IVF treatment is the process of combining reproductive cells (egg and sperm) from the expectant mother and father outside the body in a laboratory environment to ensure fertilization and transfer the resulting embryo to the mother's uterus. The method offers couples who cannot conceive naturally the chance to have a child.

Biruni University Faculty of Medicine Hospital IVF Center, which was established to help everyone who wants to have a baby, serves in Küçükçekmece, Istanbul with its advanced technology and academic physician staff. Located within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, our center is a reliable address in IVF treatment with its patient-oriented approach and commitment to ethical values.

Who is IVF Treatment Suitable for?

IVF can be a solution for couples who have difficulty achieving pregnancy for different reasons.

IVF Treatment in Women:

Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
Endometriosis
Ovulation disorders
Structural problems in the uterus such as fibroids or polyps
Unexplained infertility

IVF Treatment in Men:

Low sperm count (oligospermia)
Severe lack of sperm motility (asthenospermia)
Severe disorders of sperm shape (teratospermia)
Absence of sperm (azoospermia)

In vitro fertilization treatment should be applied to couples under the age of 35 if they cannot achieve pregnancy despite unprotected and regular sexual intercourse for 1 year, and to those over the age of 35 if pregnancy has not occurred despite regular sexual intercourse for a period of 6 months. The chances of success may decrease at older ages.

What are the Risks of IVF Treatment?

Although IVF treatment is generally a safe procedure, as with any medical procedure, it can carry some risks. These risks include multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Multiple pregnancy occurs when more than one embryo implants in the uterus and can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. The risk of multiple pregnancy in IVF treatment is higher than in natural pregnancies.

Ectopic pregnancy is when the embryo develops outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancy can cause serious health problems for the expectant mother. However, it should be remembered that the risk of ectopic pregnancy in IVF treatment is lower than in natural pregnancies.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurs when the ovaries overreact to the drugs used to stimulate them. OHSS can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and nausea. These risks can be minimized with precautions taken by your doctor.

Who is not eligible for IVF treatment?

Although IVF treatment offers hope to many couples, it may not be suitable in some cases.

Serious health problems that may prevent pregnancy, anomalies in the uterus that will not allow the embryo to attach, hormonal disorders that cannot be controlled and psychological conditions that cannot adapt to the treatment are among the conditions where IVF treatment is not recommended.

Whether IVF treatment is suitable for you will be decided after a detailed evaluation by your doctor.

How Does IVF Treatment Work?

IVF treatment is a detailed process consisting of a series of stages. This process may vary according to the individual needs of the couple. In general, IVF treatment consists of the following stages:

Preliminary Interview and Evaluation: Your IVF journey begins with a preliminary interview with your doctor. During this meeting, your medical history, the causes of infertility and your treatment expectations are evaluated. In addition, necessary tests and examinations are performed.
Ovarian Stimulation (Ovulation Induction): At this stage, medication is used to stimulate your ovaries to produce more eggs. The development of your ovaries is regularly monitored by ultrasonography.
Egg Collection: The matured eggs are collected with a fine needle under ultrasound guidance.
Sperm Preparation: The sperm sample taken from the father-to-be is prepared for fertilization by undergoing special procedures in the laboratory.
Fertilization: The collected eggs and prepared sperm are brought together in the laboratory. Fertilization is achieved using classical in vitro fertilization (IVF) or microinjection (ICSI).
Embryo Development: The fertilized eggs (embryos) continue their development in special incubators. The development of the embryos is monitored with an embryoscope.
Embryo Transfer: The best quality embryo or embryos are transferred to the mother's uterus using a thin catheter.
Pregnancy Test: Approximately 2 weeks after the embryo is transferred to the uterus, a blood pregnancy test (Beta HCG) is performed. On the same day, it is determined whether the pregnancy has occurred.

How is IVF treatment performed?

The main methods used in IVF treatment are IVF and ICSI:

• Classical In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): In this method, collected eggs and prepared sperm are brought together in the laboratory and fertilization is expected to occur naturally. IVF is usually suitable for couples who do not have problems with sperm count and quality.
• Microinjection (ICSI): In this method, a single sperm cell is injected directly into the egg cell. ICSI is preferred in cases where the sperm count is very low, sperm motility is low or fertilization has not been achieved in previous IVF attempts.

The method to be used is decided by your doctor after an evaluation. Your doctor will check your medical history, family history, diseases, etc. A customized treatment plan is then drawn up for you.

Why Biruni IVF Center?

Biruni University Faculty of Medicine Hospital IVF Center offers many advantages to help you realize your dream of becoming a family:

• Experienced Staff: We have an experienced team of doctors, embryologists and nurses who specialize in IVF. As part of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, we have extensive knowledge and experience in infertility.
• Advanced Technology: Our center is equipped with the latest technological devices and laboratory equipment. We use high-quality microscopes to monitor the development of embryos in the best possible way. Among the features of our microscopes are the following:

1. The heating fields can be independently adjusted to the desired temperature.
2. Stereo zoom microscopes are fully heated all around.
3. The microscope has an anti-electrostatic feature to prevent damage to the specimens.

• Patient Oriented Approach: We create customized treatment plans for each patient and follow them closely during the treatment process. By paying attention to your needs and expectations, we determine the most appropriate treatment method for you.
• Commitment to Ethical Values: We pay utmost attention to ethical principles and patient rights in IVF treatment and provide you with transparent and honest information at every stage of the treatment process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does IVF treatment take?

Although the duration of IVF treatment varies depending on the individual and the treatment protocol, it is usually completed between 2-3 weeks. On average 2 weeks after the treatment, the Beta HCG level in the blood is examined and pregnancy status is determined.

What is the success rate of IVF treatment?

The success rate of IVF treatment varies depending on many factors such as the age of the expectant mother, embryo quality, causes of infertility and treatment protocol. In general, success rates are higher in women under 35 years of age.

Is IVF treatment painful?

Mild discomfort may be felt during the egg retrieval procedure. However, since this procedure is usually performed under anesthesia, no pain is felt. Embryo transfer is a painless procedure.

How much does IVF treatment cost and is it expensive?

The cost of IVF treatment varies depending on the treatment center, the method used and the drugs used.