How Does the IVF Process Work?

 

Initial fertility evaluation: Before starting IVF treatment, factors such as the couple's health status, age, and cause of infertility are evaluated, a detailed ultrasound examination is performed, and an appropriate treatment protocol is determined.

 

Ovarian stimulation with medication: The treatment process begins by supporting the woman’s ovaries with stimulating medications to promote the growth of multiple egg-containing follicles.

 

Egg retrieval procedure: Matured eggs are collected from the ovaries using a fine needle aspiration method performed vaginally under ultrasound guidance.

 

Sperm Sample: The sperm sample taken from the man is processed in the laboratory, and healthy sperm cells are selected through special procedures.

 

Laboratory fertilization (IVF or ICSI if required): The collected eggs and sperm cells are brought together in the laboratory to initiate the fertilization process. This process is carried out either through the conventional IVF method or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

 

Embryo development monitoring: After fertilization, the resulting embryos are monitored and evaluated for 3 to 5 days under laboratory conditions, following a predetermined strategy.

 

Embryo transfer: The embryo or embryos that have completed their development are transferred to the uterus of the expectant mother. This procedure is usually performed without pain.

 

Pregnancy Test: Approximately 9–12 days after the transfer, a pregnancy test is performed by measuring the beta hCG hormone in the expectant mother's blood.

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Types of IVF Treatment

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The IVF procedure can be performed using different methods based on the genetic and biological characteristics of the prospective mother and father.

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Conventional IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): In this method, eggs collected from the mother and sperm from the father are combined in a laboratory environment to allow fertilization, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the mother's uterus.

 

Microinjection (ICSI): Unlike conventional IVF, in this method a single sperm cell is directly injected into the egg to achieve fertilization. ICSI is especially preferred for infertility issues related to male factors.

 

IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection): A technique similar to microinjection (ICSI), which allows the selection of morphologically healthier sperm cells to participate in the fertilization process.

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How Long Does IVF Treatment Take?

 

IVF treatment starts on the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation with hormone therapy to stimulate the eggs. Throughout the process, regular clinic visits are required for monitoring and tests. Including egg development, retrieval, and embryo transfer, the treatment typically takes about 12–17 days from start to finish.