IVF Treatment: Stages, Success Rates, and the Process

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure where a woman's egg and a man's sperm are combined in a laboratory to achieve fertilization when natural conception hasn't been successful. The resulting embryo is then carefully placed into the uterus. This journey involves a sequence of delicate steps: detailed testing, ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. At BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, we answer all your questions about the IVF process transparently, guided by the latest medical science.

• IVF is a reliable assisted reproductive technology used for both female and male infertility.
• The treatment cycle usually begins on the second or third day of menstruation and takes about 15 to 20 days.
• The most critical factors influencing success rates are the mother-to-be's age and egg quality.
• Egg retrieval is performed under light anesthesia, making it a painless and comfortable experience.
• For couples facing advanced maternal age or recurrent miscarriages, genetic screening methods can significantly improve the chances of success.

What is IVF Treatment and Who is it For?

"Who is a candidate for IVF?" is one of the most common questions asked by couples dreaming of having a child. When natural conception isn't possible, this method steps in, with every treatment plan tailored specifically to the patient's unique medical background.

Who can apply for IVF?

IVF can be an excellent option for men with a motile sperm count of less than 5 million, couples who have experienced at least two unsuccessful intrauterine insemination (IUI) attempts, or women with both fallopian tubes blocked (as confirmed by an HSG scan). It is also the most effective route for women with severely diminished ovarian reserve or advanced maternal age. Female infertility factors include blocked tubes, irregular menstrual cycles, ovulation disorders, space-occupying lesions in the uterus like fibroids or polyps, and declining egg quality. For men, factors such as excess weight, alcohol consumption, and smoking directly impact sperm count and quality. Severe varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum) is another factor that can disrupt sperm production and lead to infertility.

Is age a significant factor in IVF?

A woman's age is the most fundamental factor determining IVF success rates. Particularly after the age of 37, there is a noticeable decline in both the quantity and quality of eggs. This naturally reduces the likelihood of obtaining a healthy embryo, which directly impacts success rates. It is highly valuable for couples planning a pregnancy but not seeing results naturally to consult a fertility specialist without losing time.

Are there legal requirements for IVF procedures in Türkiye?

According to legal regulations in Türkiye, couples undergoing IVF treatment must be legally married. This marriage requirement is a strict rule; however, the length of time the couple has been married holds no medical or legal importance. The answer to when IVF is applied covers all couples who meet these legal conditions and have a medical necessity.

The IVF Treatment Process and Stages

The stages of IVF are deeply personalized based on the couple's medical history and current health status. The treatment approach is never a "one-size-fits-all"; a specific roadmap is drawn up considering factors like age, weight, egg count, and any previous unsuccessful attempts.

What is the IVF process like, and how long does it take?

IVF treatment typically begins on the second or third day of the mother-to-be's menstrual cycle. Following an ultrasound examination, the visible follicles are stimulated to grow using injectable medications for about 10 days. These injections are straightforward and can be easily administered by the patient herself around the belly button area. Once the eggs reach the desired size, they are retrieved under light anesthesia. On the day of retrieval, the eggs are combined in the laboratory with sperm collected from the father-to-be to create embryos. An embryo that develops healthily in the lab for five days becomes eligible for transfer. If a fresh transfer is performed shortly after retrieval, the entire process usually takes no more than 17 days.

Is egg retrieval painful, and does it cause early menopause?

Egg retrieval (Oocyte Pick-Up, or OPU) is performed vaginally for married patients, or abdominally for unmarried patients, under ultrasound guidance. Patients are asked to fast for a certain period before the procedure. Because you are under anesthesia, you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the process. The procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes, after which the patient rests in the hospital for two hours before being discharged. Pain relief is provided if needed. Contrary to common myths, egg retrieval does not cause early menopause. The eggs collected are the ones your body was naturally preparing to develop and eventually lose that month anyway; it does not deplete your future ovarian reserve.

What criteria are considered for sperm selection?

Selecting the right sperm is a critical step for successful fertilization. In this process, the physical appearance (morphology) of the sperm is even more important than its motility. The healthiest-looking sperm are examined using a specialized microscopic technique called IMSI, which magnifies them up to 6,000 times. This allows embryologists to select the most structurally flawless sperm to inject directly into the egg, significantly boosting the chances of pregnancy.

Embryo Transfer and the Post-Transfer Period

The embryo transfer is the final and most exciting stage of IVF treatment. Placing the carefully nurtured embryos from the laboratory into the mother's uterus is a quick and painless procedure.

How many embryos are transferred in IVF?

In accordance with legal regulations and medical standards in Türkiye, the number of embryos transferred is strictly limited to minimize the risks associated with multiple pregnancies. Patients under 35 receive 1 embryo during their first two cycles. For patients over 35, or those with multiple previous failed attempts, a maximum of 2 embryos can be transferred.

What are the differences between a Day 3 and Day 5 embryo?

The amount of time embryos spend developing in the lab impacts success rates. A Day 3 embryo has grown for three days, while a Day 5 embryo (blastocyst) has developed for five days. Embryos that reach the fifth day consist of hundreds of cells and have a much higher potential to implant in the uterine lining. Consequently, Day 5 embryos are associated with higher pregnancy rates compared to Day 3 embryos. Sometimes, Day 3 embryos have a limited ability to survive to Day 5, making the Day 5 transfer a more selective and reliable approach.

Is freezing embryos safe, and do they degrade over time?

In some cases, rather than a fresh transfer, Embryo Freezing is the preferred route. A "freeze-all" and uterine resting strategy is used for patients whose uterine lining (endometrium) is not at the ideal thickness, those who had more than 15 eggs retrieved, or those with hormonal imbalances. Freezing causes no harm to the embryos. Using advanced vitrification (flash-freezing) technology, embryos maintain their viability when thawed. They do not degrade over time; there are documented cases of healthy pregnancies achieved from embryos thawed even 20 years later.

How long should you rest after the transfer?

There is no need for days of strict bed rest following an embryo transfer. Even on the day after the procedure, the mother-to-be can carefully resume her daily activities, provided she avoids heavy lifting and exhaustion. Scientific studies show that prolonged bed rest does not improve pregnancy rates and can actually increase stress levels.

Success Rates, Risks, and Complications

Success rates are naturally the main focus for couples starting IVF. However, these rates are not a standard guarantee for every patient; a couple's medical history and lifestyle directly influence the outcome.

Are pregnancy rates the same for every patient, and what factors increase success?

Pregnancy rates vary depending on the mother-to-be's age and the number of eggs retrieved. Generally, the live birth rate per IVF cycle is around 40 percent. The chance of success can also change based on the number of attempts; the first three cycles are usually highly critical, and the vast majority of patients conceive during this phase. While the odds may decrease slightly after three attempts, achieving a pregnancy is still very much possible.

To boost your chances of success, it is best to start by optimizing your lifestyle before treatment. Eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and reaching an ideal weight are highly effective. When necessary, doctor-supervised mineral and vitamin supplements can improve egg and sperm quality. Managing metabolic issues like thyroid disorders or diabetes in women, and surgically removing polyps or fibroids in the uterus, directly increases the likelihood of success.

What causes recurrent IVF failures and miscarriages?

The most common cause of recurrent IVF failure is embryos with genetic abnormalities. Additionally, embryos with poor cellular energy, uterine infections, or cellular imbalances in the uterine immune system can prevent an embryo from implanting. For recurrent miscarriages, factors such as genetics, blood clotting disorders, autoimmune diseases (where the body perceives the embryo as a foreign object), infections, and anatomical abnormalities in the uterus must be thoroughly investigated to plan a targeted treatment.

Who should undergo genetic screening?

The process of genetically testing embryos before they are placed in the uterus is called Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). Genetic screening is highly recommended for couples who have previously lost a baby due to genetic reasons, couples with consanguineous marriages (blood relatives), those with a history of recurrent miscarriages, and mothers-to-be over the age of 37. This allows the medical team to select and transfer the most chromosomally healthy embryo, minimizing the risk of miscarriage.

Do IVF medications cause cancer or create health issues for the baby?

Whether hormone medications used in IVF cause breast or ovarian cancer has been studied for many years. Comprehensive scientific research has established that these drugs do not cause an increase in cancer risk. When looking at the health of babies born via IVF, they are not significantly different from babies conceived naturally. Aside from the risks of premature birth associated with multiple pregnancies, only a very minute increase in the rate of children with genetic anomalies has been reported. Other than a minimal increase in the incidence of a rare liver-related childhood tumor, no additional risks have been identified.

When to See a Doctor

There are specific situations where couples planning a pregnancy should consult a specialist without delay. If a woman under 35 has been having regular, unprotected intercourse for a year without conceiving—or six months for a woman over 35—a medical evaluation is essential. Furthermore, if there is a history of pelvic infections, severe menstrual cramps, irregular menstrual cycles, or a known reproductive system issue in the male partner, you should see a doctor without waiting for these timeframes to pass.

During the IVF treatment process itself, symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, extreme bloating, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting can be signs of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). If you experience these, you should go to the nearest emergency room immediately or call 112 (the emergency number in Türkiye).

The IVF Process at BHT CLINIC

The BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi IVF Center is dedicated to turning your dream of having a child into reality, utilizing an advanced technology laboratory infrastructure and a team of expert physicians. Every stage of your treatment is uniquely planned for you, keeping both your physical and psychological needs at the forefront.

The journey at our hospital begins with an initial consultation, where the underlying causes of infertility are identified through detailed testing. Every decision throughout the treatment, from medication dosages to the exact day of embryo transfer, is made using a multidisciplinary approach. For any potential emergencies or sudden questions during your treatment, we are by your side with our 24/7 emergency department and continuous communication lines. To get detailed information about your process and plan your treatment, you can visit our BHT CLINIC appointment page or contact us via our call center at 0850 811 34 00.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does IVF treatment take on average?

IVF treatment usually starts on the 2nd or 3rd day of the mother-to-be's period. When including the stages of ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer, the entire process takes about 15 to 20 days on average. If embryos are to be frozen, this timeline may change depending on the treatment plan.

Can gender be selected during IVF treatment?

According to legal regulations in Türkiye, gender selection during IVF treatment is strictly prohibited. Genetic screening can only be performed for the medical necessity of preventing the transmission of inherited genetic diseases.

What is the chance of success on the first IVF attempt?

While the chance of success depends heavily on the mother-to-be's age and embryo quality, the average live birth rate on the first attempt is around 40%. In younger patients and in cases where high-quality embryos are obtained, this rate can be significantly higher.

Is sexual intercourse prohibited during IVF treatment?

During the ovarian stimulation phase of treatment, sexual intercourse is generally not recommended due to the risk of infection and potential pain from enlarged ovaries. Following the embryo transfer, pelvic rest (abstaining from intercourse) should be observed until your doctor advises otherwise.

Do IVF injections cause weight gain?

The hormone medications used can cause temporary water retention (edema) and a slight increase in appetite. However, once hormone levels return to normal after treatment, this temporary weight gain usually disappears on its own.

This article is for informational purposes only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.