Frequently asked questions

Egg Freezing – Not a Trend, but a Strategic Investment in a Woman’s Future

Modern women are increasingly choosing to plan their future proactively—including decisions about building a family. One of the most effective and reliable ways to preserve the possibility of becoming a mother later in life is egg freezing. Dr. Zane Vītiņa, Head of the Embrions Clinic and reproductive gynecologist, explains how the process works.

Egg freezing is a globally recognized, safe method that allows women to preserve their reproductive cells at the time when they are of the highest quality—typically between the ages of 20 and 35. This procedure provides an opportunity to use one’s own eggs in the future, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy even if fertility has declined.

“More women are choosing this option—not because they don’t want children, but because they want to secure their freedom of choice for the future,” notes reproductive gynecologist Dr. Zane Vītiņa. It is a way to preserve fertility until the woman feels ready for motherhood—emotionally, physically, and socially. “In today’s fast-paced world, where education and career goals often come first, many women consider having children only when fertility has already declined—when donor eggs become the only option for medical fertilization. Sometimes the most important decisions are those we make today while thinking ahead. I encourage women to consider preserving their reproductive cells for the future,” says Dr. Vītiņa.

How Egg Freezing Works

Before the procedure, a comprehensive health and hormonal assessment is performed. A reproductive specialist reviews the patient’s medical history, conducts an ultrasound exam, and evaluates hormone levels to determine ovarian reserve and select the most appropriate stimulation protocol.

To obtain multiple mature eggs in one cycle, the patient undergoes a 10–12-day stimulation therapy. During this period, regular ultrasounds are performed to monitor the ovaries’ response. Once the eggs are mature, the reproductive gynecologist performs a short and safe procedure—follicular puncture. It is carried out under intravenous anesthesia, lasts about 15–20 minutes, and the patient can return home a few hours later.

The collected eggs are rapidly frozen in the laboratory using vitrification, a modern technique that ensures exceptionally high cell survival rates. They are stored in liquid nitrogen under controlled conditions until the woman decides to use them.

Egg Freezing Is Particularly Suitable For:

• Women who do not wish to have children now but want to keep the option open for the future
• Women with a family history of early menopause
• Women undergoing cancer treatment that may affect fertility
• Patients with conditions associated with reduced ovarian reserve, such as endometriosis
• Women who are not currently in a stable relationship but wish to become mothers later in life

Women worldwide are choosing egg freezing as part of their long-term life planning. In Latvia too, attitudes toward fertility preservation are becoming increasingly open and informed.

Fertility is not just a matter of “good luck” — it is significantly influenced by our daily habits, environment, and overall health. Below are practical, evidence-based recommendations men can begin implementing today to enhance spermatogenesis, reduce oxidative stress, and support hormonal balance. These steps can help improve the chances of conception — both naturally and with medical assistance if needed.

Lifestyle and Habits

Quit smoking and vaping
Tobacco smoke and vapor from electronic cigarettes contain harmful substances (e.g., heavy metals, aldehydes) that negatively affect sperm quality, motility, and DNA integrity, ultimately reducing fertility.
Tip: Set a specific quit date, consider nicotine replacement therapy, and schedule a consultation with a GP or psychologist for support.

Minimize alcohol consumption
Alcohol disrupts the endocrine system, reducing testosterone production, which plays a crucial role in healthy spermatogenesis and male reproductive function.
Tip: Limit alcohol to 0–2 drinks per week or abstain entirely for at least 3 months — the duration of a full spermatogenesis cycle (approx. 64–75 days).

Avoid hot baths, saunas, and tight-fitting underwear
The testes require a temperature 1–2°C lower than body temperature to function optimally. Prolonged exposure to heat above 37°C can impair sperm production. Avoid heat exposure in the groin area for more than 30 minutes per week.
Tip: Don’t sit on heated car seats for extended periods, avoid placing laptops on your lap, and choose loose-fitting cotton underwear.

Get screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Asymptomatic or mild infections (e.g., chlamydia) can cause chronic inflammation and scarring of the reproductive ducts, increasing the risk of infertility over time.
Tip: Get tested if you’ve had more than one partner in the past year, had unprotected sex, or are experiencing symptoms such as discomfort, discharge, or pain.

Manage stress and improve sleep quality
Chronic stress and sleep disturbances reduce testosterone levels and negatively affect sperm quality and count. Maintain a balanced daily routine and aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep.
Tip: Practice daily breathing exercises (10–15 min), limit screen time at least one hour before bed, and keep a consistent sleep schedule — even on weekends.

Exercise regularly in fresh air
Moderate physical activity 2–3 times per week helps maintain a healthy weight, supports metabolism, and reduces the impact of stress. Sedentary behavior and obesity are known risk factors for male infertility.
Tip: Aim for 150–300 minutes of moderate activity per week (e.g. brisk walking, jogging, swimming), combined with two weekly strength training sessions. Avoid anabolic steroids.

Limit caffeine intake
Excessive caffeine stimulates adrenal glands, increasing stress hormones that can impair reproductive function.
Tip: No more than 200 mg of caffeine per day (≈1–2 cups of black coffee). Replace some coffee with water or decaffeinated alternatives. Avoid energy drinks altogether.

Stay hydrated
Optimal sperm production requires 2.0–2.5 liters of water per day (depending on body mass and activity level). Semen is composed of approximately 80% fluid, and dehydration can reduce its volume and quality.
Tip: Carry a reusable water bottle and aim for pale straw-colored urine as a sign of proper hydration.

Maintain a regular sexual rhythm
Ejaculation is recommended at least twice per week. Long abstinence can decrease sperm motility and increase DNA fragmentation, while overly frequent ejaculation may reduce sperm concentration. Optimal recovery time is around 48 hours.
Tip: Avoid using lubricants, as many contain substances harmful to sperm viability.

Nutrition and Micronutrients

Eat fatty fish regularly
Fatty fish are rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which support spermatogenesis, enhance sperm motility, and improve cell membrane integrity.
Tip: Include 2–3 servings per week of fish like mackerel, salmon, sardines, or herring. If fish is not a regular part of your diet, consider omega-3 supplements.

Include a variety of vegetables and fruits
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential minerals that support spermatogenesis and can increase sperm count and motility.
Tip: Aim for “5+ servings per day” in various colors — dark leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits.

Ensure adequate zinc and folic acid intake
Zinc is crucial for testosterone synthesis and normal sperm development. It’s found in meat, fish, and eggs. Folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Deficiency may reduce sperm count by up to 90%.
Tip: Include leafy greens, legumes, and whole grains in your diet. If deficiency is suspected, consider blood testing and folic acid supplementation.

Build your diet around antioxidants
A balanced diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants is the foundation of good sperm health. Valuable sources include whole grains, lean poultry, seafood, shellfish, low-fat dairy, and foods rich in beta-carotene, selenium, lycopene, and folates.
Tip: Follow a “Mediterranean-style” diet — olive oil, nuts, seeds, and plenty of vegetables.

Habits That Impair Sperm Production — Limit or Avoid:

Frequent consumption of the following may negatively affect spermatogenesis:

• Excess caffeine or alcohol
• Sugary drinks
• Processed red meat
• Trans fats (margarines, industrial baked goods)
• Saturated fats (pork, beef, lamb, whole milk, butter)
• Excessive soy products
• Fried foods (e.g., French fries)
• High-fat cheeses and full-fat dairy

Tip: Review your grocery habits — choose more organic and fresh products, and reduce “ready-to-eat” or highly processed foods.

Treatment Innovations in Assisted Reproduction

Clinic Embrions offers the latest innovations in assisted reproduction designed to improve treatment outcomes. These technologies allow us to support couples more accurately, safely, and effectively on their journey toward the long-awaited arrival of a child.

Embryo Development Monitoring with the Time-Lapse Incubator EmbryoScope

Why use the EmbryoScope?

At Clinic Embrions, we provide one of the most advanced technologies in infertility treatment — the time-lapse incubator EmbryoScope. This innovation enables our specialists to maintain a maximally safe, natural, and carefully controlled environment for embryo development, significantly improving the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Key Benefits

Continuous 24/7 Embryo Monitoring
The EmbryoScope allows embryos to be observed continuously without removing them from the incubator. This ensures stable temperature, optimal pH, and ideal growth conditions — everything necessary for high-quality embryo development.

More Precise and Safer Embryo Selection
Time-lapse technology provides embryologists with detailed information about every stage of embryo development. By observing all cell division phases, we can more accurately select embryos with the highest implantation potential.

Higher Chance of Achieving a Successful Pregnancy Faster
Embryo selection based on detailed developmental data helps improve treatment efficiency, increasing the likelihood of pregnancy and reducing the risk of complications.

“Less Stress” for Embryos
Embryos remain in a stable, undisturbed environment throughout the cultivation period. This continuous care mimics natural development and reduces the impact of external factors.

Safer Single Embryo Transfer Strategy
With more precise embryo selection, it is often possible to safely choose a single, high-quality embryo.

The EmbryoScope is one of the technologies that helps us move step by step toward your dream of building a family.

Sperm preparation in a microfluidic membrane chamber is a modern and highly effective method for selecting high-quality sperm cells, used in assisted reproduction procedures. Its purpose is to obtain the healthiest possible sperm — with optimal motility, morphology, and genetic integrity — to increase the likelihood of successful fertilisation and healthy embryo development.

How Does the Microfluidic Membrane Method Work?

The microfluidic membrane chamber functions as an intelligent, biologically adapted filtration system. The method is based on the natural motility of sperm cells and their ability to move through fluid streams within the device’s microchannels, which mimic the conditions of the female reproductive tract.

As a result, only the most functional and high-quality sperm cells can pass through the membrane:
• with strong motility,
• with superior morphology,
• with a lower level of DNA fragmentation.

Why Is Sperm Preparation in a Microfluidic Membrane Chamber Necessary?

Higher quality of selected sperm
• The method helps isolate sperm with better motility and morphology — essential factors for successful fertilisation and embryo development.

Reduced risk of DNA damage
• Microfluidic filtration is particularly recommended when an elevated DNA fragmentation index is detected. Selected sperm typically show lower DNA damage, which may positively impact both conception and pregnancy progression.

A selection process closer to nature
• The method mimics the natural journey of sperm within the female reproductive system, allowing only the strongest cells to progress. This ensures a more biologically accurate selection compared to some mechanical methods.

Improved preparation for procedures
• Prior to sperm injection into the oocyte (ICSI), selecting the healthiest possible sperm is crucial. The microfluidic method enhances both the precision and safety of this selection.

Potential for improved treatment outcomes
• Higher-quality sperm can increase the chances of successful fertilisation and support the development of a healthy embryo.

The Microfluidic Membrane Method — A Step Closer to a Successful Pregnancy

By enabling the selection of only the best sperm cells, this method enhances the effectiveness of assisted reproduction and increases a couple’s chances of achieving the long-awaited pregnancy.

Oocyte activation is a specialised laboratory method used during ICSI procedures in assisted reproduction. The technique is based on creating artificial stimuli that mimic the natural physiological processes triggered when a sperm cell enters the oocyte. These stimuli initiate fertilisation and support the early stages of embryo development.

In some cases, even after ICSI, the oocyte does not receive a sufficiently strong activation signal — or activation does not occur at all. In such situations, oocyte activation is used to ensure fertilisation and promote normal embryo development.

Why Is Oocyte Activation Necessary?

Previous fertilisation failure
For some couples, fertilisation may not occur even after an ICSI procedure. This indicates that the oocyte did not receive an adequate activation signal from the sperm.

Sperm-related activation deficiencies
Certain sperm quality or functional issues can prevent the sperm from naturally triggering the oocyte activation process. Oocyte activation helps compensate for this deficiency.

Reduced oocyte activation capacity
In some cases, the oocyte itself may have a diminished ability to respond to activation. This may be related to the woman’s age, individual characteristics, or other biological factors.

Use of frozen–thawed oocytes
The thawing process can occasionally affect the oocyte’s natural activation potential, making additional activation necessary.

What Are the Benefits of Oocyte Activation?

• Increases the likelihood of successful fertilisation
  • Provides an opportunity to continue treatment when previous fertilisation attempts have failed
  • Supports the initiation of embryo development when it is hindered by sperm or oocyte functional issues