When should I see a doctor?
A medical work-up makes sense if pregnancy does not occur despite regular, unprotected and well-timed intercourse:
- Women under 35: after 12 months
- Women 35+: after 6 months
- With known risk factors (PCOS, endometriosis, irregular cycles, previous surgery): at any time, without waiting
Preparation & prevention
Folic acid: 0.4 mg daily, starting at least 1 month before a planned pregnancy, and continued throughout the first 3 months of pregnancy. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects (e.g. spina bifida).
Diet: A balanced, varied diet. With a vegetarian or vegan diet, it is advisable to check vitamin B12 and iron.
Vaccination status & medication
- Check your vaccination status — especially MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella. These live vaccines are recommended before pregnancy, not during it.
- Please discuss any regularly taken medication in advance; adjustments are sometimes needed.
- Nicotine, alcohol and drugs: avoid consistently, ideally already before pregnancy.
- Travel planning: If you are planning long-haul travel, check the current recommendations on Zika and other infection risks at healthytravel.ch — the recommendations can change.
Basic diagnostics
During the 45-minute first consultation we take a detailed history and plan the investigations. Depending on your situation, the basic work-up includes:
- Hormone status: FSH, LH, AMH (ovarian reserve), oestradiol, progesterone (in the luteal phase), prolactin, thyroid values (TSH)
- Further laboratory values: vitamin D, folate
- Vaginal ultrasound: assessment of the uterus and ovaries, antral follicle count
Where there is a medical indication, the consultation, examination and basic laboratory tests are usually billed through the compulsory health insurance.
What we do in the practice — and what we don't
- Ovulation monitoring (ultrasound tracking)
- Stimulation / cycle monitoring (medication-based ovarian stimulation / oral ovulation triggers for anovulatory cycles)
- Tubal patency testing (HSG / HyCoSy) where needed
- Lifestyle advice (BMI, exercise, sleep, stress)
What we do not carry out: IVF, ICSI, IUI. These treatments take place in certified reproductive medicine centres. We support you on the way there and stay involved after treatment.
Lifestyle
- Body weight: a BMI of 19 – 25 is favourable — both being overweight and underweight can affect the cycle and fertility.
- Folic acid: 0.4 mg daily from at least 1 month before the planned conception (see above).
- Vitamin D: aim for a value within the normal range; supplement if deficient.
- Stopping smoking: recommended — this also applies to your partner.
- Alcohol: minimise, ideally avoid altogether.
- Sleep & stress: regular sleep and targeted stress reduction have a positive effect on hormone status.
Costs & insurance
The basic work-up (consultation, examination, basic laboratory tests, ultrasound where medically indicated) is usually billed through the compulsory health insurance.
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Under the KLV, the OKP covers IUI where the medical and insurance criteria are met, for no more than three treatment cycles per pregnancy. The usual deductible and co-payment apply.
- IVF/ICSI: In-vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer are not mandatory OKP benefits and are generally self-paid. The centre provides the binding price per cycle.
As we do not perform IUI, IVF or ICSI in the practice, treatment takes place at a reproductive medicine centre. Please ask the centre and your insurer to confirm the specific cover and any prior approval before treatment starts.
Total prices for self-pay services in our practice:
- Ovulation monitoring (ultrasound): CHF 80
- Stimulation / cycle monitoring (per cycle, excluding medication, including necessary ultrasound checks): CHF 200
The stated amounts are total prices for the scope described. Medication is not included and is charged separately only after prior information.
Unhurried, in your language (German, English, Arabic). Book an appointment online or use our contact options.
Source: FOPH — KLV Annex 1, reproductive medicine (German) · Last updated: July 2026 · These notes do not replace individual medical advice.