IVF Treatment (In Vitro Fertilization)

What is in vitro fertilization treatment?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technique that helps couples dealing with infertility get pregnant and have children. Consisting of many complex steps, IVF treatment yields the highest success rate of interventions of its kind. Several factors can increase or decrease the chances of conception with IVF. The whole intervention is usually completed over a month, with an additional two weeks to see the results.

How does in vitro fertilization treatment work?

Each experience with IVF is unique. However, a typical first appointment at Acıbadem might look something like this. First, the patient will be greeted at the front desk and escorted to the physician’s office, where they will speak with the physician for about an hour. Next, the patient will meet a nurse who will help them implement the doctor’s orders. Acıbadem International Patient Center will plan every step in detail. The patient will receive a lot of information along the way, and Acıbadem will always keep in touch. Patients should feel free to take notes and ask questions during the consultation process. We welcome patients to call or email us with any questions or concerns that arise at any time.

Infertility symptoms and candidates for in vitro fertilization treatment

It is estimated that nearly 15% of all couples are affected by infertility. Fortunately, we have many tools today to aid conception, and they are evolving to help us achieve better outcomes. In the case of IVF treatment, the most suitable candidates are women who suffer from irregular ovulation cycles, blocked fallopian tubes, and polycystic ovarian syndrome, and men with a low sperm count or irregularly shaped sperm.

Doctors used to say that the main symptom of infertility was not getting pregnant while having regular sexual intercourse for at least 12 months. In most cases, there would be no other visible symptoms. It is recommended for a couple to see a doctor when they have been regularly trying to conceive for at least one year if the woman is below 35 years of age; after six months if the woman is 35 years or older; and immediately if the woman is over 40 years.

According to general statistics, nearly 40% of all infertility causes are related to women, 40% are related to men, and 20% are unexplained infertility issues. What is behind those numbers is vital, as the primary cause defines the treatment and determines successful outcomes. At Acibadem, we conduct an extensive testing and evaluation process to accurately identify reproductive problems and devise appropriate solutions. Blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation problems, endometriosis, advanced maternal age, low sperm count or motility, and immunological factors can all cause fertility issues, and each requires a different treatment modality.

Why choose Acıbadem for in vitro fertilization treatment?

Since 1998, Acibadem Reproductive Medicine & Infertility Centers have helped couples become parents. Each year, more than 15,000 families from all around the world choose Acibadem to fulfill their most precious dreams. Their trust in our accumulated experience is our best advantage. For patients considering IVF in Turkey, we provide a one-stop solution.

Unlike conventional IVF clinics, our Reproductive Medicine & Infertility Centers can provide a full-scope, 360-degree service to couples facing fertility problems, with our holistic approach, renowned specialists in all medical areas, and modern hospital under the globally respected brand of Acibadem. The latest medical and surgical treatments are utilized in our centers with a tailor-made approach to each patient’s needs. Advanced laboratory services contribute to the high success rates we achieve, which are above world averages.

The formula for success in IVF comprises three main pillars:

• A couple willing to conceive.
• Physicians guiding the reproductive treatment process, with their specific skillset, knowledge, and experience
• A state-of-the-art IVF laboratory where the miracle of life is supported and nurtured every day, aided by well-trained embryologists and biologists and other devoted staff

At Acibadem Reproductive Medicine & Infertility Centers, we are continuously investing in the latest technologies and equipment available worldwide to enhance the effectiveness of our fertility treatments even further. There are hardly any novelties in the reproductive medicine field that have not been implemented in our laboratories for embryology and genetics. We have many five-star physicians, each of them with a specific area of expertise, research contributions, and a commitment to excellence. Our fertility patients can choose their trusted specialist according to their specific cases and personal preferences.

Other information:

• Our success rates are higher than the worldwide averages in all age groups
• We offer affordable prices for exceptional service
• We provide service to our patients in their native language in a friendly environment where dreams come true

Along with effective fertility treatments available worldwide, Acibadem Reproductive Medicine & Infertility Centers apply some pioneering methods with promising results:

• Stem cell therapies and platelet-rich plasma (PRP): The fertility potential of a woman begins to decrease very rapidly after the age of 35 years. Though it is not possible to turn back the clock for the mother, stem cell therapies and PRP practices can be used to regenerate and reactivate bodily functions. PRP can be used in IVF treatment for two purposes: to improve the endometrium (the inner surface of the womb) and increase the chance of successful implantation or to increase the ovarian capacity of women with low ovarian reserves or those experiencing early menopause. At Acibadem, PRP therapy is applied according to specially designed protocols, ensuring promising results that have already been reported internationally in scientific research. In most patients, an increase in the success of spontaneous conception and oocyte quality has been observed.
• Immunological infertility treatment: Recurrent implantation failure or miscarriage in couples with good-quality embryos can sometimes be related to the woman’s immune response. The human body is naturally designed to act against foreign antigens, and in rare cases, it could wrongly recognize the embryo as an enemy and reject it. At Acibadem, we are conducting trials on immunosuppression, with positive outcomes.

Fertility treatments: Intrauterine insemination versus in vitro fertilization

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and IVF are the two major fertility treatments used to achieve pregnancy. IUI is closer to natural conception: sperm from the male partner is processed in our lab and inserted directly into the woman’s uterus during ovulation. This type of assisted reproduction technology ensures high concentrations of good-quality sperm deposited close to the egg. It increases the chance of conception in young couples with mild male-factor infertility or, in some cases, unexplained infertility.

In contrast, in IVF, fertilization occurs outside of the body in an embryology laboratory. Depending on the primary cause of infertility, some additional techniques may be used during the IVF procedure. These may include:

• Microinjection (intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]) – a sperm cell is injected directly into the egg
• Piezo-ICSI – a new method for the insemination of fragile oocytes
• Microchip – allows for the selection of the sperm with the highest fertilization potential
• PESA/MESA/TESE/Micro-TESE – surgical retrieval of sperm from the testicles
• Round spermatid injection – activates sperm cells with electrical stimulation, used for azoospermia patients
• Micromanipulation methods – assisted hatching, watching embryos through fragments
• Endometrial co-culture – used to improve the quality and implantation of embryos
• Endometrial receptivity array – diagnoses the state of endometrial receptivity in the window of implantation
• Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis – checking the chromosomes (genetic material) of the embryos for abnormalities
• Cryopreservation (freezing) of sperm, oocytes, and embryos – allows for their safe storage for future use
• Ovarian rejuvenation with PRP –to increase the ovarian capacity and reserve to help IVF treatment

In vitro fertilization treatment process

An IVF procedure involves five main stages. First, we boost the patient’s egg supply. Women receive injections that stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs than their natural cycle. The second stage is to monitor the patient’s progress and mature the oocytes. An ultrasound scan is carried out to check the development of eggs, and medication is used to help them mature. Once the follicles reach a mature size of 17–18 mm, an HCG injection is administered that leads to the final development and maturation of the eggs. The third stage is collecting the eggs from the ovaries. This procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance, and the doctor utilizes a narrow needle to retrieve eggs from the ovary through the vaginal wall. The procedure is painless and performed under mild anesthesia. The fourth stage is fertilizing the eggs in the lab. The sperm can either be mixed with eggs (this is named conventional insemination, which is the standard IVF procedure), or one selected sperm cell can be injected directly into each mature egg (this is called ICSI). The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are allowed to grow and develop in a culture medium for 3–5 days. After five days, they are called blastocyst stage embryos. Then, generally, one or two of the highest-quality embryos, with the best development are carefully transferred into the uterus. A small, sterile, flexible catheter is used for embryo transfer. This is the most important stage of the IVF procedure. Once the embryos have been transferred into the patient’s womb, they will need to wait two weeks before taking a pregnancy test to see whether the treatment has worked.

An average IVF cycle usually takes 15–25 days:

• Stage 1. The cycle begins: 1 day
• Stage 2. Ovarian or follicle stimulation: 8–12 days
• Stage 3. Egg retrieval: 1 day
• Stage 4. Embryo development: 3–5 days
• Stage 5. Embryo transfer

In vitro fertilization treatment success rates

The success rate of IVF treatment is influenced by several factors. The leading factors are the age of the female partner and the causes of infertility. After their initial examination, couples will be informed of their chances of conception and their overall suitability for IVF treatment. As age is a significant determinant in the IVF process, at Acibadem, the success rate for couples is highest in the age range 26–30 years and drops with increasing age. At Acibadem, we still have a high success rate for couples older than 40 years.