IVF

IVF Treatment in Turkey: A Comprehensive Guide to Conception

What is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)? Learn about the step-by-step process, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and success rates. Personalized fertility protocols and advanced technology in Istanbul with Dr. Cengiz Andan.

IVF: The Miracle of Modern Medicine on Your Journey to Parenthood

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), commonly known as “Test Tube Baby,” is the most effective and widely used assisted reproductive technology for couples who cannot conceive naturally. Although the name implies “fertilization in glass,” today, this process is a biological art form conducted in high-tech laboratories with microscopic precision.

Essentially, the process involves collecting eggs (oocytes) from the mother, combining them with sperm from the father in a laboratory setting, and placing the resulting embryo (fertilized egg) back into the mother’s uterus.

At Dr. Cengiz Andan’s Clinic, we understand that dealing with infertility is a challenging and emotional journey. We are not just your doctors; we act as a part of your family. Thanks to modern technology, genetic screening methods, and personalized treatment protocols, many cases once deemed “impossible” now result in healthy babies.

1. Who is IVF Suitable For? When Should You Consult a Specialist?

If you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 1 year without success, or if you are over 35 and have been trying for 6 months, you should consult a specialist. IVF is generally the most successful and sometimes the only method for:

• Blocked Tubes: If both fallopian tubes are blocked or surgically removed.
• Male Factor Infertility: Low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal shape. Even in cases of Azoospermia (no sperm in semen), sperm can be retrieved surgically (TESE) for IVF.
• Advanced Endometriosis: When chocolate cysts and adhesions prevent natural conception.
• Diminished Ovarian Reserve: Patients with low AMH levels where time is critical.
• Unexplained Infertility: When all tests are normal, but pregnancy doesn’t occur despite simpler treatments like IUI.
• Genetic Disease Risk: To screen embryos (PGT) for hereditary diseases before implantation.

2. The Steps of IVF: From Laboratory to Your Arms

IVF treatment starts on the 2nd or 3rd day of your period and takes about 15-20 days.

Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation In a natural cycle, a woman produces one egg. In IVF, we need multiple eggs to increase success. Therefore, the mother receives hormone injections (gonadotropins) to stimulate egg growth. This phase lasts 8-12 days, monitored by ultrasound.

Step 2: Egg Retrieval (OPU – Oocyte Pick Up) When eggs reach the desired size, a “trigger shot” is given. Egg retrieval is performed 34-36 hours later. The procedure is done under light sedation, so you feel no pain. It takes about 15-20 minutes. Sperm is collected from the father on the same day.

Step 3: Fertilization (ICSI) Eggs and sperm are combined in the lab. We primarily use ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), where a single healthy sperm is injected directly into each egg. Fertilized eggs are kept in incubators mimicking the womb to develop into embryos.

Step 4: Embryo Transfer The final and most exciting step. The best-developing 1 or 2 embryos are gently placed into the uterus using a thin catheter. This procedure is painless, requires no anesthesia, and you are awake to witness the process on the screen.

3. Success Factors and “Personalized” Approach

The era of “standard treatment” in IVF is over. Every couple’s story, hormonal values, and genetics are unique. Dr. Andan’s personalized approach directly impacts success.

The most critical factor is female age and egg quality. After 35, and especially after 40, both egg quantity and quality decline. Therefore, not losing time is crucial.

Advanced lab techniques have also boosted success rates:

• Embryo Freezing: High-quality surplus embryos can be frozen for future use, allowing for a second chance without repeating injections.
• Uterine Resting: If the uterus is “tired” from hormones, we freeze all embryos and transfer them 1-2 months later when the body returns to its natural state. This can improve implantation rates.
• PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing): Especially for advanced maternal age or recurrent miscarriage, embryos are screened genetically before transfer to maximize the chance of a healthy pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the success rate of IVF?Answer:Success largely depends on age. For women under 30, success rates are around 50-60%, while over 40, it drops to 15-20%. However, cumulative success (after several attempts) is quite high. The key is not to give up and to proceed with the right strategy.
2. Is the IVF procedure painful?Answer:This is a common fear, but IVF is not painful. The injections are very thin (like insulin pens) and cause minimal discomfort. Egg retrieval is done under anesthesia, and the transfer feels like a regular pap smear.
3. How long does it take? Do I need time off work?Answer:Treatment starts on day 2 of your period and lasts 15-20 days until transfer. You don’t need to stay in the hospital. You will visit the clinic 3-4 times for ultrasounds. You only need to rest on the egg retrieval day; otherwise, you can continue your daily life.
4. Is there a risk of twins or triplets?Answer:In the past, transferring multiple embryos made multiples common. However, because multiple pregnancies carry risks, regulations usually limit transfer to one embryo for the first two attempts in women under 35. Two embryos may be transferred for women over 35 or after failed attempts.
5. Can I choose the gender of my baby?Answer:In Turkey and many other countries, gender selection for non-medical reasons is prohibited by law. Genetic screening (PGT) is used only to prevent genetic diseases or chromosomal abnormalities, not for gender selection.

Dr. Cengiz Andan is with you at every step of your IVF journey, helping you realize your dreams with the latest technology and a warm family atmosphere.