IVF Treatment and Process

IVF is an assisted reproductive method in which eggs retrieved from the woman are fertilized with sperm cells from the man in a laboratory. In in vitro fertilization (IVF), used for couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally, fertilization takes place in the laboratory. After its development has been monitored, the resulting embryo is transferred to the mother-to-be's uterus at the appropriate time.

IVF treatment is an advanced reproductive method that achieves pregnancy by transferring an egg fertilized with sperm in the laboratory into the mother's uterus. The treatment is planned according to the couple's health and includes stages such as ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, microinjection (ICSI) and embryo transfer. The aim is to increase the chance of pregnancy by supporting the implantation of the embryo in the uterus.

In this video, you can learn about the stages of IVF treatment, who it is for, how many days it takes and success rates.

How is In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment Performed?

IVF treatment, a method in which fertilization takes place in the laboratory and the embryos are then transferred to the mother's uterus, offers hope to couples facing infertility and provides a treatment option for fertility problems. In Istanbul, every stage of the IVF process is planned individually by Op. Dr. Soner Düzgüner.

Who is In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) suitable for?

With IVF treatment, couples who face infertility and have been unable to conceive naturally can increase their chances of having a baby. Couples who have not been able to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse should be evaluated by an obstetrician and infertility specialist. For women over 35, this period is 6 months.
Couples who may be candidates for IVF include:

1. Blocked fallopian tubes: A blockage in a woman's fallopian tubes prevents the egg and sperm cells from meeting. In this case, IVF treatment can be a suitable option for the couple.
2. Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and can lead to infertility. In this case, IVF can be considered as a treatment option.
3. Ovulation problems: In women who have difficulty getting pregnant due to irregular or absent ovulation, IVF may be preferred depending on the doctor's evaluation.
4. Failed insemination attempts: IVF treatment can be applied after previous unsuccessful insemination (IUI) attempts.
5. Male infertility: In cases of male-factor infertility, such as low sperm count, poor motility or abnormal morphology, IVF and microinjection (ICSI) can be used.
6. Unexplained infertility: IVF treatment may be recommended for couples with long-standing infertility whose cause cannot be identified.

In vitro fertilization (IVF), commonly known as test-tube baby treatment, is an infertility treatment method preferred when couples who have difficulty having children cannot conceive naturally.

What Should Be Considered When Starting In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment?

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment is a beacon of hope for couples who want to have children but have been unsuccessful naturally. Before starting the treatment process, it is important for couples to pay attention to some key points and prepare for the treatment in the best way. Here are the recommended points to consider when starting IVF treatment:

Choosing a Specialist Doctor: Choosing an experienced specialist doctor is very important for IVF treatment. The doctor's experience and communication with patients are influential factors in the treatment process, so it is worth researching before choosing an IVF doctor. A clinic that does not feel like a hospital and has no long waiting times also matters for patient comfort.

Clinic and Laboratory Quality: In IVF, the technological infrastructure of the clinic and embryology laboratory, hygiene standards and experienced staff play an important role. These factors should be taken into account when choosing an IVF clinic.

Cost of IVF: Treatment costs may vary from clinic to clinic and depending on the treatment method used. Budget planning should take into account that there may be additional expenses during treatment, such as IVF medications. For couples who meet the SGK (Turkish Social Security) requirements, state support for IVF can also be considered in planning.

Preliminary Evaluation and Tests: Before starting treatment, factors such as the couple's general health, hormone levels, AMH level, and sperm and egg quality are evaluated. Based on these evaluations, the most suitable treatment method and protocol are determined.

Lifestyle and Nutrition: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, paying attention to nutrition, and managing stress are important before and during IVF treatment. Avoiding negative factors such as smoking, alcohol, and excessive caffeine consumption can increase the chances of treatment success.

Psychological Support: The IVF treatment process can be physically and psychologically challenging for couples. Receiving professional psychological support during this time helps couples to cope with the process in a healthier way.

Patience and Determination: Success in the IVF treatment process may sometimes be achieved after several attempts. Therefore, it is important to approach the process with patience and determination.

At our clinic in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, where we use advanced technologies in IVF treatment, Op. Dr. Soner Düzgüner applies current treatment methods for couples who wish to have children. For more detailed information about IVF treatment, you can contact us by filling out the contact form.

IVF Stages

During IVF treatment at our clinic, the following steps are applied;

Pre-assessment: Before starting IVF treatment, factors such as the couple's health status, age, and cause of infertility are evaluated, a detailed ultrasound examination is performed, and an appropriate treatment protocol is determined.

Stimulation Medications: The treatment process begins by supporting the woman's ovaries with IVF medications so that several follicles containing eggs can grow.

Egg Retrieval: Matured eggs are collected from the ovaries using a fine needle aspiration method performed vaginally under ultrasound guidance.

Sperm Sample: The sperm sample taken from the man is processed in the laboratory, and healthy sperm cells are selected through special procedures.

Fertilization: The collected eggs and sperm cells are brought together in the laboratory to initiate the fertilization process. This process is carried out either through the conventional IVF method or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Embryo Development: After fertilization, the resulting embryos are observed in the laboratory for 3 or 5 days according to a predetermined strategy, and their development and quality are monitored.

Embryo Transfer: The embryo or embryos that have completed development are transferred to the mother-to-be's uterus. This procedure is usually painless. Suitable embryos can be stored for future use by embryo freezing.

Pregnancy Test: Approximately 9–12 days after the transfer, a pregnancy test is performed by measuring the beta hCG hormone in the expectant mother's blood.

IVF success rate; varies depending on factors such as the woman’s age, the couple’s overall health condition, the cause of infertility, and the treatment method used.

Tests to be Performed for Women Starting IVF Treatment

Before starting the IVF treatment process, various tests and evaluations are performed for female patients. These tests aim to increase the success rate of the treatment and determine the most appropriate treatment method. Here are the tests to be performed for women starting IVF treatment:

• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) – ovarian reserve test
• TSH and Prolactin Tests
• Pelvic Ultrasonography and Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
• Blood Group and Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Anti-HCV – Anti-HIV 1-2 – HBsAg
• Rubella IgG

Tests to Be Performed for Men Starting IVF Treatment

Tests to be performed for male patients starting IVF treatment:

• Sperm Analysis (Semen Analysis)
• Anti-HCV – Anti-HIV 1-2 – HBsAg
• Sperm DNA Damage Test and Hormone Tests (Only if necessary)

Types of IVF Treatment

IVF can be performed using different IVF methods depending on the genetic and biological characteristics of the prospective parents.

Conventional IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): In this method, eggs collected from the mother and sperm from the father are combined in a laboratory environment to allow fertilization, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the mother's uterus.

Microinjection (ICSI): Unlike conventional IVF, in this method a single sperm cell is directly injected into the egg to achieve fertilization. ICSI is especially preferred for infertility issues related to male factors.

IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection): A technique similar to microinjection (ICSI), it allows morphologically healthier sperm cells to be selected for fertilization.

How Long Does IVF Treatment Take?

The duration of IVF treatment may vary depending on the couple's situation, the treatment method and individual factors. IVF starts on the second or third day of the woman's period, which is the right time to grow the available eggs with IVF medications and hormone injections. During treatment, women need to visit our IVF clinic at certain intervals for follicle monitoring, medication checks and blood tests. Considering the time needed for the eggs to reach a certain size, to be retrieved and for the embryo to be transferred, the treatment takes approximately 12–17 days from start to finish.

What is the Success Rate of IVF?

IVF success rates may vary depending on the woman's age, the cause of infertility, the treatment method, the experience of the clinic and laboratory, and the techniques used. Ovarian reserve in particular directly affects IVF success. Because ovarian reserve declines with age, the woman's age significantly affects the success rate. Ovarian reserve is evaluated with an AMH test and ultrasound; there is no single answer to the question of what AMH level is needed for IVF, and the result is interpreted together with age.

Why Are IVF Costs in 2026 Individual?

IVF costs in Istanbul may vary depending on the treatment methods used and each patient's needs. In line with regulations on the promotion of healthcare services, price information is not shared on our website; the treatment plan and related costs are explained individually after the examination and tests. For more detailed information about IVF treatment, you can fill out our contact form or call us at +90 545 440 55 45. For information on state support for IVF and SGK eligibility requirements, see our related page for more information.

Choosing an IVF Center in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, offers IVF treatment with numerous clinics and experienced doctors. One of the most frequently asked questions from couples who cannot conceive naturally, who want IVF treatment or who have had unsuccessful IVF attempts is what to look for when choosing an IVF doctor in Istanbul. The doctor's experience, the embryology laboratory's infrastructure and the doctor's communication with patients can guide this decision.

For couples who wish to have children, Op. Dr. Soner Duzgunerprovides care at our IVF clinic in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, using current technologies and methods.

Is Sex Selection in IVF Legal in Turkey?

Under Turkey's Regulation on Assisted Reproductive Treatment, sex selection in IVF treatment is prohibited. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) may only be performed when there is a medical need, for example to genetically examine embryos in couples at risk of an inherited disease. Our clinic does not perform any procedure for the purpose of sex selection.

What Is the Age Limit for IVF?

Although there is no strict age limit for IVF treatment, age is an important factor affecting the chance of success. The ages of both women and men play a role in IVF success rates. The answer to the question of up to what age IVF can be done depends on the woman's ovarian reserve and general health. For SGK-covered state support for IVF, current regulations require the woman to be older than 23 and younger than 40.

What Are the Signs of Embryo Implantation in IVF?

Signs of embryo implantation are very similar to the symptoms of a natural pregnancy. However, they can vary from woman to woman, and some women may not notice any clear signs. Here are possible signs of implantation after IVF transfer:

• Nausea
• Mild abdominal pain
• Lower back pain
• Fatigue
• Breast tenderness and enlargement
• Dizziness

These signs do not confirm pregnancy. Whether the embryo has implanted is determined by a beta hCG test performed about 9–12 days after the transfer.

In Which Cases Does IVF Fail?

There can be more than one answer to why IVF fails. Problems such as intrauterine adhesions, polyps, fibroids and infections, chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo, an unnoticed fluid build-up in the tubes, chronic diseases in the woman and obesity are just some of the reasons that can prevent the embryo from implanting.

How Many Times Can IVF Be Attempted at Most?

As long as IVF is technically possible – that is, if at least one egg can develop and there is no serious genetic problem affecting egg quality or embryo development – treatment can continue based on the doctor's evaluation. The number of attempts supported by SGK, however, is limited by regulation.