What Is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)? How Is IVF Treatment Performed?
In vitro fertilisation is one of the assisted reproductive techniques used for couples who are unable to conceive naturally. In this method, the woman’s eggs and the man’s sperm are fertilised in a laboratory to create embryos, which are then transferred into the uterus.
What Is IVF Treatment?
IVF is the process of fertilising egg cells collected from the woman with sperm cells obtained from the man under laboratory conditions and placing the resulting embryo into the uterus. This method offers an effective solution for couples experiencing infertility.
How Does the IVF Treatment Process Progress?
IVF treatment consists of several stages:
Stimulation of Egg Production with Hormonal Treatment
Hormonal treatment is administered to stimulate the production of multiple eggs. During this process, hormone injections are used to stimulate the ovaries.
Egg Retrieval (OPU – Oocyte Pick-Up)
Mature eggs are collected through an ultrasound-guided procedure. This procedure is generally performed under light anaesthesia and takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
Collection of the Sperm Sample
The sperm sample obtained from the man undergoes special laboratory procedures, and the highest-quality sperm cells are selected.
Fertilisation
The collected eggs and selected sperm cells are brought together under laboratory conditions to achieve fertilisation. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or ICSI, may also be used at this stage.
Embryo Development and Transfer
The fertilised eggs develop into embryos and are monitored in the laboratory for between two and five days. High-quality embryos are selected and transferred into the uterus.
What Services Are Offered at IVF Centres?
IVF centres offer the following services:
- Diagnosis and treatment of infertility: Identifying the causes of infertility in the couple and planning appropriate treatment methods
- Embryo freezing: Freezing and storing surplus embryos for future use
- Genetic diagnosis: Performing preimplantation genetic testing to detect genetic diseases in embryos
- Sperm and egg freezing: Freezing reproductive cells for future use
In Which Situations Is IVF Treatment Preferred?
IVF treatment may be preferred in the following situations:
- Female-factor infertility: Conditions such as blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis and ovulation disorders
- Male-factor infertility: Low sperm count, insufficient sperm motility or abnormal sperm morphology
- Unexplained infertility: Failure to achieve pregnancy despite normal test results
- Risk of genetic disease: When the couple carries a genetic disorder and wishes to have a healthy child
What Factors Affect the Success of IVF Treatment?
Factors affecting the success of IVF treatment include:
- The woman’s age: As age increases, egg quality and quantity decrease, which reduces the success rate.
- Egg and sperm quality: The quality of the reproductive cells affects embryo development and implantation.
- Uterine health: It is important for the inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, to have a thickness and structure suitable for embryo implantation.
- Embryo quality: The transfer of high-quality embryos increases the likelihood of pregnancy.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity may adversely affect treatment success.
What Are the Risks of IVF Treatment?
IVF treatment may involve certain risks:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: Excessive stimulation of the ovaries may cause abdominal pain, bloating and, rarely, serious complications.
- Multiple pregnancy: Transferring more than one embryo may result in twin or higher-order multiple pregnancies.
- Infection and bleeding: Infection or bleeding may rarely occur during the egg retrieval procedure.
What Should Be Considered During IVF Treatment?
IVF treatment is an individualised process, and a different protocol may be used for each patient. Therefore, following your physician’s instructions completely increases the likelihood of treatment success.
Medication Use
Hormonal medications, vitamins and supportive treatments may be prescribed during the treatment process. It is highly important to take these medications at the specified dosage and time. Otherwise, egg development may be adversely affected.
Attending Appointments Regularly
Scheduled follow-up appointments should not be missed so that the growth of the eggs can be monitored and the process can be confirmed to be progressing appropriately.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Recommendations
Your physician may make recommendations regarding nutrition, exercise and stress management during the IVF process. Following this advice may positively affect treatment success.
Rest and Physical Activity
After embryo transfer, it is important to avoid strenuous exercise, obtain adequate rest and avoid overexertion. Care should be taken for the period specified by your physician.
Possible Side Effects and Complications
Your body may develop different responses during treatment. Bloating, mild pain or emotional fluctuations may be normal. However, if you experience severe pain, bleeding or any abnormal condition, you should contact your physician immediately.
Following your physician’s recommendations completely allows the treatment process to progress as effectively as possible and increases the likelihood of pregnancy. In addition:
Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol may adversely affect egg and sperm quality.
Managing Stress
Stress may disrupt hormonal balance and affect the success of IVF treatment. Yoga, meditation and psychological support may be beneficial.
Maintaining an Ideal Body Weight
Being significantly overweight or underweight may affect reproductive health. Maintaining a healthy weight has a positive effect on the treatment process.
IVF or Intrauterine Insemination? Which Method Is More Suitable?
The two most commonly preferred methods in infertility treatment are intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilisation. However, the most appropriate method depends on factors such as the couple’s health status, the cause of infertility and age.
Who Is More Suitable for Intrauterine Insemination?
Intrauterine insemination is particularly recommended for couples experiencing mild male-factor infertility, unexplained infertility or cervical problems. The woman’s fallopian tubes must be open, ovulation must occur regularly, and the sperm must have a certain degree of motility.
In Which Situations Should IVF Be Preferred?
If the woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked, her ovarian reserve is low or the man’s sperm has significant morphological or motility abnormalities, IVF offers a higher success rate.
IVF may also be the next step for couples who have not achieved a successful result with intrauterine insemination.
Which Method Is More Successful?
The success rate of intrauterine insemination is approximately 10–20%, whereas the success rate of IVF may reach 50% in younger age groups.
However, the IVF process is more costly, longer and more invasive. Intrauterine insemination is more economical and requires less medical intervention.
Conclusion: Which Treatment Should Be Selected?
The most appropriate method should be determined together with the physician by considering the couple’s individual health status, ages and causes of infertility.
If natural conception is possible and the infertility problem is mild, intrauterine insemination may be the first option. However, IVF provides a more effective solution in cases of severe infertility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does IVF Treatment Take?
The treatment process generally varies between four and six weeks. However, the duration may differ for each patient.
What Is the Success Rate of IVF Treatment?
The success rate varies depending on factors such as the woman’s age, egg and sperm quality, and uterine health. The success rate may reach 50% at younger ages but may decrease with advancing age.
Is There an Age Limit for IVF Treatment?
The success rate is generally considerably lower after the age of 45.
Is IVF Treatment Painful?
Most procedures performed during treatment are painless. Light anaesthesia is administered during egg retrieval, so the patient does not feel pain.
How Many Embryos Are Transferred During IVF?
Generally, one or two embryos are transferred. Single-embryo transfer is preferred to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy.
Can IVF Be Attempted Again After an Unsuccessful Cycle?
Yes. IVF treatment may be attempted again after a period of rest following an unsuccessful cycle. A detailed assessment is recommended to increase the likelihood of success.
Does IVF Treatment Reduce the Chance of Natural Pregnancy?
No. Although this may vary depending on the underlying cause, women who have undergone IVF treatment may become pregnant naturally at a later stage.
Is Nutrition Important During IVF Treatment?
Yes. A healthy and balanced diet may improve egg and sperm quality and positively affect the success of IVF treatment.
What Are the Advantages of Embryo Freezing During IVF Treatment?
Embryo freezing may increase the likelihood of pregnancy if IVF treatment is required again in the future, without requiring the patient to undergo a second complete IVF stimulation and egg retrieval process.
When Can Sexual Intercourse Be Resumed After IVF Treatment?
It is generally recommended to avoid sexual intercourse for 10–15 days after embryo transfer. However, following your physician’s recommendations is the most appropriate approach.
IVF treatment is an important reproductive treatment method for couples who wish to have children. When performed at the right time and under appropriate conditions, success rates may be high.
However, every couple’s process is different, and many factors affect treatment success. It is therefore highly important to remain patient, follow the physician’s recommendations and adopt a healthy lifestyle throughout the treatment process.
If you would like to receive further information about IVF treatment or undergo an assessment specific to your individual circumstances, Prof. Dr Şadıman Kıykaç Altınbaş, a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology practising in Ankara, may assist you by providing a comprehensive approach.
Professional support from a specialist physician will help you take healthy and informed steps throughout the IVF process. You may contact us for further information or to schedule an appointment.
