laboratory technique. Our goal is to provide every couple with the best possible opportunity for the beginning of a new life through scientific decision-making, experience, and meticulous care.
Is the same ICSI technique used for every egg?
No. Each egg is individually evaluated by the embryologist, and only mature, suitable eggs are selected for sperm injection.
Will every mature egg be fertilized after ICSI?
No. Even though a single sperm is injected directly into the egg, fertilization cannot be guaranteed. Fertilization rates vary from patient to patient.
If some eggs are not fertilized after ICSI, does that mean the treatment has failed?
No. It is normal that not every injected egg becomes fertilized. Treatment success is evaluated based on multiple factors, including embryo development and the quality of the embryos obtained.
Is sperm selection for ICSI based only on its appearance?
No. In addition to evaluating the sperm's appearance, embryologists also consider laboratory findings and the overall quality of the semen sample when selecting the most suitable sperm for injection.
Can egg quality affect the outcome of ICSI?
Yes. The success of ICSI depends not only on sperm quality but also on the quality and maturity of the eggs, both of which play an essential role in embryo development.
Are all retrieved eggs suitable for ICSI?
No. Not all retrieved eggs reach full maturity. Only mature eggs that meet the necessary laboratory criteria are suitable for sperm injection.
Can an egg be damaged during the ICSI procedure?
Yes. A small percentage of eggs may not tolerate the injection process because of their own structural characteristics. This is a recognized but uncommon risk of the ICSI procedure.
Does the success of ICSI depend on the embryologist's expertise?
Yes. ICSI is one of the most technically demanding procedures in assisted reproduction and requires highly skilled embryologists working with advanced laboratory equipment.
If I have had ICSI once, will I always need ICSI in future treatment cycles?
No. The choice of fertilization method is made individually for each treatment cycle based on your current clinical condition, previous treatment outcomes, and your physician's recommendations.
Does ICSI guarantee the development of high-quality embryos?
No. While ICSI can improve the chance of fertilization in appropriate cases, embryo quality ultimately depends on several factors, including both egg and sperm quality.
Can sperm with poor motility still be used for ICSI?
Yes, in many cases. One of the advantages of ICSI is that it allows embryologists to select a suitable sperm for injection even when sperm count or motility is significantly reduced. However, the final decision depends on each patient's individual circumstances.
Can the laboratory treatment plan be changed on the day of ICSI?
Yes. In certain situations, based on the condition of the eggs or the semen sample, the medical team may decide to use the laboratory technique that is most appropriate for that treatment cycle in order to maximize the chances of success.
Female infertility
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1. When should we seek a fertility evaluation?
If you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for one year without success, or if you are 35 or older and have been trying for six months, it is recommended that you undergo a fertility evaluation. Earlier assessment may be advised if you have irregular menstrual cycles or a history of reproductive health conditions.
2. Does having regular menstrual cycles mean my fertility is normal?
Not necessarily. Regular menstrual cycles often indicate ovulation, but fertility also depends on factors such as egg quality, the uterus, fallopian tubes, sperm quality, and overall reproductive health.
3. Do irregular menstrual cycles always indicate infertility?
No. Irregular menstrual cycles can have many causes and do not always mean infertility. However, they should be evaluated by a fertility specialist to determine whether further investigation is needed.
4. Does age affect fertility?
Yes. Female fertility naturally declines with age as both the number and quality of eggs decrease. Age is one of the most important factors considered when planning fertility treatment.
5. Does low ovarian reserve mean pregnancy is no longer possible?
No. A low ovarian reserve does not necessarily mean pregnancy is impossible. It is only one part of a comprehensive fertility assessment and should be interpreted together with other medical findings.
Does polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) always cause infertility?
No. Many women with PCOS conceive with the right treatment. Which treatment that is depends on the individual.
Does endometriosis always prevent pregnancy?
No. Endometriosis varies in severity from one woman to another. Some conceive without difficulty; others may need treatment.
Do uterine fibroids always require surgery?
No. Many fibroids have no effect on fertility at all. The decision to treat depends on their size and position, the symptoms, and the plan for pregnancy.
If one fallopian tube is blocked, is pregnancy still possible?
Yes. If the other tube is healthy and the remaining conditions are favourable, both natural conception and assisted treatment remain possible.
Can early menopause be predicted?
In some women, family history, hormone tests and an assessment of ovarian reserve give a better estimate of the likelihood that ovarian function will decline early. An exact prediction is not always possible.
6. Can previous surgery affect fertility?
Yes. Depending on the type and extent of surgery, previous procedures involving the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes may affect fertility. Your fertility specialist will evaluate your medical history during your consultation.
Does a history of recurrent miscarriage mean infertility?
No. Recurrent miscarriage and infertility are two different things, although some factors can contribute to both and need specialist investigation.
7. Can body weight affect fertility?
Yes. Being significantly overweight or underweight may influence hormone balance and ovulation. Achieving a healthy weight can improve fertility and may increase the chances of treatment success for some patients.
8. Does stress cause infertility?
Stress alone is not considered a direct cause of infertility. However, it may affect overall well-being, menstrual regularity in some women, and the experience of fertility treatment.
9. Is infertility evaluated with blood tests alone?
No. A complete fertility evaluation may include a detailed medical history, physical examination, ultrasound, hormone testing, semen analysis, and additional diagnostic procedures when necessary.
Male infertility
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Does not having children necessarily mean the fertility problem is with the man?
No. Infertility is a condition that affects couples, not just one partner. The cause may be related to the male, the female, both partners, or in some cases remain unexplained. For this reason, evaluating both partners is the most effective way to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Is one semen analysis enough to make a diagnosis?
Not always. Semen quality can vary over time. In some cases, your physician may recommend repeating the test or performing additional evaluations to obtain a more accurate assessment.
If my semen analysis is abnormal, does that mean I am infertile?
No. An abnormal semen analysis does not automatically mean you are infertile. The results should always be interpreted alongside your medical history, physical examination, your partner's fertility evaluation, and other diagnostic findings.
If I have no symptoms or pain, does that mean my fertility is normal?
Not necessarily. Many conditions that affect male fertility cause no obvious symptoms and can only be identified through a specialized fertility evaluation.
Does every case of varicocele require treatment?
No. Not all men with varicocele require treatment. The decision depends on several factors, including semen analysis results, symptoms, physical examination findings, and your reproductive goals.
Can fever or illness affect semen analysis results?
Yes. Fever, certain infections, and other illnesses may temporarily affect sperm quality. Your physician may recommend postponing or repeating the test to ensure accurate results.
Are fertility supplements beneficial for everyone?
No. Fertility supplements should only be taken when recommended by a physician. Their effectiveness depends on the underlying cause of the fertility problem, and self-medication may not improve sperm quality.
Can smoking, hookah, or recreational drugs affect male fertility?
Yes. Smoking, hookah, and recreational drug use can negatively affect sperm count, motility, and quality, potentially reducing the chances of natural conception and the success of fertility treatments.
Can excessive heat affect sperm quality?
Yes. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, such as frequent use of saunas, hot tubs, or working in high-heat environments, may affect sperm production in some men. If you have concerns, discuss them with your physician.
Can previous surgery or injury affect fertility?
Yes. Previous surgery or injury involving the testicles or reproductive organs may affect sperm production or transport. It is important to inform your physician about your complete medical and surgical history.
Can childhood illnesses affect fertility later in life?
Yes. Certain childhood illnesses, such as mumps associated with testicular inflammation, may affect testicular function in some men. However, this does not occur in every case.
Can certain medications affect fertility?
Yes. Some medications may temporarily or permanently affect sperm production. You should never stop or change a prescribed medication without consulting your physician.
Is male infertility always treatable?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, fertility can be improved through medication, surgery, lifestyle modifications, or assisted reproductive technologies.
Can lifestyle changes improve sperm quality?
Yes. For some men, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, and following a balanced diet may help improve sperm quality. However, the degree of improvement varies from person to person.
Can I have normal sexual function and still have fertility problems?
Yes. Sexual function and fertility are not the same. A man may have normal sexual performance while still experiencing problems with sperm production or sperm quality that affect fertility.
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