Assisting Nature Clinic was established in 2013 by three distinguished medical practitioners: Evangelos Papanikolaou, MD, Ph.D., Robert Najdecki MD, PhD, and Odysseas Zafiratis, MD. They are prominent members of the international reproductive medical community with backgrounds from the most reputable universities globally. The clinic is housed in a modern building equipped with well-appointed laboratories and a comfortable patient waiting area. In 2022, the clinic performed 1,203 treatment cycles, with 22.4% being egg donation cycles and 43% involving IVF with the patient’s own eggs. Assisting Nature features 1 embryology laboratory, 1 andrology laboratory, 2 operating theatres, and 4 single recovery rooms (3 double rooms and 1 single). The clinic staff is fluent in English, and international team members and translation services are available.
Assisted Nature is situated in Thessaloniki, a vibrant port city in Greece. Known for its stunning vistas, Thessaloniki offers picturesque views of the sea and beautiful beaches, complemented by impressive architecture throughout the city. Renowned for its rich festivals and cultural heritage, Thessaloniki promises a delightful experience during your visit.
Treatment Options at Assisting Nature
Assisting Nature offers a comprehensive range of assisted reproduction treatments, employing contemporary methods tailored to individual needs. Some of the popular techniques and treatments include: IUI (intrauterine insemination), IUI with ZYMOT, and AID (artificial insemination with donor), IVF/ICSI/IMSI, Endometrial Rejuvenation with PRP therapy (Platelet-rich Plasma)
Ovarian Rejuvenation with PRP therapy (Platelet-rich Plasma), Egg donation, Sperm donation, Embryo donation, Embryoscope, Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), Assisted Hatching (AH), Embryo/gamete freezing, Mioxsys male oxidative stress test.
The clinic also provides fertility examinations for both females and males, psychological support programs, and procedures such as TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) or Micro-TESE (Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction) for male factor infertility.
Success Rates at Assisting Nature
In 2022, Assisting Nature reported an overall clinical pregnancy success rate of 53% per embryo transfer for egg donation, and a 36% success rate for IVF using the patient’s own eggs. The clinical pregnancy success rates per embryo transfer based on female patient age for IVF with own eggs are as follows:
- Women under 35 years old: 43%
- Women aged 35-40 years old: 40%
- Women above 40 years old: 19%
For frozen embryo transfers using own eggs, the clinical pregnancy success rate per embryo transfer was 43%, while the success rate for embryo donation was 48%. The clinic typically recommends and practices Day 5 embryo transfers, with an average of 1.5 embryos transferred in 2022, resulting in a multiple birth rate of 15%.
Patient Support at Assisting Nature
Assisting Nature prioritizes patient privacy and data protection, complying with all applicable privacy laws and employing various security technologies to safeguard personal information. Safety and quality are paramount, with services provided according to ISO 15224 and ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems, ensuring consistent care of the highest standard.
Prof. Evangelos Papanikolaou is a globally recognized fertility specialist and has served as a Lecturer in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece, since 2015. He is accredited by ESHRE and EBCOG as a Reproductive Specialist. Prof. Papanikolaou holds two Ph.D. diplomas and a Master’s in Reproductive Endocrinology. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Belgian Society of Reproductive Medicine (BSRM), the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
Dr Robert Najdecki serves as the Scientific Director and is a leading expert in reproductive medicine. He has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating fertility disorders, including endoscopic surgery, and has managed over 6,000 stimulated cycles. Dr. Najdecki played a pioneering role in developing new methods of oocyte retrieval. Notably, he introduced the first vaginal, ultrasound-guided egg collection technique in Greece, leading to the birth of the second IVF baby in the country. This significant achievement marked a turning point in IVF techniques. Additionally, Dr Najdecki is actively involved in fertility research, publishing extensively on topics such as fibroids, endometriosis, ovulatory dysfunction, and ovarian ageing.
Dr Foteini Chouliara is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist specializing in Reproductive Gynaecology. She obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Glasgow School of Medicine in 2005. Following her initial postgraduate training, she completed residencies in Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Hippokration Hospital, affiliated with Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. In 2017, she became a qualified Obstetrics & Gynaecology Consultant. Dr Chouliara earned her MSc in Human Reproduction from Democritus University of Thrace in 2019 and is currently conducting research as a Fellow at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, focusing on biomarkers in ovarian tumour assessment for her Doctorate. Since joining Assisting Nature in 2018, she has dedicated herself to overseeing the International Patient Department.
Assisting Nature is committed to providing high-quality fertility treatments in a supportive environment. With a team of experienced professionals and a focus on patient care, the clinic strives to help individuals achieve their dreams of parenthood.
