Return to Search
EN
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process of fertilizing egg cells retrieved from the woman and sperm cells from the man in a laboratory environment, followed by the transfer of the resulting embryo or embryos into the woman's uterus.
1. Stage: Ovarian Stimulation and Monitoring
In this stage, hormone therapy is administered to obtain multiple eggs. While typically only one egg develops in a normal cycle, IVF utilizes ovarian stimulating drugs (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone - FSH, Luteinizing Hormone - LH, or combinations thereof) to encourage the growth of multiple follicles.
Treatment begins on the 2nd day of the menstrual period, based on vaginal ultrasonography and hormone test results. Drug dosages and treatment protocols are individually determined according to factors such as the patient's body mass index, ovarian reserve, and previous treatments. Medications to prevent premature ovulation may also be included in the treatment.
During this stimulation process, which lasts approximately 10-12 days, the development of ovarian follicles is closely monitored with vaginal ultrasonography and blood hormone levels at 2-3 day intervals. Once the follicles reach a certain size, a "trigger shot" containing rhCG or a GnRH analogue is administered to ensure the final maturation of the eggs. The correct timing and administration of this injection are critically important for egg quality and the success of the procedure. Approximately 36 hours after the last injection, the egg retrieval process begins.
2. Stage: Egg Retrieval Procedure
The egg retrieval procedure is performed under light sedation or anesthesia for the expectant mother. The doctor uses a thin, hollow needle guided by transvaginal ultrasound to aspirate follicular fluid and eggs from the woman's ovaries. This procedure typically takes 12-30 minutes. Rarely, in cases where vaginal access is not possible, an abdominal ultrasound may be used for guidance. Mild cramping, fullness, or pressure is commonly experienced after the procedure. The collected eggs are immediately sent to the laboratory.
3. Stage: Sperm Collection and Preparation
On the same day as egg retrieval, a sperm sample is obtained from the expectant father via masturbation and delivered to the laboratory. In cases where no sperm is present in the semen, sperm can be surgically extracted from the testes (e.g., TESE/micro-TESE). In the laboratory, sperm samples are prepared for fertilization, and the best quality sperm are separated.
4. Stage: Fertilization in the Laboratory
Fertilization can be achieved by two main methods:
* Conventional IVF: Egg and sperm cells are combined in a petri dish and allowed to fertilize naturally.
* Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is directly injected into each egg. ICSI is generally preferred when sperm quality or count is insufficient, or when fertilization attempts in previous IVF cycles have been unsuccessful.
In the laboratory, the development of embryos is closely monitored.
5. Stage: Embryo Transfer
From the embryos that develop after fertilization, one or more embryos of appropriate quality and developmental stage are transferred into the woman's uterus using a thin catheter. The number of embryos to be transferred is determined by factors such as the woman's age, previous attempts, and embryo quality. Progesterone or HCG supplements may be recommended to increase the likelihood of the uterine lining accepting the embryo. The procedure is generally painless, and a short rest period is sufficient.
Post-embryo transfer considerations:
* Side effects such as light bleeding, breast tenderness, mild bloating, cramping, constipation, and lower back/pelvic pain similar to menstrual cramps may occur.
* Sexual intercourse, smoking, and medication use without consulting a doctor should be avoided until the pregnancy test result.
* Daily activities (cooking, walking, climbing stairs) can be performed, but physically strenuous activities such as sports, heavy work, and heavy lifting should be avoided.
* Toilet and bathing are permissible, but vaginal douching or internal washing should be avoided to prevent the risk of infection.
6. Stage: Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation)
Excess embryos of suitable quality that are not transferred can be frozen and stored for future pregnancy attempts. According to regulations in Turkey, frozen embryos can be stored for up to 5 years, and the storage period can be extended annually with the family's consent.
7. Stage: Pregnancy Test
Approximately two weeks after embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is performed to determine if pregnancy has occurred. If the result is positive, an ultrasound check is carried out approximately 10 days later to assess the status of the gestational sac.
What is the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment Process Like?
1. Stage: Ovarian Stimulation and Monitoring
In this stage, hormone therapy is administered to obtain multiple eggs. While typically only one egg develops in a normal cycle, IVF utilizes ovarian stimulating drugs (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone - FSH, Luteinizing Hormone - LH, or combinations thereof) to encourage the growth of multiple follicles.
Treatment begins on the 2nd day of the menstrual period, based on vaginal ultrasonography and hormone test results. Drug dosages and treatment protocols are individually determined according to factors such as the patient's body mass index, ovarian reserve, and previous treatments. Medications to prevent premature ovulation may also be included in the treatment.
During this stimulation process, which lasts approximately 10-12 days, the development of ovarian follicles is closely monitored with vaginal ultrasonography and blood hormone levels at 2-3 day intervals. Once the follicles reach a certain size, a "trigger shot" containing rhCG or a GnRH analogue is administered to ensure the final maturation of the eggs. The correct timing and administration of this injection are critically important for egg quality and the success of the procedure. Approximately 36 hours after the last injection, the egg retrieval process begins.
2. Stage: Egg Retrieval Procedure
The egg retrieval procedure is performed under light sedation or anesthesia for the expectant mother. The doctor uses a thin, hollow needle guided by transvaginal ultrasound to aspirate follicular fluid and eggs from the woman's ovaries. This procedure typically takes 12-30 minutes. Rarely, in cases where vaginal access is not possible, an abdominal ultrasound may be used for guidance. Mild cramping, fullness, or pressure is commonly experienced after the procedure. The collected eggs are immediately sent to the laboratory.
3. Stage: Sperm Collection and Preparation
On the same day as egg retrieval, a sperm sample is obtained from the expectant father via masturbation and delivered to the laboratory. In cases where no sperm is present in the semen, sperm can be surgically extracted from the testes (e.g., TESE/micro-TESE). In the laboratory, sperm samples are prepared for fertilization, and the best quality sperm are separated.
4. Stage: Fertilization in the Laboratory
Fertilization can be achieved by two main methods:
* Conventional IVF: Egg and sperm cells are combined in a petri dish and allowed to fertilize naturally.
* Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is directly injected into each egg. ICSI is generally preferred when sperm quality or count is insufficient, or when fertilization attempts in previous IVF cycles have been unsuccessful.
In the laboratory, the development of embryos is closely monitored.
5. Stage: Embryo Transfer
From the embryos that develop after fertilization, one or more embryos of appropriate quality and developmental stage are transferred into the woman's uterus using a thin catheter. The number of embryos to be transferred is determined by factors such as the woman's age, previous attempts, and embryo quality. Progesterone or HCG supplements may be recommended to increase the likelihood of the uterine lining accepting the embryo. The procedure is generally painless, and a short rest period is sufficient.
Post-embryo transfer considerations:
* Side effects such as light bleeding, breast tenderness, mild bloating, cramping, constipation, and lower back/pelvic pain similar to menstrual cramps may occur.
* Sexual intercourse, smoking, and medication use without consulting a doctor should be avoided until the pregnancy test result.
* Daily activities (cooking, walking, climbing stairs) can be performed, but physically strenuous activities such as sports, heavy work, and heavy lifting should be avoided.
* Toilet and bathing are permissible, but vaginal douching or internal washing should be avoided to prevent the risk of infection.
6. Stage: Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation)
Excess embryos of suitable quality that are not transferred can be frozen and stored for future pregnancy attempts. According to regulations in Turkey, frozen embryos can be stored for up to 5 years, and the storage period can be extended annually with the family's consent.
7. Stage: Pregnancy Test
Approximately two weeks after embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is performed to determine if pregnancy has occurred. If the result is positive, an ultrasound check is carried out approximately 10 days later to assess the status of the gestational sac.