Why Turkey for IVF Treatment

Couples come to Istanbul for IVF from all over the world. Here is why, what the Turkish rules allow, and how we support you when you travel for treatment.

Why Istanbul, and Why Turkey?

Istanbul is one of the easiest cities in the world to reach, with direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa, and two international airports. Turkey offers modern IVF laboratories and experienced specialists, and treatment costs less than in many European countries. See what affects the cost of IVF.

IVF in Turkey is strictly regulated by the Ministry of Health, which protects patients. Treatments include IVF, ICSI, embryo freezing, genetic testing of embryos (PGT) and micro-TESE for men with azoospermia.

High Success Rates

Dr. Koç's results are among the reasons couples travel to him from over 70 countries. More than 10,000 couples have had IVF with him, many after unsuccessful attempts elsewhere, and patients rate our office 4.9 out of 5 on Google, in more than 200 reviews. Ask us for your personal chance: Dr. Koç tracks the results of every treatment and, at your consultation, shares honest figures for your age and diagnosis.

IVF Rules in Turkey

The main rules are set out in the Ministry of Health's Regulation on Assisted Reproductive Treatment Practices and Centres. They apply to every licensed IVF centre in Turkey and make sure treatment is safe and ethical.

• Married couples only: IVF in Turkey is only available to legally married couples. You will be asked to show an official marriage certificate before treatment begins.
• Your own eggs and sperm only: Only the wife's own eggs and the husband's own sperm may be used.
• No donors and no surrogacy: Donor eggs, donor sperm, donor embryos and surrogacy are not permitted. No licensed IVF centre in Turkey can offer them. If your doctor has advised donor eggs, donor sperm or a surrogate, this treatment is not possible in Turkey.
• No sex selection: Choosing the sex of the baby for non-medical reasons is not allowed. The only exception is preventing a serious inherited disease linked to the sex of the baby.
• PGT for medical reasons: Genetic testing of embryos before transfer is allowed when there is a medical reason, for example a known genetic disease in the family, repeated miscarriages or repeated unsuccessful IVF attempts. Dr. Koç decides together with you whether PGT is needed.
• Number of embryos: Under 35, one embryo may be transferred in the first and second attempts. From the third attempt, or from age 35, up to two. When we have a good-quality embryo, we prefer to transfer one.
• Egg freezing for medical reasons only: Women may freeze their eggs if they are about to start cancer treatment or another treatment that may damage their fertility, if they have low ovarian reserve confirmed by tests and an official medical committee report, or if there is a family history of early menopause. Married couples having IVF may also freeze their embryos.
• Storage: Frozen eggs and embryos can be stored for up to 5 years. Each year, the patient confirms in writing that she wishes to continue storage.

Support for Patients from Abroad

Travelling to another country for IVF can feel overwhelming. Our international patient team is with you at every step, from your first message until you are back home.

• Personal coordinator on WhatsApp: From your first contact, a coordinator answers your questions, helps you share your previous test results with Dr. Koç, arranges your online consultation and plans your treatment dates with you.
• Airport transfer: We arrange your transfer from the airport to your hotel when you arrive in Istanbul, and back to the airport when you leave.
• Hotel suggestions: We recommend comfortable hotels close to our office and our partner hospital, Kolan Hospital, so you can reach your appointments easily and rest between visits.
• Your language: Dr. Koç speaks Turkish and English. Our team can assist you in Turkish, English, Russian, Arabic, French, Urdu, Azerbaijani, Uzbek, Turkmen and Georgian. If needed, an interpreter is with you during consultations and procedures.
• After you return home: Your coordinator and Dr. Koç's team stay in touch with you for your pregnancy test and any questions you have afterwards.

How Long You Stay

Treatment usually takes two trips: about 18 days for egg collection (the husband needs to be here for only 1 day), then about 10 days for the embryo transfer. See how IVF works at our office.

Treatment and Travel

You can combine treatment with time to enjoy Turkey's history and culture. See our guide to things to do in Istanbul.