What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF), also known as test-tube baby, is an assisted reproductive method used when natural fertilization is unsuccessful. In this method, an egg and sperm are brought together in a laboratory setting, and fertilization is achieved. After embryo development is successful, the embryo is transferred to the expectant mother’s uterus to achieve pregnancy.
Who is a candidate for IVF treatment?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment is applied to couples who have been unable to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. This involves examination, hormone analysis, and sperm testing to identify the underlying problem, and treatment plans are then shared with the couple. It is also used for those who cannot conceive naturally, such as women with blocked fallopian tubes, men with low sperm counts or even no sperm in the semen but sperm obtained from testicular tissue using the MicroTESE method, and patients who have not achieved results from other treatment methods such as ovulation tracking and artificial insemination.
What Is the Success Rate of IVF?
The success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has continued to increase in parallel with advancements in reproductive medicine. IVF treatment enables couples who are unable to conceive naturally to achieve pregnancy.
Couples who have been attempting to conceive for three years without success are advised to consult an IVF center. The appropriate selection of a qualified center and the correct implementation of treatment protocols significantly improve success rates.
Success rates vary depending on the clinic and the underlying cause of infertility.
For intrauterine insemination (IUI), average pregnancy rates are approximately 20–25% per cycle.
In intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments, success rates range between 40–60% in women under 35 years of age, while in women aged 35–40 and above, rates vary between 15–35%, depending on individual clinical factors.
What Should Be Considered When Choosing an IVF Center?
It is essential for couples to feel comfortable and confident in the center they choose, as psychological well-being positively influences treatment outcomes.
Key factors to consider include:
The clinical experience and pregnancy rates of the physician and center
Patient satisfaction rates
The availability of fully equipped IVF laboratories
The quality of laboratory infrastructure, devices, and consumables
The experience of embryologists and clinical staff
The IVF laboratory plays a critical role in achieving successful pregnancy outcomes. High-quality laboratory conditions, advanced equipment, and seamless collaboration between clinicians and embryologists significantly impact success rates. Proper patient preparation and optimal laboratory performance are fundamental components of a successful treatment program.
Is There an Age Limit for IVF?
IVF success rates increase when the female patient is younger. Women produce eggs on a monthly basis from puberty onward, and IVF can be performed as long as ovulation continues.
However, oocyte quality declines significantly after the age of 40, which reduces pregnancy success rates. Although IVF is generally not recommended for women over 45 years of age, treatment may be considered following comprehensive medical evaluation if ovarian reserve and egg quality are deemed adequate.
IUI or IVF: Which Treatment Is Appropriate?
Couples who are unable to conceive naturally often question whether IUI or IVF is the more appropriate treatment. The decision is based on diagnostic evaluations performed by the physician.
While IUI is generally more cost-effective, it has lower success rates. IVF, although more expensive, offers higher pregnancy rates and often provides faster and more definitive results. For this reason, IVF is frequently preferred.
When Should Couples Seek Treatment if Pregnancy Does Not Occur Despite Regular Intercourse?
If the woman is under 35 years of age and there are no known risk factors affecting fertility, medical evaluation is recommended after 1 year of unsuccessful attempts.
If the woman is over 35 years of age, or if there is a known medical condition that may impair fertility, evaluation and treatment should begin after 6 months.
What Factors Increase IVF Success?
The most important determinants of success are accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
Additional supportive factors include:
Nutritional and vitamin supplementation
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
Laser-assisted hatching
Immunotherapy (lymphocyte vaccination)
Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy when indicated
Advanced laboratory techniques
High-quality incubators
Optimal embryo transfer catheters
Each of these interventions may contribute to improved implantation and pregnancy rates when clinically indicated.
Up to What Age Can IVF Be Performed? Does Age Affect IVF Outcomes?
IVF can generally be performed up to the age of 45. However, it is important to note that pregnancy rates decline significantly after the age of 40.
With advancing maternal age:
The number and quality of oocytes decrease
Ovarian reserve diminishes
The risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases, particularly in women over 35
Although younger women generally experience higher pregnancy rates, hormonal imbalances and individual health factors may also affect outcomes regardless of age.
The female patient attends the clinic on the second or third day of her menstrual cycle. A comprehensive evaluation is performed, including assessment of ovarian reserve and uterine anatomy.
Diagnostic tests include:
Hormonal profile
Ovarian reserve testing
Ultrasonography
Semen analysis for the male partner
Genetic testing when indicated
Tests for Women Undergoing IVF for the First Time
Complete Blood Count (Hemogram)
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
Prolactin
HBsAg
Anti-HCV
Anti-HIV 1–2
Rubella IgG
Free T3
Free T4
FSH
LH
Estradiol (E2)
Progesterone (P4)
Tests for Men Undergoing IVF for the First Time
Semen Analysis (Spermiogram)
HBsAg
Anti-HCV
Anti-HIV 1–2
The ovaries are stimulated with individualized doses of hormonal medications determined by the physician to obtain multiple mature oocytes.
Throughout this process, follicular development is closely monitored through regular ultrasound examinations and blood tests, and medication dosages are adjusted when necessary.
When the follicles reach the appropriate size, a trigger injection (hCG) is administered to induce final oocyte maturation.
The oocyte retrieval procedure is scheduled approximately 34–36 hours after the injection.
Oocyte retrieval is a short procedure performed under anesthesia, typically lasting about 10 minutes. Mature oocytes are collected from the ovaries.
The procedure is painless. Afterward, the patient rests in the clinic for approximately one hour and is then discharged. Daily activities are usually not affected.
A semen sample is obtained from the male partner and prepared in the laboratory.
If necessary, sperm can be retrieved using surgical sperm retrieval techniques.
The retrieved oocytes are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. The most commonly used method at this stage is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
Following fertilization, embryos are cultured in advanced incubators that closely mimic the uterine environment.
Embryos are monitored for 3 to 5 days using time-lapse embryo monitoring systems (Embryoscope), and the highest-quality embryo with the greatest implantation potential is selected for transfer.
The selected embryo is transferred into the uterus using specialized catheters by experienced physicians.
This is a brief and minimally invasive procedure.