If you are thinking about IVF in Turkey, it helps to know what each step involves before you start. This guide explains what IVF is, who it can help, and what happens at each stage of treatment at Dr. Mehmet Koç's office in Istanbul, from your first consultation to your pregnancy test.
Every treatment plan is personal, so your own steps and timing may be different. Dr. Koç will explain your plan at your consultation.
What Is IVF?
IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. "In vitro" means "in glass": the egg and sperm meet outside the body, in a laboratory. Eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in the lab. The embryos that develop are watched for a few days, and then an embryo is placed in the uterus, where it can implant and grow into a pregnancy.
There are two main ways to fertilize the eggs:
- Conventional IVF: Eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish so that fertilization can happen on its own.
- ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection): A single sperm is injected directly into each egg. It is often used when there is a male fertility problem. Read more about ICSI.
Who Might Consider IVF?
IVF can help many couples with fertility problems. Common reasons include:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes: Fertilization happens in the lab, so the tubes are not needed.
- Male infertility: Low sperm count or other sperm problems can often be treated with IVF and ICSI.
- Endometriosis: This condition can make it harder for an egg to be fertilized and for an embryo to implant.
- Unexplained infertility: When no clear cause is found, IVF may help after other treatments have not worked.
- Genetic conditions: Embryos can be tested before transfer with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
- Fertility preservation: People facing cancer treatment, or who want to delay having a family, may freeze eggs or embryos for later.
Step 1: Your First Consultation
Treatment begins with a consultation with Dr. Koç. He reviews your medical history and any earlier fertility treatment, and arranges the tests you need, such as hormone blood tests, an ultrasound scan and a semen analysis for your partner. Then he explains your personal treatment plan.
- Bring your records: earlier test results, treatment reports and a list of the medicines you take.
- Bring your questions: write them down so you do not forget them on the day.
Our article Preparing for Your First Fertility Consultation has a full checklist.
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation
You take hormone injections for usually about 10 to 14 days. They help the ovaries mature several eggs at once, instead of the one egg of a normal cycle. During this time, blood tests and ultrasound scans check how the eggs are growing, and the dose is adjusted if needed.
- A nurse will show you how to give the injections yourself.
- Go to every monitoring appointment: the timing of the next step depends on them.
Step 3: Egg Collection
When the eggs are ready, they are collected in a short procedure under sedation, so you are asleep. A thin needle, guided by ultrasound, collects the eggs from the ovaries. It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Follow the instructions you are given about eating and drinking beforehand.
- You rest for a few hours afterwards. Mild cramps or light spotting are common.
- Have someone with you to take you back to your home or hotel.
Step 4: Sperm Collection and Preparation
On the day of egg collection, your partner gives a semen sample. It is prepared in the laboratory to select the healthiest sperm. Your partner will be told how many days to avoid ejaculation beforehand. Where needed, techniques such as IMSI help select sperm more precisely.
Step 5: Fertilization and Embryo Development
The eggs are fertilized in the lab with conventional IVF or ICSI. The embryos are then kept in a special incubator for 3 to 5 days while embryologists watch how they develop. Many reach the blastocyst stage, around day 5, before transfer. If you choose genetic testing (PGT), it is done at this stage.
Embryos that are not transferred can often be frozen for later use. Read more about embryo freezing.
Step 6: Embryo Transfer
The selected embryo is placed in the uterus through a thin, soft tube called a catheter. It is a simple procedure that usually needs no anaesthetic and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The number of embryos transferred is decided carefully, based on your age and medical history, to avoid complications.
Most patients return to normal daily activities soon after. Dr. Koç will tell you what is right for you.
Step 7: Support After the Transfer
After the transfer you take hormonal medication, usually progesterone, to support the lining of the uterus. This is called luteal phase support. Take it exactly as prescribed and do not stop it on your own.
The days until your test are often called the two-week wait. Our article The Two-Week Wait: What to Expect After Embryo Transfer explains what is normal and how to look after yourself.
Step 8: The Pregnancy Test
About 10 to 14 days after the transfer, a blood test shows whether you are pregnant. Dr. Koç will go through the result with you and explain the next steps, whatever the result. If the cycle has not worked, our article When an IVF Cycle Doesn’t Work explains the options that may be open to you.
Coming to Istanbul for IVF
Many of our patients travel to Istanbul for treatment, and we have treated patients from over 70 countries. A few tips:
- Plan your dates with us: your treatment plan sets the dates. Ask us how long you should plan to stay, and allow time for consultations, treatment and rest.
- Understand the costs: ask for a cost breakdown before you start. Our page IVF Cost in Turkey vs. Europe, US, UK, and Canada compares prices.
- Read why patients choose Turkey: see Why Turkey for IVF Treatment.
Success Rates and What Affects Them
The chance of success with IVF varies from person to person. It depends on many things, including the woman's age, the cause of infertility, and the quality of the eggs, sperm and embryos. Women under 35 generally have better chances per cycle than older women. Dr. Koç will talk with you about your own chances, so that you know what to expect.
Looking After Yourself
IVF can be demanding, physically and emotionally. There are injections, tests and scans, and the wait for results can be stressful. These things can help:
- Stay informed: ask questions at every step. There are no silly questions.
- Healthy habits: eat a balanced diet, stay gently active, and avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Support: lean on your partner, family and friends, and consider counselling if you need it.
Talk to Us
If you have questions about IVF or want to plan your treatment, our team is here to help. Contact us by phone, WhatsApp or our contact form, or learn more about IVF treatment at our office.
This article gives general information and is not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about your own situation.