As a leading fertility specialist, Dr. Sylvie Epelboin advises: Don't panic if conception doesn't happen right away. Infertility is typically diagnosed after two years of unsuccessful attempts—not just one month off birth control. "We must give time to time, especially after a long period of taking contraception," she emphasizes. Instead, both partners should undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including hormonal tests, genital tract assessments, and a spermogram to evaluate sperm quantity and quality. Steer clear of unverified advice from friends or the internet during this process.
Depending on the findings, medically assisted procreation (MAP) offers proven options, with or without donor sperm or oocytes.
• Artificial insemination, the simplest method: Sperm is placed directly in the uterus, allowing natural fertilization.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF), involving five key stages from ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer into the uterus.
• ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) for precision: A single sperm is injected into each mature oocyte, unlike standard IVF.
• Oocyte vitrification, authorized by France's Bioethics Law of July 7, 2011. This advanced freezing technique, used abroad for a decade, preserves women's fertility—similar to sperm banking since 1973. It eliminates donor-recipient synchronization in donations and helps those facing premature menopause or sterilizing treatments.
