Limited male fertility is a common cause of infertility. Thanks to modern reproductive medicine, there are now a variety of treatment methods available that can be tailored to the individual situation. The aim of fertility treatment is to offer couples realistic and medically sound ways of having the child they desire.
The basis of every treatment: targeted diagnostics
The choice of the appropriate treatment method is always based on careful diagnostics. A semen analysis provides key information about sperm quality and serves as a starting point for further steps. Depending on the findings, additional hormonal, genetic or imaging tests may be necessary. Only on this basis can a decision be made as to which treatment option is appropriate. In cases of mild or moderate sperm quality impairment, intrauterine insemination (IUI) can be an effective treatment option. This involves preparing the sperm and inserting it directly into the uterus at the optimal time. This method is often used when natural fertilisation is difficult but still possible.
ICSI as the main treatment method for severely impaired fertility
ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is used in cases of significantly impaired sperm quality or when other methods have been unsuccessful. This established form of treatment enables fertilisation by inserting a single sperm into the egg cell. ICSI is one of the most important treatment options for male infertility and opens up new opportunities for many couples undergoing fertility treatment.
Treatment options for absent sperm in the ejaculate
If there are no or very few sperm in the ejaculate, specialised treatment methods are still available. With TESE (testicular sperm extraction) or TESA (testicular sperm aspiration), sperm can be obtained directly from the testicles or epididymis. These are then used in ICSI. Even in complex cases, fertility treatment with the patient's own sperm can be possible.
Supplementary measures and treatment planning
Treatment options are not limited to medical procedures alone. Accompanying measures such as lifestyle optimisation, stress reduction or hormonal support can also form part of fertility treatment and have a positive influence on its success. These aspects are incorporated into the treatment on an individual basis. The right treatment method always depends on the individual situation. All treatment options are explained in detail and weighed up together in extensive discussions. The aim is to provide fertility treatment that is medically appropriate and at the same time takes personal wishes and circumstances into account.
Modern treatment options open up new opportunities
Thanks to modern treatment methods, limited male fertility is no longer a barrier to successful fertility treatment. Through targeted diagnostics, individually tailored treatment options and personal support, men and couples can develop new perspectives on their journey to having a child.
Priv. Doz. Doctor of Medical Sciences Gregor Weiß
"We waited and wondered for a long time – until eventually the doubts grew bigger and bigger. With the new year, a simple test brought clarity. The semen analysis revealed that the quality of the sperm was impaired. MY sperm quality. It was pretty hard to see – there, in black and white. Of course, I'm glad that my wife is healthy, but still – oh man, I never would have thought… yes, hoped that it wasn't me. And at the same time, part of me is relieved because finally there are answers and, above all, ways forward."
This is an experience that many men go through – and for many of them, it is a difficult time. They feel powerless when their desire to have children is not immediately fulfilled. Very few of them realise how much they themselves can contribute. Both lifestyle changes and modern medicine offer great opportunities to take targeted countermeasures.
Positive changes are noticeable more quickly than one might think, especially in men who are willing to give up alcohol and nicotine: fertility can increase measurably after just a few months.
In addition, the body benefits from a healthy living environment – and that includes sperm. What is good for fertility?
If, despite lifestyle optimisation, the semen analysis results are poor and fertility treatment is necessary, we offer numerous modern options that can lead to the desired child – individually tailored and medically precise. In the following article “From diagnosis to solution" Gregor Weiß will provide information about our diagnostic and therapeutic methods, such as:
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Are you wondering when infertility actually applies? You can find the answers here:
The Advent and Christmas season is considered a time of peace, warmth and family togetherness. Lights, candles, festive music – everything conveys harmony. But for people who are unable to have children, this time of year can be particularly painful. What is a joyful family time for many often becomes an emotional struggle for couples who want to have children. Christmas makes visible what is missing – and loud what one otherwise tries to bear quietly.
The silent pain behind the glittering lights
While families bundle their children up warmly, bake cookies and post Christmas photos, many affected individuals feel a twinge in their hearts. Not out of envy – but out of longing. The Christmas season, with its focus on children, repeatedly confronts them with the question: ‘Why not us yet?’ For some, the ‘quiet time’ becomes the loudest time of the year.
‘When will it finally happen for you?’ – When questions hit particularly hard
Hardly any other season brings as many well-intentioned but hurtful questions as Christmas:
‘So, you don't have children yet?’
‘Isn't it about time?’
‘You're at the right age now anyway…’
These phrases may seem harmless, but for people trying to conceive, they strike right at the heart. Between medical appointments, hopes, waiting and doubts, every comment adds to the emotional pressure.
Between sharing joy and self-protection: a balancing act
Many affected individuals report:
‘I am happy for the others – but I do not know how to protect myself.’
And that is precisely what makes it difficult: one does not want to envy anyone, but at the same time, it hurts. Both feelings are valid.
5 ways to get through Advent despite your unfulfilled desire to have children
1. Set clear boundaries.
You are allowed to decline invitations if it's too much for you. A simple explanation is perfectly acceptable: "This year is emotionally challenging for me, so I'm taking it easy."
2. Prepare answers to uncomfortable questions.
‘That's a sensitive topic for us right now – thank you for understanding.’
3. Create little rituals just for yourself.
Candlelight, walks, music, a warm bath – all of these things help to stabilise you.
4. Spend time as a couple – without discussing the topic of having children.
A conscious evening together strengthens your relationship.
5. Get support – including professional support.
For an initial orientation consultation at the Kinderwunsch Institut:
https://www.kinderwunsch-institut.at/en/initial-consultation/
For relationships and communication: Relationship coach Cornelia Morgen supports couples:
https://www.corneliamorgen.com
FAQ: Christmas & the desire to have children
Why is Christmas particularly stressful for people who want to have children?
Because this time of year is very focused on family and children.
How can I protect myself emotionally?
Set boundaries, practise self-care, prepare answers.
How do I deal with uncomfortable questions?
‘That's a sensitive topic right now.’
When should I seek support?
If the stress persists or your relationship suffers as a result.
Final thoughts
Christmas is not a carefree time for everyone – and that's okay. You are allowed to set boundaries. You are allowed to be sad.
You are allowed to have hope. And you are allowed to shape this Advent season in whatever way feels right for you.
Warm regards, your team at the Kinderwunsch Institut.
📣 Don't forget: our wish tree campaign is running on Instagram until **19 December 2025!
The desire to have children is as individual as each person's life story. Career goals, relationships or health issues mean that many women want to postpone starting a family until later in life. With social egg freezing – the precautionary freezing of unfertilised eggs – women can preserve their fertility and ensure greater flexibility for the future.
Legal change: Permitted from 2027
Until now, egg freezing in Austria was only permitted if there was a medical indication – for example, before cancer treatment or in the case of diseases that threaten fertility. In October 2025, the Austrian Constitutional Court (VfGH) lifted the previous ban. From 1 April 2027, social egg freezing will also be permitted in Austria without medical reasons. This brings Austria into line with many other European countries and gives women the opportunity to secure their fertility on their own terms. However, until this new regulation comes into force, the previous legal situation will continue to apply: egg cells may currently only be frozen for medical reasons.
How does social freezing work?
The social egg freezing procedure is medically well-proven and considered safe. First, an individual consultation and diagnosis takes place, during which hormone levels, egg reserve and general health conditions are checked. Hormonal stimulation is then used to stimulate the growth of several follicles in the ovary, and the eggs are removed by puncture. The retrieved eggs are then frozen at minus 196 °C using vitrification, a modern flash-freezing technique, and stored permanently. This ensures that their quality remains unchanged for many years and they can be thawed, fertilised and implanted at a later date as part of fertility treatment. Success depends largely on the woman's age at the time of egg retrieval: the younger the woman, the higher the chances of a subsequent pregnancy with her own previously frozen eggs.
Unresolved issues regarding financing
While the legal basis has now been established, the question of financing remains unresolved. No decision has yet been made as to whether and to what extent the costs of social egg freezing – i.e. hormonal stimulation, egg retrieval, cryopreservation and storage – will be covered by the public sector or health insurance companies in future. Politicians now need to step in to create fair conditions for women, regardless of their income or social status.
A step towards reproductive self-determination
With the ruling of the Constitutional Court, Austria will open up to a modern form of family planning from 2027 onwards. Women will thus have more freedom of choice and the opportunity to better adapt their biological fertility to their personal life plans. The Kinderwunsch Institut Schenk already supports women with medically indicated egg preservation, offering many years of experience, modern technology and individual care. As soon as the legal and financial framework for social egg freezing comes into force, patients in Austria will also have new prospects for a self-determined future.
Priv. Doz. Doctor of Medical Sciences Gregor Weiß
Photo of egg cell: AI generated
There are many myths surrounding the desire to have children – from doing headstands after lovemaking to special diets. We reveal what is really true and which factors have a positive influence on your fertility.
More intimacy – greater chances of pregnancy.
The chances of pregnancy depend on the fertile days in a woman's cycle, which are concentrated in just around 6 days around ovulation. Very frequent sexual intercourse can slightly reduce sperm concentration. Regular intercourse every two to three days around the fertile days is optimal.
A fruit for fertility?
After ovulation, many women reach for pineapple in the hope of increasing their chances of a successful pregnancy. The reason for this is the enzyme bromelain it contains. It has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes blood circulation. Effective blood circulation in the uterine lining is considered conducive to embryo implantation. However, scientific studies show no medical effect of bromelain on pregnancy. Our conclusion: Fruit is healthy and provides valuable vitamins and minerals that strengthen the body – but there are no specific types of fruit that promote fertility; a balanced diet remains crucial. Taking vitamins indiscriminately can be of little or no benefit if there is no need for them.
Lubricant prevents sperm from swimming through.
Conventional lubricants can impair sperm motility. However, there are specially developed fertility-friendly lubricants that do not interfere with sperm function and are safe to use.
Does carrying a mobile phone in your trouser pocket harm fertility?
Whether mobile phone radiation actually has a negative impact on sperm quality and motility or affects women's eggs has not yet been conclusively proven. Our tip: keep your mobile phone away from your body as often as possible – because it's better to be safe than sorry. After all, the impact of electromagnetic radiation on the human body has been studied for a long time, and a possible negative effect cannot be ruled out.
Have you been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for a year? Then we recommend seeking help – for women over 35, after just six months. In a non-binding consultation, we will discuss all possible causes – and what you can actually do to improve your fertility.
As International Awareness Month, September is all about PCOS. PCOS stands for ‘polycystic ovary syndrome’. Other names for it are PCO syndrome or Stein-Leventhal syndrome, hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation or functional ovarian hyperandrogenism. It is one of the most common hormonal disorders, affecting around 8-12% of women of childbearing age. Nevertheless, diagnosis is often delayed, especially when the typical signs are absent or only mildly pronounced.
What symptoms can occur with PCOS?
What makes diagnosis challenging is that the symptoms are very varied and wide-ranging. One indication could be an excess of male hormones, which leads to acne, increased hair growth and menstrual cycle disorders. Severe menstrual cramps, unexplained weight gain, insulin resistance or cysts on the ovaries are also possible indications. Last but not least, the inability to conceive can also be an indication.
How does the doctor diagnose PCOS?
When making a diagnosis, monitoring the menstrual cycle and checking hormone levels by means of a blood test are of primary importance. The main focus here is on checking oestrogen, androgen, LH, FSH and also thyroid hormones. A vaginal ultrasound of the ovaries shows whether they are enlarged and have multiple cysts, i.e. fluid-filled sacs.
Early diagnosis is important to prevent long-term damage, as PCOS increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and endometrial cancer. A healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups by a gynaecologist are therefore essential for PCOS patients.
How is PCOS treated?
Treatment depends largely on the patient's symptoms. A healthier lifestyle or hormone therapy can improve symptoms. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary.
What options are available for women affected by PCOS who wish to have a child?
We regularly see patients with PCOS. In some cases, they only receive their diagnosis after extensive testing at the fertility clinic, while others already know about their condition when they come in for their initial consultation. Early treatment is particularly important for women with PCOS who want to have children, because the longer the excess male hormones have a negative impact on the cycle, the more complicated the treatment becomes. However, they usually have a good chance of becoming pregnant with the help of fertility treatment. The type of therapy that is suitable is determined on an individual basis and after extensive examinations of both partners.
Arrange your initial consultation to discuss your options at the Fertility Clinic by:
Here you can find out more about the treatment methods used at the Kinderwunsch Institut
You can stay up to date via our social media channels. Follow us so you don't miss Dr Schenk's educational videos, in which he talks about polycystic ovary syndrome, its effects on fertility and explains the most important facts about this hormonal disorder.
When the desire to have children is not fulfilled, many people ask themselves: ‘Is it simply fate?’ But what if modern medicine can do more today than we long thought possible?
Replaces chance with choice
Biotechnological therapy methods are also opening up new opportunities in genetic diagnostics. One such opportunity is pre-implantation diagnostics, a procedure in which embryos are tested for genetic disorders before being implanted in the uterus. Embryos with abnormal genetic material can thus be identified and excluded at an early stage. The desired child does not follow a wish list – but based on medically sound decisions, we can create the best conditions for a healthy life. The method increases the chance of a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby – especially for couples who have already endured a long history of suffering. They can be given new hope and the fulfilment of their long-awaited desire to have children.
Gentle & safe
A particularly innovative analysis method called ‘Embrace’ helps to decide which embryo should be transferred first – without the need for a biopsy. Instead, the cell-free DNA that the embryo releases into the culture medium is analysed. This allows important genetic information to be obtained without touching the embryo – a major advance in gentle reproductive medicine.
Speaking of genetics: Unfortunately, genetics does not take into account professional fulfilment or social change, according to which 40 is the new 30. The fact is that age remains the biggest influencing factor when it comes to wanting children. That is why you often hear many couples say, ‘The first child came easily, but we are waiting in vain for the second pregnancy.’ This raises the question:
How old is too old to have a baby?
From the age of 32 onwards, female fertility declines significantly faster. However, many couples do not feel ready to have a child at this point in time – whether due to career plans or searching for a partner. This is why it is so important to assess egg reserve and sperm quality at an early stage.
The Fertility Check provides information
Eight years ago, we set new standards in the early detection of potential fertility problems with FertiBot, one of the world's first fertility chatbots. The digital fertility test provides you with an initial assessment of your fertility in just a few clicks – simple, anonymous and straightforward. This allows you to seek medical assistance at an early stage or have a precise fertility check carried out by us.
We are available to answer all your questions during a non-binding initial consultation – and, if you prefer, we can do this with just a click of the mouse. You can get to know us digitally via Zoom from the comfort of your own home – and also do your bit for the environment:
When human health meets cutting-edge science, new opportunities arise on the path to the desired child. That is why it is essential for us at the Kinderwunsch Institut to always remain at the cutting edge of research and technology - this is the only way we can guarantee you the best possible care. In addition to medical expertise, our high-end technology ensures optimum laboratory conditions and maximum precision in all processes.
Developed like in a film
We are one of the few IVF centres in Austria that work with so-called time-lapse cultures - an ultra-modern procedure for seamless monitoring and development control of the embryos - without any intervention in their protected environment. Microscopic images are taken every minute - like a time-lapse film of the beginning of life. The miniaturised incubator ‘Geri’ and the Embryoscope+ are used for this. Both systems minimise disruptive influences at a particularly sensitive stage of development and create optimal growth conditions for the small embryos. The result: a success rate of up to 89% - and therefore real hope for unintentionally childless couples.
Cryopreservation for success
The cryopreservation of egg cells, sperm cells and embryos is a particularly gentle procedure. Using ‘The Cryotop® Method’, egg cells or embryos are cooled to -196° C and frozen by hand. Highly concentrated vitrification media and an extremely fast cooling rate of up to 23,000° C per minute transform the cells and embryos into a glass-like state. This prevents the formation of ice crystals and enables embryos to survive.
Recognising the best time
As optimising chances is a top priority for us, we also use molecular methods to identify the causes of failed pregnancy attempts and determine the optimal conditions. With the help of the ERA, EMMA and ALICE tests, the ideal implantation window can be precisely determined - this enables a personalised embryo transfer that is superior to the conventional procedure. 71% of women who choose this method give birth within a year.
Arrange your personal consultation and let us work together to find the ideal method for you:
In recent years, science has recognised the microbiome as an important factor for health. Especially in connection with fertility, the microbiome is increasingly becoming the focus of research. But how exactly do the trillions of microorganisms influence our desire to have children?
A complex ecosystem
Our body is colonised by a variety of microorganisms that play a crucial role in our health. The gut microbiome is the best known, but the vaginal microbiome also has an important function. A healthy bacterial flora can prevent inflammation, regulate the immune system and even influence hormones.
The microbiome and female fertility
The vaginal microbiome in particular is closely linked to fertility. A healthy microbiome consists mainly of lactobacilli, which ensure an acidic environment and keep pathogenic germs in check. Studies show that dysbiosis - i.e. an incorrect colonisation of the vaginal flora - can be associated with increased miscarriage rates and problems with embryo implantation.
The intestinal microbiome also plays a role. Impaired intestinal flora can trigger inflammatory reactions in the body, which can have a negative impact on the menstrual cycle and egg maturation.
The microbiome and male fertility
The microbiome can also play a role in men. Studies show that an imbalance in the gut microbiome can be associated with oxidative stress and reduced sperm quality. Chronic inflammation triggered by a disturbed intestinal flora can influence testosterone production and thus disrupt the formation of sperm cells.
How can the microbiome be supported?
The good news is that the microbiome can be positively influenced by targeted measures. For example, a high-fibre and anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and fermented foods promotes healthy intestinal flora. Special probiotics can also help to restore a healthy microbiome. Antibiotics should ideally be avoided, as they not only destroy pathogenic bacteria, but also beneficial bacteria. If it is necessary to take antibiotics, probiotic therapy should accompany them.
Conclusion
The microbiome plays a crucial role in fertility. Healthy bacterial flora can help to regulate hormone levels, reduce inflammation and support embryo implantation. If you want to support your desire to have children, you should therefore also pay attention to the health of your microbiome.
Many women have the same experience: once a month they need to grit their teeth to get through the day despite severe pain - after all, isn’t it the case that period pain is normal and is no reason to become worried?
However, in Endometriosis Awareness Month, we would like to make it clear that this conventional outlook can, sadly, have serious consequences for many women. This is because one in ten women suffers from endometriosis and this established attitude means that they only have the disorder diagnosed once it has become too late.
What is endometriosis?
Among the typical symptoms of endometriosis is intense pain during menstruation, and this is often accompanied by digestive problems and fatigue, so that the affected women either want to simply stay in bed or can only cope by taking painkillers. What happens in endometriosis is proliferation of the tissue of the uterine lining - the endometrium - outside the uterus. In extreme cases, this can result in infertility, as this proliferating tissue can destroy the ovaries and close the fallopian tubes.
You’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis: what happens now?
First of all, what I do is document the patient’s case history in detail so that I fully understand what has already happened. After an ultrasound examination, which may be necessary depending on the diagnosis, I would prescribe treatment with hormones to ensure that the patient is symptom-free in future. In any case, it is always advisable to consider the wish to have a child as soon as possible and to take precautionary measures as necessary.
If you’d like to know more about how endometriosis could impact on your desire to become pregnant and what solutions we can offer here in the Kinderwunsch Institut, simply book a preliminary appointment with us and we will explain everything in detail.