Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Infertility

Our Infertility Support forum is a space to connect with others in the same position, discuss causes, treatment and IVF, and share infertility stories of hope and success.

Original poster

IVF clinics in Greece Athens

68 replies

Gkb90 · 13/07/2024 10:57

Hello all, just wondering if anyone has used or been in touch with any IVF clinics in Greece? I am in between Serum and Ark if any one has used these clinics before and could share their experiences
thank you

OP posts:
Clocloxx · 08/02/2025 11:33

Angel85 · 06/02/2025 19:58

Hi everyone, Just wondering how you have all got on with Serum. We had a phone consultation with them last night and are considering going over. We have a couple of consultations lined up for the UK and Ireland too. It's so hard to make a decision! 🙈 the other clinics we are thinking about are Care and Create in the UK and Therapie in ireland. I am 41 this year and have severely low AMH and only 2/3 follicles and thin uterine lining. X

I had 2 terrible rounds with therapie, they also take on alot of clients now since Ireland made the 1st round of ivf free for childless couples here so personally I would avoid they do not personalize or investigate.
Serum was fantastic! I also have low amh btw

JoyIsTheKey · 14/02/2025 21:25

Avoid Serum. My experience is very recent. Serum does not personalise either and is full of unnecessary surprises . I have had eggs collections elsewhere in Europe and Asia as comparison.

Serum has a good administration team. However, I have no confidence to say the same for their medical team. For my experience it feels like blind leading the blind.

Serum is very friendly and making you feel well . If you are after getting feeling well and not the final results then they are the right team

On comparison with other experiences in other countries I noticed the differences as follows in Serum

  • Excessive prescription of drugs including ones you don't need or ask you to start early without any supported evidence for your case
  • Unable to provide or even explain effectiveness for other advance tests and only offer Ovarian RPR which has no proven benefits. You can see other threads on this that are commented by others on Serum's approach
  • doesn't explain all potential risks until it happens or doesn't not explain result or reasoning for changes

If I choose again , I would stay in the jurisdiction where I live . I didn't go to Greece for the cost but someone who has used them 10 years ago with the founder of Serum mentioned it is good. I don't believe this clinic is the same anymore .

People should really only recommend a clinic if they have experienced successful live birth in the clinic. Afterall it is an emotional journey for all. It was very sad to see other ladies emotionally praying at the reception during my visits.

yassos · 15/02/2025 13:27

I had a consultation with Serum and went with another clinic in Athens. Feel free to DM, happy to share more info

yassos · 15/02/2025 13:30

JoyIsTheKey · 14/02/2025 21:25

Avoid Serum. My experience is very recent. Serum does not personalise either and is full of unnecessary surprises . I have had eggs collections elsewhere in Europe and Asia as comparison.

Serum has a good administration team. However, I have no confidence to say the same for their medical team. For my experience it feels like blind leading the blind.

Serum is very friendly and making you feel well . If you are after getting feeling well and not the final results then they are the right team

On comparison with other experiences in other countries I noticed the differences as follows in Serum

  • Excessive prescription of drugs including ones you don't need or ask you to start early without any supported evidence for your case
  • Unable to provide or even explain effectiveness for other advance tests and only offer Ovarian RPR which has no proven benefits. You can see other threads on this that are commented by others on Serum's approach
  • doesn't explain all potential risks until it happens or doesn't not explain result or reasoning for changes

If I choose again , I would stay in the jurisdiction where I live . I didn't go to Greece for the cost but someone who has used them 10 years ago with the founder of Serum mentioned it is good. I don't believe this clinic is the same anymore .

People should really only recommend a clinic if they have experienced successful live birth in the clinic. Afterall it is an emotional journey for all. It was very sad to see other ladies emotionally praying at the reception during my visits.

This is the impression I got with Serum – the Dr was very avuncular, so had the feel good factor, however the recommendations I was given didn’t add up – I had doubts from the off but didn’t feel equipped to assess their recommendations, however after consulting elsewhere I felt they are very focused on their income stream above results.

yassos · 15/02/2025 13:38

Ah just realised the OP’s original post is a little out of date. Apologies OP!

Clocloxx · 15/02/2025 15:22

Clocloxx · 08/02/2025 11:33

I had 2 terrible rounds with therapie, they also take on alot of clients now since Ireland made the 1st round of ivf free for childless couples here so personally I would avoid they do not personalize or investigate.
Serum was fantastic! I also have low amh btw

Show quote history

I should of mentioned I had success with serum! I had the ovarian PRP they collected 8 mature eggs which I was totally gobsmacked by! My last ivf in Ireland I got 2 eggs that deteriorated, I'm currently 13 weeks pregnant and amazingly have 2 blastocysts on ice, I can not not fault serum in anyway they do investigations they cover everything, tailor your meds, look and learn from past cycles, they offer helpful procedures which in my case was definitely ovarian PRP. Best of luck on your ivf journey x

Laura2345cc · 04/04/2025 20:25

JoyIsTheKey · 14/02/2025 21:25

Avoid Serum. My experience is very recent. Serum does not personalise either and is full of unnecessary surprises . I have had eggs collections elsewhere in Europe and Asia as comparison.

Serum has a good administration team. However, I have no confidence to say the same for their medical team. For my experience it feels like blind leading the blind.

Serum is very friendly and making you feel well . If you are after getting feeling well and not the final results then they are the right team

On comparison with other experiences in other countries I noticed the differences as follows in Serum

  • Excessive prescription of drugs including ones you don't need or ask you to start early without any supported evidence for your case
  • Unable to provide or even explain effectiveness for other advance tests and only offer Ovarian RPR which has no proven benefits. You can see other threads on this that are commented by others on Serum's approach
  • doesn't explain all potential risks until it happens or doesn't not explain result or reasoning for changes

If I choose again , I would stay in the jurisdiction where I live . I didn't go to Greece for the cost but someone who has used them 10 years ago with the founder of Serum mentioned it is good. I don't believe this clinic is the same anymore .

People should really only recommend a clinic if they have experienced successful live birth in the clinic. Afterall it is an emotional journey for all. It was very sad to see other ladies emotionally praying at the reception during my visits.

I find the same. I was with Serum as well.
Too many unnecessary procedures, like Hysteroscopy. They offered this even when they know you have never had a transfer or a miscarriage.

Who was your doctor in Serum?

Original poster
Gkb90 · 04/04/2025 23:31

Hi, I had a lovely experience with serum, I did one full round of ivf there which wasn’t successful and then went back for a hysteroscopy and was planning on going back for a frozen transfer in Jan but fell pregnant naturally for the first time. I don’t think it was possible without serums help and getting a hysteroscopy with them

OP posts:
Laura2345cc · 05/04/2025 00:07

Gkb90 · 04/04/2025 23:31

Hi, I had a lovely experience with serum, I did one full round of ivf there which wasn’t successful and then went back for a hysteroscopy and was planning on going back for a frozen transfer in Jan but fell pregnant naturally for the first time. I don’t think it was possible without serums help and getting a hysteroscopy with them

Thanks for sharing. May I ask your age?

Original poster
Gkb90 · 05/04/2025 00:10

@Laura2345cc I’m 34, turning 35 this year

OP posts:
Laura2345cc · 05/04/2025 00:17

Gkb90 · 05/04/2025 00:10

@Laura2345cc I’m 34, turning 35 this year

Congratulations
I believe is all about the age. You are very young.
Have you tried other clinics before serum?

I had PRP and Hysteroscopy with serum and it didn't work for me.
I am 41.

Original poster
Gkb90 · 05/04/2025 00:29

@Laura2345cc I was with a private clinic in London who put me on letrozole and did cycle tracking etc but nothing worked I was with the clinic for almost 2 years and was left in the ‘unexplained infertility’ umbrella. I then decided to move on and do IVF when I came across Serum

Wishing you all the best on your journey

OP posts:
JoyIsTheKey · 06/04/2025 14:13

@Gkb90 I had Dr Makis for consultation and drugs advice. Dr Cryparis did the procedure on both occasions.

JoyIsTheKey · 06/04/2025 14:24

@Gkb90 I am also over 40 and no issues at all with fertility. Even serum was able to retrieve 18 eggs in one cycle. I had access to Dr specialized in reproductive system IVF advice in the UK simultaneously to going through the IVF with Serum. When I asked in the UK a second opinion of the protocol and approach for embryo transfer . The UK Dr did mention doing an ERA test for checking my personal implantation window for embryo transfer. I asked Serum and the answer was very generic they do not find it useful from the patients they have. They will go with the standard window. The results of the embryo transfers were failure.
Due to this my gut feel is very possible that Serum doesn't have most up to date technology and Serum focus on generic process rather than specific needs and results.

JoyIsTheKey · 06/04/2025 14:25

@Gkb90 I am also over 40 and no issues at all with fertility. Even serum was able to retrieve 18 eggs in one cycle. I had access to Dr specialized in reproductive system IVF advice in the UK simultaneously to going through the IVF with Serum. When I asked in the UK a second opinion of the protocol and approach for embryo transfer . The UK Dr did mention doing an ERA test for checking my personal implantation window for embryo transfer. I asked Serum and the answer was very generic they do not find it useful from the patients they have. They will go with the standard window. The results of the embryo transfers were failure.
Due to this my gut feel is very possible that Serum doesn't have most up to date technology and Serum focus on generic process rather than specific needs and results.

JoyIsTheKey · 06/04/2025 14:27

@Gkb90 I am also over 40 and no issues at all with fertility. Even serum was able to retrieve 18 eggs in one cycle. I had access to Dr specialized in reproductive system IVF advice in the UK simultaneously to going through the IVF with Serum. When I asked in the UK a second opinion of the protocol and approach for embryo transfer . The UK Dr did mention doing an ERA test for checking my personal implantation window for embryo transfer. I asked Serum and the answer was very generic they do not find it useful from the patients they have. They will go with the standard window. The results of the embryo transfers were failure.
Due to this my gut feel is very possible that Serum doesn't have most up to date technology and Serum focus on generic processes rather than specific needs and results.

Laura2345cc · 06/04/2025 15:27

JoyIsTheKey · 06/04/2025 14:24

@Gkb90 I am also over 40 and no issues at all with fertility. Even serum was able to retrieve 18 eggs in one cycle. I had access to Dr specialized in reproductive system IVF advice in the UK simultaneously to going through the IVF with Serum. When I asked in the UK a second opinion of the protocol and approach for embryo transfer . The UK Dr did mention doing an ERA test for checking my personal implantation window for embryo transfer. I asked Serum and the answer was very generic they do not find it useful from the patients they have. They will go with the standard window. The results of the embryo transfers were failure.
Due to this my gut feel is very possible that Serum doesn't have most up to date technology and Serum focus on generic process rather than specific needs and results.

Exactly! I felt this was the case, in regards with technology and protocols.
Also, the doctor was behaving as if he was "all knowing" when in reality was not quite the case. He could not accept other opinions, imposing himself forcefully.
Didn't take in the consideration all details.
Have not paid attention to the fact DH has below half million sperm/min. He did not even consider doing an FSH or LH for my husband.
If you read on uptodate website, which is the site medial professional update themselves, clearly says that IVF should not even be started before you have genetic analyses(Karyotype and Y chromosome microdeletion)whenever sperm count is below 5 million/ml. As you will be passing on these genes to male offsprings. Instead he did other less important tests, which do not change the management or outcome.
Offering hysterectomy to all patients, is wrong. If a women has AMH 0.003 and makes only one egg at a time, then that woman may not even be able to produce a single blast, therefore you may not even have what to implant! But surely they don't like to wait to day 5, they prefer FET at day 3, as most of the eggs don't reach to blasts(if you are over 40).
I think the reason they are liked is that they are good in responding to emails. And probably the flamboyant style, which could send a signal of self-confidence and expertise. But in certain countries most doctors could be like that, and not necessary a reflection of their capability as doctors.

yassos · 06/04/2025 16:51

Laura2345cc · 06/04/2025 15:27

Exactly! I felt this was the case, in regards with technology and protocols.
Also, the doctor was behaving as if he was "all knowing" when in reality was not quite the case. He could not accept other opinions, imposing himself forcefully.
Didn't take in the consideration all details.
Have not paid attention to the fact DH has below half million sperm/min. He did not even consider doing an FSH or LH for my husband.
If you read on uptodate website, which is the site medial professional update themselves, clearly says that IVF should not even be started before you have genetic analyses(Karyotype and Y chromosome microdeletion)whenever sperm count is below 5 million/ml. As you will be passing on these genes to male offsprings. Instead he did other less important tests, which do not change the management or outcome.
Offering hysterectomy to all patients, is wrong. If a women has AMH 0.003 and makes only one egg at a time, then that woman may not even be able to produce a single blast, therefore you may not even have what to implant! But surely they don't like to wait to day 5, they prefer FET at day 3, as most of the eggs don't reach to blasts(if you are over 40).
I think the reason they are liked is that they are good in responding to emails. And probably the flamboyant style, which could send a signal of self-confidence and expertise. But in certain countries most doctors could be like that, and not necessary a reflection of their capability as doctors.

Edited
Show quote history

I agree very much with a lot of this – I too think they’re good sales people and provide a ‘feel good’ factor in their communications – the Dr I spoke with spent a lot of time on the call and did have a certain flamboyant insouciance – but was also very warm and seemed to be confident of good results. He encouraged me to fly straight out for a hysteroscopy (no particular clinical reason for this). I almost did – and I imagine once you’re a patient, and they’re familiar to you, it seems like the natural thing to continue down the ivf path with them.

The illogicality of spending €1,700 on a hysteroscopy before even having any embryos (and I only got 1 in my first round) was pointed out to me by a Dr at another clinic (I asked if it was something they’d recommend – he said save your money for now, let’s try and get some blasts first).

Laura2345cc · 06/04/2025 18:40

yassos · 06/04/2025 16:51

I agree very much with a lot of this – I too think they’re good sales people and provide a ‘feel good’ factor in their communications – the Dr I spoke with spent a lot of time on the call and did have a certain flamboyant insouciance – but was also very warm and seemed to be confident of good results. He encouraged me to fly straight out for a hysteroscopy (no particular clinical reason for this). I almost did – and I imagine once you’re a patient, and they’re familiar to you, it seems like the natural thing to continue down the ivf path with them.

The illogicality of spending €1,700 on a hysteroscopy before even having any embryos (and I only got 1 in my first round) was pointed out to me by a Dr at another clinic (I asked if it was something they’d recommend – he said save your money for now, let’s try and get some blasts first).

Show quote history

yes, they offered knowing never had a miscarriage before, or a previous failed IVF. No proven implantation failure before. I can see a point if you have previous implantation failures, then maybe yes.

They give you the "feel good factor" with smiles and all that. But this is until you challenge them, clinically. Then you will see the sudden change.

Laura2345cc · 06/04/2025 18:52

JoyIsTheKey · 06/04/2025 14:27

@Gkb90 I am also over 40 and no issues at all with fertility. Even serum was able to retrieve 18 eggs in one cycle. I had access to Dr specialized in reproductive system IVF advice in the UK simultaneously to going through the IVF with Serum. When I asked in the UK a second opinion of the protocol and approach for embryo transfer . The UK Dr did mention doing an ERA test for checking my personal implantation window for embryo transfer. I asked Serum and the answer was very generic they do not find it useful from the patients they have. They will go with the standard window. The results of the embryo transfers were failure.
Due to this my gut feel is very possible that Serum doesn't have most up to date technology and Serum focus on generic processes rather than specific needs and results.

May I ask, if you have 18 eggs, how many blast have you obtained? This is the most important factor of all, the number of blast. Not the number of embryo that only made to day 3.

Laura2345cc · 06/04/2025 18:56

Clocloxx · 14/07/2024 17:42

Hi just wanted to follow your post as I will be going to serum in a few months

I have being reading forums and reviews online for months.
I have not heard one single person saying anything bad about Ark. On reddit there are people saying Ark is good. Also his reviews on google are good.

Clocloxx · 07/04/2025 10:19

Laura2345cc · 06/04/2025 18:56

I have being reading forums and reviews online for months.
I have not heard one single person saying anything bad about Ark. On reddit there are people saying Ark is good. Also his reviews on google are good.

Show quote history

Hi Laura I actually went to serum December last year had success, currently 20 weeks pregnant

yassos · 07/04/2025 10:41

Laura2345cc · 06/04/2025 18:56

I have being reading forums and reviews online for months.
I have not heard one single person saying anything bad about Ark. On reddit there are people saying Ark is good. Also his reviews on google are good.

Show quote history

I have also heard lots of good feedback about Ark. They’re not who I went with in the end, however if I hadn’t found my clinic (who produced outstanding results for us), I would definitely have considered Ark.

Laura2345cc · 07/04/2025 19:45

yassos · 07/04/2025 10:41

I have also heard lots of good feedback about Ark. They’re not who I went with in the end, however if I hadn’t found my clinic (who produced outstanding results for us), I would definitely have considered Ark.

Show quote history

Yassos, may I ask you what clinic are you with?
When you say they produced outstanding results, what exactly do you mean?
And can I ask your age?
Many people are reporting good results, but is always about the age.
A woman that is 33 would always have better chances than a woman my age(41).

yassos · 07/04/2025 20:27

Laura2345cc · 07/04/2025 19:45

Yassos, may I ask you what clinic are you with?
When you say they produced outstanding results, what exactly do you mean?
And can I ask your age?
Many people are reporting good results, but is always about the age.
A woman that is 33 would always have better chances than a woman my age(41).

Show quote history

I’m 41. Happy to DM?