What is IVF Turkey?
IVF is a method of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which fertilization is carried out in laboratory conditions. The reproductive cells of the woman and the man, the egg cells (oocytes) taken from the woman and the sperm of the man are brought together in the laboratory to form an embryo. When the embryos reach a certain stage of development (usually 3–5 days), they are transferred to the mother’s uterus to achieve pregnancy. This process offers an alternative method for couples who cannot achieve pregnancy naturally; it can also be combined with advanced techniques such as genetic diagnosis, freezing and selective implantation.
In Which Situations Is In Vitro Fertilization Treatment Applied?
IVF treatment is among the first options when couples have not conceived despite having unprotected intercourse for a year, especially in cases where the woman’s tubes are blocked or functionally inadequate. When serious disorders in the number, mobility or morphology of male-origin sperm are detected, IVF protocols that include microinjection techniques such as ICSI come into play. In addition, in couples with endometriosis, premature ovarian reserve failure, recurrent miscarriages or genetic carrier history, a safe pregnancy planning is carried out directly with IVF and, if necessary, PGT-A/genetic screening stages. In some cases, IVF laboratory methods can also be applied for egg or embryo freezing before cancer treatment.
How Does the IVF Process Work? (Step by Step IVF Stages)
- Preliminary Assessment and Protocol Planning: During the first examination, the woman’s hormone levels, antral follicle count (AFC) and reserve tests, and the man’s semen analysis results are evaluated. Individualized drug doses and stimulation protocols (agonist/antagonist, minimal stimulation, etc.) are determined.
- Ovarian Stimulation: A superovulation period lasting 8–12 days is initiated with daily hormonal injections. During this period, follicle growth is monitored with ultrasound and hormone measurements, and when the optimal maturity level is reached, a trigger needle is applied.
- Oocyte Collection (OPU): 36 hours after the trigger, eggs are retrieved with a vaginal ultrasound-guided needle under light sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes 15–20 minutes and the patient is discharged the same day.
- Fertilization and Embryo Culture: The eggs are fertilized with sperm prepared in the laboratory using classical IVF or ICSI methods. The embryos are left to develop in the incubator until day 3 (6–8 cell stage) or day 5 (blastocyst stage).
- Embryo Transfer and Luteal Support: 1-2 selected blastocysts of the highest quality are placed into the uterus with a thin catheter. After the transfer, the luteal phase is strengthened with progesterone and estrogen support.
- Pregnancy Test and Follow-up: A pregnancy test is performed by checking the beta-hCG level in the blood 10–12 days after the transfer. After a positive result, the first ultrasound confirms the presence of the fetal sac and heartbeat within 2–3 weeks.
Who is Suitable for IVF?
IVF is the most effective method for women with blocked tubes, endometriosis, pelvic infection or damage to the tubes after previous surgery. In cases of male factor, if sperm parameters are severely impaired, the chance of success increases with the ICSI protocol. Although egg quality decreases in women over the age of 35, IVF offers increased fertilization rates and embryo selection opportunities. In couples with a history of repeated failed IUI or miscarriage, IVF treatment is preferred with preimplantation genetic screening (PGT-A), which allows genetic memory control. It is also suitable for individuals who need egg/embryo freezing before cancer treatment.
What Do IVF Success Rates Depend On?
IVF success rate varies depending on the woman’s age and egg reserve, fertilization technique (IVF vs. ICSI), embryo quality, number of embryos transferred and suitability of the implantation environment. While the single-session implantation rate is in the range of 45–55% in women under 30, it decreases to 30–40% in the age group of 35–38 and 15–25% in the age group of 40 and above. In cases where embryo genetic screening (PGT-A) is performed, miscarriage rates decrease significantly and the chance of live birth increases. Clinical experience, laboratory quality, luteal support regimen and general health status of the patient also affect treatment success; therefore, each center’s own live birth rates should be followed and couples should be informed in light of this data.
Differences Between IVF and Normal Pregnancy
In normal pregnancy, fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes; sperm and oocytes unite in the body to form an embryo and settle in the uterine cavity in the following days. However, in in vitro fertilization (IVF), this process is carried to the laboratory environment; the collected egg cells are brought together with prepared sperm samples in a nutrient medium to form an embryo. The embryo that is formed is transferred directly to the uterus after continuing its development in the incubator for 3–5 days. In this way, blocked tubes, low sperm count or natural selection problems of the embryo are overcome with IVF. In addition, while microscopic genetic anomalies cannot be separated in normal pregnancy, in vitro fertilization, healthy embryos can be selected by offering the opportunity of preimplantation genetic screening (PGT-A).
Methods Used in IVF Treatment (ICSI, IMSI, Freezing etc.)
In the ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) technique, a single sperm is placed directly into the oocyte with a microinjection needle; in cases where the male factor is severe, it offers a higher fertilization success compared to classical IVF. IMSI (intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection) uses high-resolution optical systems to select the sperm with the best morphological characteristics, aiming for embryo formation with higher developmental potential. Egg and embryo freezing protocols (vitrification) are applied when early egg reserve is preserved or when embryo transfer needs to be postponed according to the patient’s health status. In addition, selective embryo transfer can be performed for couples with hereditary disease carriers with pre-insemination genetic diagnosis (PGT-A/PGT-M).
Things to Consider in IVF Treatment
It is important to perform detailed hormonal and ultrasonographic reserve analyses before the treatment plan; wrong protocol selection may increase the risk of premature follicle growth or overstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Injection technique and embryo culture conditions in the laboratory; strict control of parameters such as temperature, pH and gas concentration directly affect live birth rates. Mucus clearance, adhesive agents and correct transfer catheter selection are necessary to ensure optimal appearance of the intrauterine cavity before embryo transfer. Conducting luteal phase support with adequate progesterone and estrogen support increases implantation success; patient compliance and injection or suppository follow-up should not be interrupted.
IVF Treatment Prices 2026
In 2026, a single trial (one cycle) standard IVF package in Türkiye will cost between ₺40,000 and ₺55,000 on average. These packages include hormonal stimulation drugs, egg collection, laboratory procedures, embryo culture including classical IVF or ICSI, and a one-time embryo transfer. If advanced techniques such as IMSI or PGT-A are added, the cost increases to ₺60,000 and ₺90,000. Ovarian freezing or additional embryo freezing procedures are subject to an additional fee of ₺5,000 and ₺15,000, depending on the option. Although it varies from center to center, payment terms can usually be flexible with installment and partial financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does IVF treatment last?
The IVF process begins with initial hormone stimulation and is completed with a pregnancy test after embryo transfer. Ovarian stimulation usually consists of an 8–12-day injection period; ultrasound checks and hormone measurements are performed every 2–3 days during this period. Oocyte collection is performed 36 hours after maturity trigger; embryo culture and developmental follow-up last 3–5 days. There is a waiting period of approximately 10–12 days after embryo transfer. Therefore, the total time from the start of the first injection to the pregnancy test is approximately 20–25 days.
What is the success rate?
IVF success rates vary depending on the woman’s age, egg reserve, embryo quality, and the protocol used. While the chance of a live birth in a single cycle is 45–55% in women under 30, it drops to 30–40% between the ages of 35–38, and 15–25% over the age of 40. Implantation rates may increase in cases where advanced techniques such as ICSI or IMSI are used and genetic screening with PGT-A is performed. Although there are slight differences from clinic to clinic, it is recommended to definitely check current live birth rates in experienced centers.
Is it possible to get pregnant at one time?
If all ideal conditions are met and the transferred embryo is of high quality, it is possible to achieve pregnancy in a single cycle. However, as in natural fertilization and implantation processes, the embryo’s rate of adherence in the intrauterine environment is not 100% in IVF. For most couples, there is a chance of pregnancy on the first try, but if necessary, treatment can be extended to a second or third cycle by adjusting the drug dose, changing the protocol, or performing additional transfers.
What should be taken into consideration after IVF?
It is important to rest lightly, avoid heavy physical activity and intense exercise for the first 48 hours after the transfer. Activities that create excessive tension or pressure, which increases the risk of miscarriage, should be postponed. Progesterone and estrogen support therapy should be continued regularly; hot baths, heavy lifting and standing for long periods should be avoided. Smoking, alcohol and caffeine restrictions should be followed, and both physical and mental balance should be maintained with a balanced diet and light walks. If the pregnancy test is positive, stay in touch with your doctor to schedule the first ultrasound.
Is in vitro fertilization performed in public hospitals?
Yes, IVF services are offered in many public health institutions and university hospitals. In state hospitals and training and research hospitals, one or two cycles can be performed free of charge or with subsidies within the framework of the Ministry of Health protocols. Since there may be high demand and quota limitations, it is useful to contact e-government or hospital call centers early during the referral and appointment processes.