IVF treatment (In Vitro Fertilization) is one of the most successful assisted reproductive technologies offered by modern medicine, developed for couples who cannot achieve pregnancy naturally. The first successful IVF application was performed in England in 1978, and the first “test-tube baby,” named Louise Brown, was born healthy. This development went down in medical history as an advanced treatment applied after the investigation of infertile couples process. Today, more than 10 million babies worldwide have been born using this method.

In the IVF method, mature eggs collected from the woman’s ovaries are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. The fertilized eggs develop into embryos, and suitable ones are transferred to the uterus. The treatment consists of several stages, including medication applications planned according to the woman’s menstrual cycle, egg retrieval (OPU), embryo culture, and embryo transfer. The process takes an average of 15–20 days.

IVF treatment is particularly recommended in the following situations:

• Blocked or removed fallopian tubes
• Infertility due to severe male factor (azoospermia, low sperm count or motility)
• Decreased egg quality due to age in women over 35
• Female-factor gynecological diseases such as Endometriosis
• Genetic disease carriership (in conjunction with PGT)
• Failure to conceive despite 1 year of unprotected intercourse (unexplained infertility)

Comprehensive evaluations to be conducted before the treatment process are addressed under the heading of investigation of the infertile couple. If there is still a chance of pregnancy and the situation does not require IVF, simpler methods such as insemination treatment may be preferred first. However, if advanced assisted reproductive techniques are necessary, IVF treatment is planned.

Today, although success rates vary depending on the woman’s age and embryo quality, the live birth rate for women under 35 is around 40–50%. Over the age of 40, this rate drops to 15–20%. The use of technologies such as embryo freezing, genetic screening (PGT-A), blastocyst transfer, and IMSI plays an important role in increasing success rates.

IVF is not just a medical process; it is also a comprehensive journey for couples with psychological, emotional, and social aspects. During this process, especially for young individuals or those whose future chances of having children are at risk due to medical reasons, preservation of reproductive ability should also be considered. This approach shows that modern IVF applications are valued not only as a treatment but also as a preventive method.

As Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cengiz Andan, I evaluate every couple applying for IVF treatment at my clinic in Istanbul based on scientific criteria; I create a personalized, transparent, and trust-based treatment plan. My goal is to ensure they complete this journey safely by accompanying them not only in their medical success but also in their emotional process.