IVF Treatment

What Is IVF?

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) — known in Turkish as “tüp bebek,” literally “tube baby” — is one of the more advanced assisted reproductive techniques. Despite the name, development does not occur inside a tube but within the mother’s uterus; “tube” instead refers to the laboratory stage where egg and sperm are joined in vitro, meaning inside a glass dish.

Once fertilization succeeds, the resulting embryo is cultured for several days before being transferred into the uterus. Clinical pregnancy begins once that embryo implants.

As one of the more advanced options within infertility treatment, IVF calls for thorough medical evaluation and a protocol built around the individual patient.

For Whom Can It Be Considered?

IVF treatment may be recommended for situations such as:

• Blockage or damage affecting both fallopian tubes
• Severe male factor infertility (sperm that is reduced in number, motility, or has an abnormal shape)
• Infertility linked to advanced age and diminished ovarian reserve
• Endometriosis
• Unexplained infertility
• Cases where less invasive approaches, such as IUI, have not led to a result
• Carrying a genetic condition (in combination with preimplantation genetic testing — PGT)

Because every couple’s circumstances differ, your physician determines which treatment path fits best.

The IVF Process Step by Step

1. Initial evaluation: The female partner undergoes a transvaginal ultrasound, hormone testing (AMH, FSH, E2, and others), and a general health assessment, while the male partner undergoes a semen analysis.

2. Ovarian stimulation: Hormone injections are given over 8–14 days to encourage the development of multiple eggs, with follicle growth tracked closely through ultrasound and blood testing during this period.

3. Egg retrieval (OPU — Oocyte Pick-Up): Once the follicles have matured, the eggs are retrieved through the vaginal route with a fine needle, under sedation or brief general anesthesia; this step usually takes 15–20 minutes.

4. Fertilization and embryo culture: The sperm sample obtained the same day is processed and combined with the retrieved eggs, using either standard IVF or ICSI (injection of a single sperm cell); the resulting embryos then develop in the laboratory for 3–5 days.

5. Embryo transfer: The embryo (or embryos) that has reached the appropriate stage of development is placed into the uterus via a thin catheter, guided by ultrasound; the procedure is brief, generally painless, and needs no anesthesia.

6. The waiting period: A pregnancy test follows roughly 10–12 days after transfer, and progesterone support recommended by the physician may continue throughout this window.

Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation)

When embryos remain beyond what is transferred, they can be preserved through vitrification, a rapid-freezing technique. A subsequent frozen embryo transfer then offers a further chance at pregnancy later on, without repeating a full stimulation cycle.

Points to Pay Attention To

• Following the prescribed medication schedule precisely matters for how well the process works
• Steering clear of alcohol and cigarettes during stimulation is advisable
• Managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and staying lightly active all support overall health
• Attending every scheduled check-up is essential for the process to be managed correctly

Psychological and Emotional Dimension

For couples, IVF can be as demanding emotionally as it is physically. Accessing psychological support during and after treatment can ease this experience. Guidance on this front is available from your physician or the clinical team — including the team working alongside Prof. Dr. Melahat Atasever in Ankara.