CEFER Barcelona

The Instituto CEFER clinic in Barcelona, established in 1977, is a renowned private fertility center offering comprehensive reproductive treatments. In 2023, the clinic conducted 700 treatment cycles, with an equal split between egg donation and IVF with patients’ own eggs.

The clinic welcomes a diverse range of patients, including single women, female same-sex couples, and those who are HIV or HCV/HBV positive. Women up to the age of 55 can receive egg donations, ensuring broader accessibility for those seeking parenthood later in life. CEFER also provides advanced services such as Fenomatch and PRP (, underlining its commitment to personalized and cutting-edge fertility care.

CEFER is equipped with two specialized laboratories—IVF and Andrology—along with one operating theatre and three single, ensuite patient recovery rooms.

CEFER holds ISO 9001 valid till 01.02.2025 and UNE 179007:2013.  ISO 9001 is defined as the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). The UNE 179007:2013 standard is designed for assisted human reproduction organizations to ensure effective quality management.

Interested in this clinic? Contact CEFER

Why choose CEFER Barcelona?

At CEFER Barcelona, they distinguish themselves from other clinics through their innovative FEM Technology, which provides a comprehensive approach to fertility by addressing Female, Embryonic, and Male factor (FEM). Their specialized methodology ensures that patients receive thorough information, diagnosis, and treatment across all aspects of fertility.

Female patients can have their diagnostics done:

• Reproductive Gynecology Specialist Assignment
• Comprehensive study of women’s fertility
• Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hormonal system
• Ovary (AMH, rejuvenation)
• Uterus
• Endometrium (Endometrial Receptivity)
• Immune system
• Genetics carrier test.

This multidisciplinary approach allows them to offer a detailed pre-diagnosis and budget online in just two minutes. They conduct an exhaustive study of women’s fertility, examining the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hormonal system, ovarian function (including AMH levels and rejuvenation), uterine health, endometrial receptivity, immune system, and genetic factors through carrier testing.

Waiting area at CEFER Barcelona

In contrast to other clinics, which may only provide basic gynecological visits, ovarian stimulation, follicular puncture, and embryo transfer, CEFER Clinics offer specialized units for

• implantation failure and recurrent miscarriages,
• natural cycles,
• endometriosis,
• ovarian rejuvenation.

Their embryonic services include:

• Consultation and advice with senior embryologist
• Fertilization (IMSI, FertiCHIP, microfluidics)
• Embryo Development (Time-Lapse, morphokinetics)
• Embryo genetics (Preimplantation genetic diagnosis)
• Cryopreservation (vitrification).

For male patients, they provide comprehensive andrology services including:

• Reproductive Andrology Specialist Assignment
• Comprehensive study of male sterility
• Sperm bank
• Male reproductive system
• Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hormonal system
• Seminogram
• Sperm capacitation test
• Sperm chromosome study (FISH)
• Sperm DNA fragmentation
• Genetics carrier test

Would you like to know more? Contact CEFER

The Low Ovarian Reserve Unit at CEFER Barcelona

Dr Markus Nitzschke – head of the Low Ovarian Reserve Unit at CEFER Barcelona

The Low Ovarian Reserve Unit at Instituto CEFER Barcelona was created for women who have been told they have low ovarian reserve, have responded poorly to IVF stimulation, had cancelled cycles, or experienced previous IVF failures — but may still have a chance to try with their own eggs.

The unit is led by Dr Markus Nitzschke, an experienced specialist in Natural Cycle IVF, Minimal Stimulation IVF and low ovarian reserve treatment. His approach is based on understanding how each patient’s ovaries respond, rather than simply repeating high-dose stimulation protocols that may not bring better results.

For some women, using more medication is not always the answer. Instead, careful timing, gentle stimulation or natural cycle strategies may help doctors work with the body’s own rhythm and make the most of each available follicle.

The aim of the unit is to give patients a realistic and personalised assessment: is IVF with own eggs still worth considering, or would another option, such as egg donation, offer a better chance?

For women who are not yet ready to move to egg donation, this approach may offer clarity, expert guidance and, in selected cases, the possibility of continuing treatment with their own eggs.

Read more about the Low Ovarian Reserve and Natural Cycle IVF in Barcelona.

Waiting room at CEFER Barcelona

Medical Team at CEFER

Dr Fernando Marina

Dr Fernando Marina is the Embryologist and Director of the IVF-ICSI Laboratories at CEFER. He speaks Spanish, Catalan, English, and Italian. Fernando Marina earned his degree in Biology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and completed his doctorate, cum laude, in Biological Sciences at the same institution in 2001, with a thesis on assisted reproduction techniques for HIV patients.

As a Senior Embryologist, he holds certifications from both ESHRE and ASEBIR. Dr. Marina has received extensive training at prestigious institutions, including the Center for Reproductive Medicine at the Dutch-Speaking Brussels Free University Hospital and the Schoysman Infertility Management Foundation at Van Helmont Hospital in 1994, as well as the Laboratory of Embryology at Cornell University Medical Center in 1995.

With over 130 presentations at national and international conferences and more than 40 publications in specialized scientific journals, Dr. Marina’s expertise ensures that patients’ embryos are in safe and experienced hands.

Dr Mónica Redondo

Dr Mónica Redondo is the main fertility specialist at CEFER. She is a highly experienced gynecologist specializing in obstetrics and reproductive medicine. She holds a degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of the Basque Country and obtained her specialist title in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2003 from the Central Hospital of Asturias in Oviedo. Dr Redondo completed advanced studies in oncology research at the University of Oviedo and has been an associate gynecologist at the CEFER Reproduction Institute since April 2009. Dr Mónica speaks seven languages: English, Spanish, Catalan, German, Italian, French, Polish.

Fluent in seven languages, including English, Spanish, Catalan, German, Italian, French, and Polish, she is a member of the Spanish Fertility Society and the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Additionally, she has extensive experience as an ISO-9001 expert, collaborating with TÜV-Rheinland for IVF center certification.

Dr Markus Nitzschke

Dr Markus Nitzschke is a German fertility specialist trained at leading clinics and university hospitals across Europe, the USA, and Japan. Fluent in German, French, Spanish, and English, he is recognized as one of Europe’s pioneers in Natural Cycle and Minimal Stimulation IVF. He also helped establish one of the first IVF programs in Europe dedicated exclusively to Natural Cycle IVF at the University Hospital of Bern in Switzerland.

The CEFER’s team comprises of total 6 doctors and 6 embryologists.

Over 50 and exploring IVF abroad? Discover what’s possible — read the interview with Dr Markus Nitzschke, “IVF Over 50 in Spain – All You Need to Know.”

Would you like to book a consultation? Contact CEFER

Consultation room at CEFER

CEFER Treatment Options

Here are the fertility treatments that are available for both national and international patients at CEFER:

• IUI (intrauterine insemination) and AID (artificial insemination with donor)
• IVF
• Platelet Rich Plasma
• Egg donation
• Donor sperm
• Embryo donation
• PGD/PGS
• Assisted Hatching
• Embryo freezing
• Sperm/Egg freezing
• Time-Lapse Embryo Monitoring (GERI)
• ICSI, MACS, Sperm Chip
• Microfluid Liquid Wall
• ROPA – Reciprocal IVF for female couples.

The CEFER Barcelona clinic was a pioneer in developing and implementing the ROPA (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) method, which allows for shared motherhood among lesbian couples. This innovative IVF technique enables one partner to provide the eggs while the other carries the embryo, making them biological co-mothers.

Need to discuss a particular treatment? Contact CEFER

IVF Costs at CEFER Barcelona

CEFER Barcelona offers a range of fertility treatments tailored to the specific needs of patients, ensuring high-quality care with transparent pricing. Below is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with each treatment, making it easy to understand the pricing structure and services included.

IVF with Own Eggs

The cost of IVF with your own eggs at CEFER Barcelona is EUR 4,750 for IVF-ICSI, and EUR 4,790 if combined with sperm bank services (IVF-ICSI + SB). This program includes sedation, ICSI, time-lapse incubator, and one embryo transfer. Additional services like embryo freezing can be added if required.

Egg Donation Program

For those opting for egg donation, prices range from EUR 7,330 to EUR 10,480, depending on specific needs and services. The program includes egg donor medication, blastocyst guarantee, ICSI, and access to the Photomatch software for facial comparison to find the most similar donor. It also covers time-lapse incubator culture, one embryo transfer, and embryo freezing.

Reciprocal IVF (ROPA)

For same-sex couples, the ROPA (Reciprocal IVF) procedure costs EUR 4,995. This treatment allows one partner to provide the eggs while the other carries the pregnancy, making it a unique and personal IVF option for couples.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A)

Genetic testing of embryos (PGT-A) costs EUR 850 for a biopsy with freezing fees based on the number of embryos. Freezing 1 embryo is EUR 350, 2 embryos are EUR 500, and 4 or more embryos cost EUR 750. Storage per year is EUR 375.

Frozen Embryo Transfer

A frozen embryo transfer procedure costs EUR 1,450, which includes the transfer process but excludes additional medication or consultations.

Egg Freezing (Social Freezing)

The cost of egg freezing at CEFER Barcelona is EUR 2,125 for one cycle. A package for two cycles is available for EUR 4,345. Storage of frozen eggs costs EUR 255 per year.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

For IUI, the cost is EUR 1,200 for a single attempt and EUR 1,640 for a package of three. The price for AID (artificial insemination with donor sperm) is the same for one attempt, but a three-cycle package costs EUR 2,815.

Additional Services

• Sperm freezing: EUR 270
• Embryo Monitoring (Time Lapse): Included in IVF treatments (value of EUR 450)
• Vitrification of Surplus Embryos: Freezing costs range from EUR 350 for one embryo to EUR 750 for four or more, with an annual storage fee of EUR 255.
• PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Treatment: EUR 1,270
• First Consultation: EUR 95 (non-deductible from treatment costs)
• Extended Culture to Blastocyst: EUR 250, though it is included in the egg donation program.

Our IVF Cost Calculator can help with understanding costs.

Need to find out more about IVF costs? Contact CEFER

CEFER Barcelona Success Rates

In 2023, the clinical pregnancy success rate for egg donation per embryo transfer was 57.6%. For IVF with patients’ own eggs, the overall success rate was 32.8%, with age-specific rates of

• women aged 35-40 – 39.7%
• those under 35 – 29.75%
• women over 40 – 22.1%

The clinical pregnancy success rate for frozen embryo transfers stood at 32.3%, while embryo donation success rates were at 39.5%.

At the CEFER Barcelona clinic, the preferred day for embryo transfer is at the blastocyst stage, which generally increases the chances of a successful pregnancy. In 2023, the clinic maintained a multiple birth rate of 0%, highlighting their commitment to single embryo transfers for safety and better outcomes. On average, only one embryo is transferred per procedure, reflecting their focus on minimizing the risks associated with multiple pregnancies.

CEFER also ensures transparency and adherence to standards by submitting their data to the Spanish Fertility Society (SEF).

Need to find out more about IVF success rates? Contact CEFER

Who attends?

At the CEFER Barcelona clinic, the patient demographic consists of 50% Spanish, 30% Italian, 10% French, and 10% from other nationalities.

From the Staff

At CEFER Institut, our mission is to provide compassionate, personalized care in assisted reproduction, offering the latest advances in fertility treatments. We are dedicated to helping individuals and couples realize their dream of parenthood, ensuring every patient feels supported throughout their journey. With our expertise, innovation, and commitment to excellence, we strive to achieve the highest success rates while prioritizing the emotional well-being of our patients.

Clinic Location

The Instituto CEFER clinic in Barcelona is conveniently located for those traveling from abroad and flying directly to Barcelona, making your journey as smooth as possible.

If you’re arriving by train, the Sants Station (Estación de Sants) is your gateway, offering high-speed AVE and regional Rodalies connections. From Sants, a quick taxi ride or a trip on Metro Line 3 (Green) will get you to the clinic in no time.

Alternatively, Passeig de Gràcia Station, located in the city center, also connects to Metro Line 3, bringing you directly to the clinic’s vicinity.

For those flying in, Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is just 15-20 km (9-12 miles) away. You can catch the Aerobús or Metro Line 9 to the city center and then transfer to the Green Line (Line 3) to reach your destination.

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber provide direct and convenient transportation as well.

To make your stay even more comfortable, Instituto CEFER has special deals with nearby hotels, including Hotel Catalonia Barcelona Plaza on Plaça d’Espanya and Hotel Lugano on Av. del Paral·lel.

These options ensure that no matter how you choose to travel, reaching Instituto CEFER is straightforward and stress-free, allowing you to focus on your journey towards parenthood.

The CEFER clinic in Barcelona is located at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 416, L’Eixample, 08015 Barcelona, Spain. It is open from Monday to Friday between 8 AM and 8 PM, and on weekends from 9 AM to 12 PM.