UZ Leuven

More than 1000 new infertile couples are seen every year at the LUFC. The Center runs about 500 infertility surgeries (mostly endometriosis surgery) and 1400 IVF cycles per year, including embryo transfers after cryopreservation and thawing of embryos and cycles of preimplantation genetic diagnosis/screening. In addition, about 400 cycles are performed annually for controlled ovarian stimulation with or without intrauterine insemination.

We address each fertility problem in 3 steps:

1. Investigate the cause of the fertility problems in men and women, also taking into account psychosocial issues.
2. Discuss the results of this investigation during our weekly multidisciplinary staff meeting with planning of additional investigations and treatment
3. Discuss a treatment proposal with the patients, followed by regular evaluations of this treatment and modifications, if necessary.

Investigation of infertility problems

A completed diagnostic phase is needed before treatment can be started. A full diagnostic investigation includes sperm analysis, andrological examination, and investigation of ovulatory, tubal, implantation, cervical and pelvic function via hormonal examinations, gynecological ultrasound, hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy, laparoscopy and post-coital testing. Psychological counseling and holistic support via mind-body medicine and psychological support is readily available to all couples. Ethical aspects of fertility treatment are discusses with an Ad Hoc Ethical Committee, which is part of the official Committee for Medical Ethics at the Faculty of Medicine at Leuven University.

Therapeutic options

As therapeutic options, couples are offered a wide range of treatments, including advanced reconstructive fertility surgery via video laser laparoscopy or microsurgery for endometriosis, tubal obstruction/adhesions, myomectomy and reversal of sterilization. The LUFC also has a full program of ovulation induction, homologous intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI), testicular biopsy for sperm retrieval, freezing of sperm and embryos, and third party reproduction (anonymous donation and reception of sperm, eggs and embryos).

Staff

The clinical staff includes:

• 4 gynecologists with special experience in reproductive medicine
• 1 Clinical Fellow
• 2 clinical assistants in training
• 2 trained andrologists
• 2 urologists
• 2 specialists in Human Genetics
• 2 fertility counselors (clinical psychologist and relaxation therapist)

The paramedical staff includes:

• 14 nurses
• midwives
• secretaries

The laboratory staff includes:

• 3 senior embryologists (including 2 with PhD)
• one embrylogist without PhD
• 9 laboratory technicians

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