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Contact the Fertility Clinic Are you a doctor and wish to obtain the medical results of your patients, refer a patient, or request a (second) opinion?Contact our clinic by phone at +32 (0)2 555 36 89 (weekdays between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm) or by email at secmed [dot] FIV [at] hubruxelles [dot] be.Would you like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists for yourself or a loved one?Contact us by phone at +32 (0)2 555 48 57 or by email at cons [dot] PMA [at] hubruxelles [dot] be.Opening hours on weekdays: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.Are you affected by cancer and wish to learn more about your fertility?Discuss it with your doctor, who can reach us on all working days at +32 (0)2 555 53 77.Do you have an administrative request?Contact our medical administration by phone at +32 (0)2 555 36 89 or by email at secmed [dot] FIV [at] hubruxelles [dot] be.The Secretariat of the Fertility Clinic is open on weekdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. For a Multidisciplinary Approach to Fertility Issues Our clinic is committed to addressing fertility issues using a multidisciplinary approach, aligned with scientific society recommendations. Because these difficulties often occur in a broader health context, including the psychological dimension, we offer comprehensive support, both medical and human. Our team accompanies you throughout your journey toward parenthood.Integrated into an academic hospital, our clinic also contributes to medical advancements through numerous research projects, continuously improving fertility care. Image Image Image A Clinic Dedicated to Supporting Infertile Couples Our fertility clinic is dedicated to supporting infertile couples on their path to parenthood. We offer personalized care, focused on solutions tailored to each situation. After a complete evaluation, we provide options such as intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and alternative parenthood options, including sperm and egg donation. Solutions to Preserve Fertility and Prevent Genetic Disease Transmission We provide preimplantation genetic diagnostics for couples who wish to avoid passing on genetic disorders to their children. Our team is fully committed to fertility preservation, whether due to cancer, endometriosis, or age-related infertility. We also manage various menstrual cycle disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian insufficiency, including Turner syndrome.Our multidisciplinary approach combines rigor, humanity, and expertise, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate follow-up. Our Fertility Care Services Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD/PGT)Preimplantation genetic testing is a technique to detect genetic abnormalities in an embryo created in vitro before uterine implantation. It is earlier and less invasive than genetic tests performed during pregnancy and allows couples carrying serious genetic disorders to significantly increase the chances of having a healthy child.Sperm DonationDonor sperm may be recommended in cases of total or near-total absence of sperm, or to prevent passing a genetic disorder from a male carrier to offspring. It is also a solution for female couples or single women wishing to conceive via medically assisted reproduction (MAR).Egg DonationEgg donation has been offered since 1984 at Erasme and has helped thousands of women worldwide become mothers. It is offered when infertility is due to very low egg quality despite ongoing menstrual cycles, or when the ovaries no longer contain follicles and are nonfunctional. Some patients also use it to prevent passing on a genetic disorder to their child.Fertility Preservation for Medical ReasonsFertility preservation is recommended when a disease or its treatment may impair fertility. Treatments such as ovarian or testicular surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or certain genetic conditions can damage ovaries or testes. This is particularly relevant in cancer treatment. Fertility preservation should ideally be considered before treatment begins. The discipline assessing these risks and providing solutions is called oncofertility.Fertility Preservation for Age (Age-Banking)Unlike men, who remain fertile at older ages, women are born with a limited egg reserve that decreases over time. Egg quality also declines, reducing pregnancy chances from age 30, with a sharper decline after 35. At Erasme Hospital, we offer egg vitrification, a rapid freezing technique preserving mature eggs for future use. We also provide sperm cryopreservation, a simple method to preserve male fertility long-term, for example, before a vasectomy.Fertility ImagingWe perform medical exams using ultrasound or X-ray to investigate infertility or conduct a fertility assessment.Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)IUI is a simple assisted reproduction technique in which prepared sperm is introduced into the uterine cavity using a fine catheter. The goal is to facilitate the meeting of gametes (eggs and sperm) in the female reproductive system. Using partner sperm is called homologous insemination (IAC), and donor sperm is called donor insemination (IAD). Dr. Catherine Houba, Director of the Fertility Clinic Obstetrician–Gynecologist specialized in Reproductive Medicine.Dr. Houba is deeply committed to the prevention of infertility. Her work addresses a wide range of topics, from reverse family planning to oocyte self-preservation.“As Clinic Director, I firmly believe that developing collective intelligence—both within my team and in our interactions with patients—is key to success. It allows us to foster an environment of collaboration, innovation, and personalized care, all of which are essential to medical excellence.” Make an appointment A Team of Specialists Guiding You Step by Step Our clinic brings together a team of experts dedicated to your project:Fertility-specialized gynecologistsReproductive biologistsPsychologists and emotional support counselorsNurses and care coordinatorsAndrology and endocrinology specialistsWe work together to ensure comprehensive and personalized care. Our Doctors Dr. Soraya AMIRGHOLAMISpecialties: All MAR requests; egg donation; anonymous egg donors; infertility and endometriosis.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Elisabeth ANAGNOSTOUSpecialties: All MAR requests; MAR cycle management in Tournai.Languages: French, Greek, EnglishDr. Margherita CONDORELLISpecialties: All MAR requests; oncofertility; fertility preservation for medical reasons; fertility evaluation and counseling; fertility imaging (SIS, HyCoSy).Languages: French, Italian, EnglishDr. Serge DE LATHOUWERSpecialties: All MAR requests; fertility preservation; cycle monitoring (Duke Center, Woluwe).Language: FrenchPr. Anne DELBAERESpecialties: All MAR requests; genetic disorders and reproduction; preimplantation genetic diagnosis; reproductive endocrinology; premature ovarian insufficiency; Turner syndrome (Turner platform); egg donation; fertility preservation; recurrent miscarriage assessment.Languages: French, Dutch, EnglishDr. Isabelle DEMEESTERESpecialties: Oncofertility; fertility preservation for medical reasons.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Fabienne DEVREKERSpecialties: All MAR requests; preimplantation diagnosis; andrology.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Michel DIKETESpecialties: All MAR requests; general gynecology and obstetrics.Language: FrenchDr. Isabelle DUPONDSpecialties: All MAR requests; fertility preservation; preimplantation diagnosis; anonymous sperm donors; follow-up monitoring (Souverain Center).Languages: French, English, GermanDr. Ornite GOLDRATSpecialties: Onco-sexology.Language: French Dr. Catherine HOUBASpecialties: All MAR requests; fertility evaluation and counseling; fertility preservation; recurrent miscarriage assessment; anonymous sperm donors.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Christian KAMTO FOTSOSpecialties: All MAR requests; MAR cycle management in Ath.Languages: French, Italian, EnglishDr. Caroline LECOCQSpecialties: All MAR requests; anonymous egg donors; egg donation; cycle monitoring (Lecocq practice).Language: FrenchDr. Noé MOUTARDSpecialties: All MAR requests; infertility imaging (SIS, HyCoSy, receptivity assessment); fertility surgery, endometriosis.Languages: French, EnglishDr. David PENINGSpecialties: All MAR requests; andrology; infertility imaging (SIS, HyCoSy, receptivity assessment); oncofertility.Languages: French, Dutch, EnglishDr. Agathe RABATTUSpecialties: All MAR requests; fertility surgery; infertility and endometriosis.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Asma SASSISpecialties: All MAR requests; pediatric and adolescent gynecology; MAR requests in patients with viral risk (HIV); premature ovarian insufficiency; Turner syndrome (Turner platform); genetic disorders and reproduction.Languages: French, English, ArabicDr. Noémie VANCOPPENOLLESpecialties: All MAR requests; anonymous egg donors; egg donation.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Mélodie VANDER BORGHTSpecialties: All MAR requests; reproductive endocrinology; pediatric and adolescent gynecology; infertility imaging (SIS, HyCoSy, receptivity assessment).Languages: French, English Nurses and Midwives Faten ABI-LOTF Asmae BOUZAHZAH Mélanie GIESKESSamira IBRAHIMIChristina KOUROUTZIOUDI Margherite LEFEVRE Nancy LIMAGE   Meli LUKUBIKA Fabienne OOSTERS      Study nurses Lydia AIT AHCENEFrançoise HENRY Psychologists Chantal LARUELLEIsabelle PLACEDenis WALRAVENS Secretariat and Coordination Chantal DELEAUJeeny FARREEDUNLinda GOUINNawal KARROUMLaetitia VAN STICHELSonia XAMBRE CORDEIRO Biologists Director of MAR LaboratoryNecati FINDIKLIJAMILA BIRAMANE Salomé BORNEMANN Penelope COUTURIER Anne DANNAUGiovanna FASANO Eric GONZALEZ Elodie HUON Sandie JANSSENSGuillaume MBONGOLO MBELLA    µOzlem OKUTMAN Olga TOUMPA Thi Mai UYEN NGUYEN Anne Sophie VANNIN Sophie VENS   Danijel JANKOVICLarissa BAUDUIN      Research Laboratory Julie DECHENE   Géraldine VAN DEN STEEN       Services We Collaborate With to Provide Complete Care Clinic of Gynecological Surgery Clinic for Endometriosis Lien vers Clinic for Endometriosis Clinic of Gynecological Ultrasound Lien vers Clinic of Gynecological Ultrasound Clinic of Obstetrics Lien vers Clinic of Obstetrics We closely collaborate with other clinics in the Gynecology-Obstetrics department, including the gynecologic surgery clinic, the endometriosis clinic, the gynecologic ultrasound clinic, and the obstetrics clinic, which helps us prepare for sometimes challenging pregnancies. The Natus unit also supports more delicate situations.We are part of the transgender platform, which supports individuals in their gender transition journey.We work closely with the genetics department for the preimplantation genetic testing program and gamete donor selection. They help inform patients about specific genetic risks.We collaborate with the children’s hospital (HUDERF) for fertility preservation in children with cancer and for gynecologic consultations for children and adolescents.Finally, our oncofertility team works in close synergy with the various services at the Jules Bordet Institute, ensuring complete and personalized care. Resources and Useful Links on Fertility and Medically Assisted Reproduction We provide a series of content (produced by doctors, researchers, patient associations, and public health actors) that helps you better understand and manage your fertility and identify support groups for exchange. Informed patients are empowered to make well-informed decisions about their health. Our teams are available to answer any questions. [APP] App for communication with patients during the cycle [WEBSITE] Information site on fertility and educational tools for youth [WEBSITE] WHO – General information on infertility worldwide FAQ on Fertility and Medically Assisted Reproduction 1. What is infertility? Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 menstrual cycles, despite regular sexual intercourse during ovulation. It affects about 20% of couples. Humans, with roughly a 15% chance of conceiving per cycle, are among the least fertile species, alongside pandas. 2. What are the main symptoms of infertility? Difficulty conceiving is often the only noticeable sign of infertility. However, some symptoms may serve as warning signs. In women, irregular menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, or menstrual disorders can be indicative. In men, erectile difficulties, reduced libido, or changes in sperm appearance can be signals to consider. If you experience these symptoms and wish to conceive, it is recommended to consult a fertility specialist to identify the causes and explore appropriate solutions. 3. What are the causes of infertility in men and women? In women, common causes include ovulation disorders (such as polycystic ovary syndrome), blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or hormonal problems. In men, abnormal sperm production or ejaculation problems are the main causes of infertility. 4. Is infertility only a female problem? No, infertility affects both men and women. About one-third of cases are due to female factors, one-third to male factors, and the remaining third results from combined or unexplained factors. That is why it is essential that both partners are evaluated to best identify the causes and possible solutions. Infertility is an issue that concerns the couple as a whole. 5. How long should one wait before consulting for infertility? It is recommended to see a doctor after one year of unsuccessful attempts for patients under 35. Beyond this age, a consultation is advised after six months, as fertility decreases over time. The doctor can then carry out various tests to evaluate the couple’s fertility, including sperm analysis, gynecological ultrasounds, hormone measurements, and other tests tailored to each situation. 6. What is MAR (Medically Assisted Reproduction)? Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) encompasses a range of techniques designed to help couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally. These methods include intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), sperm or egg donation, gamete cryopreservation (eggs and sperm), and preimplantation genetic testing. 7. Are infertility treatments effective? Infertility treatments can be very effective, but success varies depending on several factors, such as age and cause of infertility. Treatments like IVF tend to have higher success rates in younger couples. A personalized evaluation by a specialist helps guide the most appropriate strategy for each situation. 8. How does In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) work? An IVF cycle usually lasts about four weeks and follows a defined protocol. First, ovarian stimulation for around 10 days is performed to promote the maturation of multiple eggs. Once ovulation is triggered, the eggs are retrieved via a vaginal puncture and fertilized in the lab with the partner’s or donor’s sperm. After five days of embryonic development, one embryo is transferred into the uterus. About 10 days after the transfer, a pregnancy test checks whether implantation has succeeded. 9. What are the chances of success with MAR? Success rates for MAR depend on several factors, including the woman’s age, the quality of eggs and sperm, and the technique used. On average, IVF has a success rate of 30–40% per embryo transfer for women under 35. This rate gradually decreases with age. Multiple attempts are often needed to achieve pregnancy. 10. Who can access MAR in Belgium? MAR is available to heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, and single women, regardless of marital status. Belgian law also allows sperm or egg donation. IVF is legal up to 45 years of age and partially reimbursed by social security up to 42 years. 11. Are the treatments painful? Each treatment journey is different, but we do everything possible to make the procedures as comfortable as possible. 12. Can I undergo MAR as a transgender person? Yes, we support all individuals wishing to become parents, regardless of their gender identity or personal situation.

What is fertility imaging? These are medical examinations using ultrasound or X-ray imaging to understand infertility or to perform a fertility assessment. Medical services Endovaginal UltrasoundPelvic ultrasound is the first exam performed to assess female reproductive organs. It is performed using a probe inserted vaginally. The number of small follicles, called “antral follicles,” in each ovary is counted. This number provides an idea of your ovarian reserve, i.e., your potential response in case of ovarian stimulation.Several pathologies associated with infertility are also checked:Uterus: presence of fibroids, polyps, or congenital anomalies such as a septum.Ovaries: detection of cysts, particularly related to endometriosis.Fallopian tubes: assessment for hydrosalpinx, commonly called “dilated tube.”This ultrasound is usually performed in the first days of the menstrual cycle.SIS (Saline Infusion Sonography or Hysterosonography)This exam allows visualization of your uterine cavity (endometrium) and uterine walls (myometrium). It is ideally performed at the end of your period, before the 11th day of your cycle. You are positioned gynecologically, and after vaginal disinfection, a soft catheter is placed in the uterus to instill saline solution to detect possible intrauterine pathologies causing infertility. The sonographer explains each step during the exam.HyFoSy (Hysterosalpingo-foam-sonography)This exam is performed in gynecological position after vaginal disinfection to evaluate the patency of the fallopian tubes and detect any pathologies that could explain infertility. It is performed at the end of your period, before the 11th day of your cycle. It requires the injection of a specific foam gel (ExEm® Foam) using a soft balloon catheter placed inside your uterus.It is recommended to take a painkiller one hour before the exam, as it can be painful like heavy periods for some patients.Your prescribing physician will evaluate whether antibiotics are necessary before the exam. A PCR test for chlamydia or gonorrhea in the cervix or urine is useful for prevention. If a tubal pathology is discovered, the sonographer will reassess the need for antibiotics if it has not been done previously. The sonographer explains each step during the exam.Complete Fertility AssessmentThis exam first involves a complete endovaginal ultrasound, followed by a SIS. The catheter used for this exam remains in place and is used for the injection of ExEm® Foam. This allows visualization of both the inside of the uterus and the patency of the fallopian tubes in a single appointment. Ideally, it is performed before the 11th day of your cycle. Prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed if necessary. It is also recommended to take a painkiller one hour before the exam.Assessment of Vascularization / Endometrial ReceptivityThis exam is proposed in cases of repeated embryo implantation failures.The sonographer examines the vascularization of your uterine arteries and the volume of your endometrium. This exam is ideally performed the week after ovulation or following a specific hormonal treatment prescribed by your gynecologist.If the results are abnormal, the sonographer may propose a treatment of at least three months before reassessing endometrial receptivity.During the second exam, a biopsy of your endometrium may be performed for histopathological analysis to detect acute endometritis. You can discuss with your doctor the relevance of this analysis in your specific case.HysterosalpingographyThis exam tests tubal patency and the shape of the uterine cavity. It takes place in the radiology department since it uses X-rays and contrast medium instilled into the uterus by a gynecologist. The radiologist interprets the images.It is performed at the same time of the cycle and with the same precautions as HyFoSy.It is now rarely prescribed since HyCoSy was developed. Advice Take a painkiller, such as an anti-inflammatory (e.g., Ibuprofen 400) or a spasmolytic like Buscopan, about 1 hour before the exam, as uterine contractions may occur during the procedures.Do not forget your written request signed by your prescribing physician. Focus Our fertility imaging team consists of gynecologists who are also part of the IVF team. You benefit from their dual expertise for detecting abnormalities and understanding your infertility. Our Specialists Appointment procedures for gynecological ultrasound (route 178):For evaluation ultrasounds, SIS, or HyFoSy: call 02/555.36.36 as soon as your period starts to schedule an appointment before the 11th day.For hysterosalpingography: call 02/555 33 12 as soon as your period starts to schedule an appointment before ovulation.Gynecology-Obstetrics ServiceDr. Margherita CONDORELLIDr. Noé MOUTARDDr. David PENINGDr. Mélodie VANDER BORGHTAssociated ServicesRadiology ServicePr SADEGHI MEIBODI NILOUFAR

What is fertility preservation? Unlike men, who can remain fertile later in life, women are born with a predetermined stock of eggs that gradually decreases over time. With age, the quality of eggs also decreases, leading to reduced fertility and lower chances of pregnancy starting around age 30, with a more significant decline after 35.In today’s world, women (and men too) increasingly wish to have children later in life for various reasons (wanting to enjoy life before starting a family, meeting the right partner, economic or professional constraints).There is also widespread lack of knowledge about fertility changes in women. Many believe that medicine will be effective in cases of age-related infertility, which is not entirely true, as only anonymous egg donation can help in this case. The idea of egg preservation is to plan a “self-donation” for the future, with the advantage of maintaining a genetic link. Medical services Oocyte (egg) vitrificationThis rapid-freezing technique allows mature oocytes collected after ovarian stimulation to be preserved intact for future use. These oocytes will be fertilized with sperm from the partner (or a donor). The embryos obtained in the laboratory will be transferred one per cycle into the uterus, with pregnancy chances similar to those at the age of freezing.At Erasmus Hospital, we perform this procedure until the day before your 39th birthday, but oocyte preservation should ideally be done before age 36 to provide the best chance of pregnancy. The ideal age for this procedure is around 32-33, especially if you want multiple children: the first may come spontaneously, but you may need your preserved oocytes for the second.Collected and vitrified oocytes are stored for 10 years, which can be shortened or extended upon request. Regarding the use of these oocytes for a parental project, in Belgium, the maximum age is 45 for the request to fertilize your oocytes and 47 for embryo transfer.In practice, you should contact the clinic before your 38th birthday to schedule appointments with the doctor and psychologist. They will evaluate your request, define your expectations and options regarding the gametes, and provide all necessary information and assessments before considering the procedure.What you should know:This procedure is not fully covered by health insurance: ovarian stimulation treatments and laboratory egg freezing costs are fully at your expense, between €2,500 and €4,000 depending on your personal situation.If your ovarian reserve has already decreased, multiple stimulation cycles may be needed to reach the ideal number of 20 oocytes in storage (90% chance of a child later).“Storage fees” apply from the second year of preservation, also at your expense. A detailed cost estimate will be provided during consultation.Sperm preservationCryopreservation of mature sperm obtained via masturbation has existed for many years and is a “simple” method to preserve male fertility long-term.The most common non-medical reason is vasectomy.You will then have one or more appointments (usually 1 to 3) at the andrology laboratory to collect several samples, which will be stored for 10 years, with the possibility of shortening or extending upon request. Annual storage fees are your responsibility.Depending on the quality and number of samples, artificial insemination or IVF with ICSI may later be considered with your partner. Advice Reverse family planningIt is possible to schedule an appointment at any age with one of our specialized doctors and/or psychologists to receive personalized information on your probable fertility evolution and recommendations for optimal family planning. Focus Fertility evaluation and advice: both women and men can have an assessment of their current fertility and its likely evolution in the coming years. For men, this involves a sperm analysis; for women, Anti-Müllerian Hormone testing and follicle count via gynecological ultrasound. Scientific research Infertility ConsortiumEvaluation of the demand for AGE banking in the Belgian population, contribution of the procedure to birth rates, and reflection on equitable coverage of the process.Dr Catherine HOUBA & Prof Anne DELBAERE Our specialists Erasmus Hospital is a pioneer in oocyte vitrification thanks to numerous internationally recognized research projects conducted by the ULB Research Laboratory and Prof Demeestere.Associated servicesInformation contact:Phone: 02/555 36 89, Monday to Friday, 8:30 – 12:30Email: secmed [dot] fiv [at] hubruxelles [dot] beFor appointments:Phone: 02/555 48 57Gynecology-ObstetricsProf Anne DELBAEREDr Catherine HOUBADr Isabelle DUPONTDr Fabienne DEVREKERDr Serge DELATHOUWERPsychologist team:Chantale LARUELLEIsabelle PLACEDenis WALRAVENS