imi Clinic Vienna

Our core competency at imi is the effective medical support of your desire to have a child.
Our strength lies in the comprehensive identification and treatment of all factors standing between you and a natural pregnancy. We bring together hormonal, gynaecological and surgical expertise in a combination that is rarely found under one roof. Our goal is to help you reach your dream of a child by natural means.

What are the advantages of imi’s one-stop approach?
At imi, everything is under one roof. Diagnostics, treatment and, where needed, minor interventions can all be carried out quickly and on an outpatient basis — without long waiting times or unnecessary referrals.

The imi Basis Diagnostics® in brief:
The imi Basis Diagnostics® is our comprehensive medical investigation programme, designed to systematically identify the possible causes of unfulfilled desire for a child — in both women and men. Hormonal, organic, genetic, immunological and infectious factors are all assessed with precision, in order to determine the most appropriate and truly holistic treatment approach.

How quickly can I begin?
We understand how important timing is. In most cases, we can offer an appointment to begin the investigation within the shortest possible time — in urgent situations, this may be as soon as within a week. For personal appointments with Dr. Martin Imhof, we kindly ask that you allow a lead time of approximately 3–4 weeks.

How long does the imi Basis Diagnostics® take in total?
From the initial consultation through to the discussion of results and treatment planning, the full diagnostic process takes approximately three to four weeks, depending on the female cycle. Laboratory and examination results are generally ready within two weeks.

Can all examinations take place on the same day?
For women: the examinations (blood draw, hysteroscopy, fallopian tube patency test) are cycle-dependent and must therefore be scheduled on different days. For men: the blood draw and semen analysis are flexible and can take place after two days of abstinence.

How does it work?
The essential first step is a thorough preliminary consultation and full medical history. From there, all potential causes of unfulfilled desire for a child are investigated in both partners. Once all results are in, we discuss the findings together and determine the most appropriate treatment. In many cases, therapy can begin as early as the following cycle.

Why is the imi Basis Diagnostics® so important?
Targeted treatment is only possible when all potential causes are known. A complete diagnostic assessment significantly improves the chances of achieving a natural pregnancy.

The basic diagnostics include, among other things:

• Hormonal analysis (e.g. thyroid function, cycle hormones, prolactin)
• Ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries, including specialised follicle measurement
• Fallopian tube patency test (hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography / HyCoSy)
• Outpatient hysteroscopy
• Blood tests for immune markers, coagulation and infections
• Vaginal swab and cycle monitoring

When do the examinations take place?

• Blood draw: cycle days 2–5. Basic diagnostics and hysteroscopy: cycle days 8–14.
  Not all examinations need to fall within the same cycle — what matters is that they are completed within a few cycles so that the results remain comparable.

Why is the hysteroscopy carried out?
Using a slender camera, we examine the uterine cavity to identify polyps, fibroids, endometrial changes or adhesions — and to initiate treatment as promptly as possible where needed. This helps ensure optimal conditions for implantation.

What does the fallopian tube patency test show?
It confirms whether the fallopian tubes are open and functional — an essential prerequisite for natural conception.

Why should the male partner also be investigated?
In around half of all cases, the cause of unfulfilled desire for a child can be found on the male side. The investigation helps evaluate sperm quality and identify other possible contributors to reduced fertility.

Which examinations are carried out?

• Urine test for chlamydia
• Blood test (hormonal and infectious markers)
• CASA semen analysis (computer-assisted)
• DNA fragmentation analysis
• MAR test (detection of anti-sperm antibodies)
• Bacteriological examination of the ejaculate

What is the difference between a basic and an extended semen analysis?

• Basic semen analysis in accordance with WHO guidelines covers density, motility, vitality and morphology.
• The extended semen analysis additionally includes DNA fragmentation and the MAR test, and is recommended in cases of long-standing unfulfilled desire for a child, recurrent early miscarriage, suspected implantation failure, the presence of risk factors, from the age of 35, or where previous results have been repeatedly abnormal.

Why should the sperm sample be provided directly at imi?
Only when the sample is produced on site can it be examined immediately and under optimal conditions — resulting in significantly more reliable findings and a more precisely targeted treatment plan. We guarantee complete discretion; the sample is provided in a private, protected environment, with full regard for your comfort and dignity.


Is pregnancy still possible with an abnormal semen analysis?
Yes — even with reduced sperm quality, natural conception remains possible, with one exception: azoospermia (the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate). In such cases, a testicular biopsy and assisted fertilisation at an IVF centre may be necessary.

Can sperm quality be improved?
Yes. A healthy lifestyle — good nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol — can meaningfully improve sperm quality. Individually tailored micronutrient supplementation may also be beneficial.

How long should the period of abstinence before providing the sample be?
Ideally between 2 and 5 days — no shorter and no longer — to ensure a reliable assessment of sperm quality.

A semen analysis primarily assesses the following:
motility, concentration, morphology, vitality, signs of infection, hormonal influences, DNA fragmentation and immunological factors.

WHO reference values for normal results:

• Sperm concentration: ≥ 15 million/ml
• Progressively motile sperm: ≥ 32%
• Normal morphology: ≥ 4%
• Live sperm: ≥ 50%

What does elevated DNA fragmentation indicate?
It points to damage within the genetic material of the sperm, which can impair fertilisation or compromise embryonic development. Targeted intervention can improve the prospects of a successful pregnancy.

Next steps:
Once all results are in, your personalised treatment begins — in most cases as early as the following cycle. The first step may involve optimising your overall health and lifestyle; subsequent steps can include targeted hormonal regulation and cycle support, pharmaceutical measures, or — where necessary — surgical intervention, most often performed using minimally invasive, low-pain techniques. The overarching aim is to restore all the natural conditions needed for pregnancy.

What are the most common obstacles — and how are they treated?
Frequent causes include fibroids, cysts, infections and blocked fallopian tubes. In most cases, these can be addressed through minimally invasive procedures.

What does “optimising all influencing factors” mean in practice?
We ensure that all relevant physical parameters — hormonal levels, thyroid function, egg maturation and sperm quality — are in the best possible shape to maximise the chances of fertilisation and successful implantation.

How long does imi’s support continue after pregnancy is confirmed?
We provide particularly close care during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, with a strong focus on minimising the risk of miscarriage. Should you wish, we are very glad to continue accompanying you all the way through to the birth.

Why is time such a critical factor?
A woman’s fertility declines significantly from the age of 30. The sooner the causes of unfulfilled desire for a child are identified, the better the prospects for successful treatment.

How quickly can treatment begin? 

Once the diagnostic process is complete and the results have been discussed, treatment can in many cases start as early as the next cycle.

How can you improve your chances of pregnancy?

• Early and thorough investigation across all five areas relevant to a successful pregnancy (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina and sperm)
• Prompt commencement of the right, individually tailored therapy
• Optimisation of lifestyle, nutrition and physical health

Booking an appointment:
The easiest ways are by phone or via our online contact form. We aim to offer you an appointment for an initial personal consultation within one week.

Why act now?
Every cycle counts. The sooner the causes are identified, the sooner the right treatment can begin — and the better your chances of achieving a natural pregnancy will be.