IVF Center

Creating a new life is one of the most profound experiences, but for many couples, natural conception can be challenging due to various medical or unforeseen factors. 

At Biruni Hospital in Turkey, we offer advanced in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures with a multidisciplinary medical team and state-of-the-art technology, helping patients take the next step toward their dream of parenthood.

What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body, in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the uterus with the goal of achieving pregnancy. IVF is recommended for various causes of infertility in both women and men.

Types of IVF procedures offered at Biruni Hospital, Turkey

At Biruni Hospital, we offer several IVF techniques depending on patient needs:

Conventional IVF

The standard IVF method involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving them, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and transferring the embryos into the uterus.

Procedure steps:

• Hormone injections stimulate multiple egg production

• Blood tests and ultrasounds monitor follicle development

• Eggs are collected under sedation using a fine needle

• A fresh sperm sample from the partner or donor is prepared

• Eggs and sperm are combined in the lab to fertilize

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI is used primarily for male infertility. Instead of fertilizing naturally in the lab dish, a single sperm is injected directly into each egg.

Procedure steps:

• Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval are the same as conventional IVF

• Semen is processed to select the healthiest sperm

• A single sperm is injected into each mature egg using specialized equipment

Natural Cycle IVF

This drug-free or minimal-drug method relies on the woman’s natural ovulation. Only the naturally produced egg is collected.

Procedure steps:

• Hormone levels and follicle growth are monitored

• The single egg is collected at the optimal time before ovulation

• Fertilization occurs in the lab with the partner’s or donor’s sperm

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

In GIFT, eggs and sperm are placed directly into the fallopian tubes, allowing fertilization to occur naturally inside the body, unlike IVF where fertilization happens in a lab.

Procedure steps:

• Medications stimulate multiple egg production

• Hormone levels and follicular growth are monitored

• Mature eggs are surgically collected

• Sperm sample is prepared and transferred to the fallopian tubes

Preparing for IVF at Biruni Hospital

Proper preparation is essential for a safe and successful IVF journey. At Biruni Hospital, we guide patients through both personal and medical preparations to optimize fertility, support overall health, and ensure the best possible outcomes.

Personal preparation

Your lifestyle can significantly impact IVF success. Small, consistent steps help create a healthy environment for conception:

• Balanced diet: Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, added sugar, and saturated fats to support hormonal balance and reproductive health.
  

• Moderate exercise: Gentle physical activities like walking, yoga, or swimming are encouraged. Avoid excessive or high-intensity workouts that may interfere with ovulation.
  

• Avoid harmful substances: Stop smoking and drinking alcohol at least six weeks before treatment. Reduce exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides or harsh cleaning chemicals.
  

• Adequate rest: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine to support overall health and hormonal balance.

Medical preparation

Medical evaluations help doctors understand your fertility profile and create a personalized IVF plan:

• Comprehensive fertility assessment: Doctors evaluate reproductive health, identify underlying issues, and answer any questions about the IVF process.

• Uterine and pelvic examination: Ultrasound imaging checks for structural problems such as fibroids, cysts, or blocked fallopian tubes that could affect embryo implantation.

• Infectious disease screening: Both partners are tested for HIV, hepatitis, and other relevant infections to ensure safety during treatment.

• Personalized treatment plan: Based on your medical history, test results, and fertility goals, the care team develops a customized IVF strategy tailored to your needs.

What happens after IVF?

After embryo transfer, careful monitoring and support are essential for early pregnancy and recovery.

Short-term recovery

• Embryo implantation: This occurs 1–5 days after the transfer, during which the embryo attaches to the uterine lining.

• Hormonal support: Medications such as progesterone help maintain the uterine lining and create a stable environment for embryo growth.

• Common physical symptoms: Mild cramping, bloating, light spotting, or breast tenderness are normal as your body adjusts.

Long-term monitoring

• Early pregnancy confirmation: Hormone tests and ultrasound scans are scheduled around 6–8 weeks to confirm pregnancy and detect the heartbeat.

• Emotional support: Counseling or psychological support is recommended, as the IVF journey can be emotionally challenging.

• Next steps if unsuccessful: If the cycle does not result in pregnancy, menstruation usually resumes within a few weeks. The care team will discuss the next options and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

Moving forward with hope

IVF is a journey that combines medical precision, careful planning, and emotional support. At Biruni Hospital in Turkey, our expert team ensures every patient receives personalized care, advanced treatment options, and guidance throughout the process, bringing couples closer to their dream of parenthood.

Frequently Asked Questions :  IVF at Biruni Hospital, Turkey

Q: What is IVF and how does it work?

 A: IVF (in vitro fertilization) is an assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized by sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the uterus to achieve pregnancy.

Q: Who is a good candidate for IVF?

 A: IVF may be recommended for individuals or couples with ovulation problems, blocked fallopian tubes, male infertility, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, or those who wish to preserve fertility.

Q: What are the success rates of IVF?

 A: Success rates depend on factors such as age, fertility cause, and treatment plan. Younger patients and those with healthy eggs generally have higher chances. Your doctor will provide personalized success estimates.

Q: How much does IVF cost?

 A: Costs vary depending on the type of procedure, medications, and additional services such as genetic testing. Biruni Hospital provides a detailed cost estimate during your initial consultation.

Q: What are the risks and side effects of IVF?

 A: IVF is generally safe, but potential risks include mild cramping, bloating, light spotting, multiple pregnancies, and rare complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation or infection. Your doctor will explain how to minimize risks.

Q: How many embryos are typically transferred during IVF?

A: The number of embryos transferred depends on age, embryo quality, and medical guidelines. The goal is to maximize success while minimizing the risk of multiple pregnancies.

Q: Can IVF be done with frozen eggs or embryos?

 A: Yes. IVF can use previously frozen eggs or embryos, which allows for flexibility in timing and fertility preservation.

Q: How long does the IVF process take from start to finish?

 A: A typical IVF cycle takes about 4–6 weeks, from ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer, followed by pregnancy testing and monitoring.

Q: Does age affect IVF success, and if so, how?

 A: Age significantly affects fertility and IVF outcomes. Younger women generally have higher success rates due to better egg quality, while success gradually declines with age.

Q: Are there lifestyle changes or preparations needed before IVF?

 A: Yes. Patients are advised to maintain a balanced diet, moderate exercise, adequate rest and avoid smoking or alcohol. Medical assessments and personalized treatment plans also prepare patients for optimal outcomes.