IN VITRO FERTILIZATION (IVF) TREATMENT
Unlike the conventional IVF clinics, our Reproductive Medicine & Infertility Centers can provide a full-scope 360-degree service to couples facing fertility problems, with the holistic approach of renowned specialists in all medical areas that a modern hospital can host, under the globally respected brand of ACIBADEM. The latest medical and surgical treatments are utilized at our centers with a tailor-made approach to each patient’s case. Advanced laboratory services contribute to achieving the high success rates we are proud of, above the world’s average.
LOCATION
Istanbul
AFTERCARE
Aftercare available
FINANCE
Finance available
The formula of success in assisted reproduction is comprised of three main pillars:
A couple willing to conceive, with their physical and emotional features
Physicians leading the reproductive treatment, with their specific set of skills, knowledge and experience
State-of-the-art IVF laboratory where the miracle of life is being supported and nurtured every day, aided by well-trained embryologists, biologists and other devoted staff.
Success rates above the world’s average for all age groups
Affordable prices for exceptional services
Q: How long time does the IVF process take?
A: An average IVF cycle usually takes 15-25 days:
Stage 1. Cycle Begins: 1 Day;
First, your egg supply is increased. Women undergo injection which stimulates the ovaries to produce more eggs than the usual natural cycle.
Stage 2. Ovarian or Follicle Stimulation: 8-12 Days;
Second stage is monitors your 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 or 18 mm, an HCG injection is administered which leads to final development and maturation of the eggs.
Stage 3. Egg Retrieval: 1 Day;
The third stage is to collect the eggs from the ovaries. This procedure is carried out by ultrasound guidance, where the doctor utilizes a narrow needle to retrieve eggs from the ovary through the vaginal wall. The procedure is painless, performed under mild anaesthesia.
Stage 4. Embryo Development: 3-5 Days;
The fourth step is fertilizing the eggs in the lab. The sperm can either be mixed with eggs to fertilize (that is named conventional insemination – standard IVF procedure), or one selected sperm cell can be injected directly into each mature egg (this is called Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection or ICSI).
Stage 5. Embryo Transfer
The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are allowed to grow and develop in culture media for typically 3 or 5 days. When they reach 5 days, they are called blastocyst stage embryo. Then generally 1 or 2 embryos, which have demonstrated the best quality and development, are carefully transferred to the uterus. A small, sterile, flexible catheter for embryo transfer is used for this purpose. That is the most important stage of an IVF procedure. Once the embryos have been transferred into your womb, you need to wait for 2 weeks before taking a pregnancy test to see if the treatment has worked or not.
Q: What tests should I do before the IVF procedure?
A: Before your first consultation with the IVF specialist, you may be asked to provide results of some general blood tests. You will receive a detailed list and explanation prior to your first appointment. Further tests may be required after the doctors have been through your medical records.
Q: After the embryo transfer, can I walk, exercise, travel or go back to work immediately?
A: Moderate activities are not forbidden after the embryo transfer, and yet you would better rest and take it easy for a couple of days. During the weeks to come, you should walk than run, and you should avoid anything related to heavy lifting or jumping. Travel and work are allowed, as long as you take it easy.
Q: Is there anything else I can do to increase my chances of success?
A: Your physical and emotional health is crucial during an IVF procedure. A healthy and comfortable lifestyle will certainly contribute to successful outcomes. Smoking is strictly forbidden. In addition, balanced food diet with reduced intake of carbohydrates is recommended. Eating foods rich in antioxidants is useful. Antioxidants are found in most of the plant foods but some of the richest sources are blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, pomegranate, green tea, red cabbage, spinach, legumes (peas, beans, etc.), nuts, seeds and spices.
Q: Will IVF significantly increase my chances of having twins or triplets?
A: Generally, anytime when more than one embryo is transferred, the chance for a multiple pregnancy exists. A single embryo transfer to avoid risks of complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Transfer of two embryos might be used, depending on many prognostic factors, including the patient’s age, quality of embryos, etc. It is also possible to have twins after IVF even with one embryo, as one egg can split to form two zygotes. Your physician will discuss all your preferences with you prior to the IVF procedure.
Q: Are there any side effects associated with IVF?
A: We all respond differently and there is no chance to predict your body reactions. Fatigue, emotional stress and mood swings are among the most common complaints during an IVF procedure. In a limited number of patients, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may be observed. Usually, it comes with mild symptoms, such as loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea and feeling bloated. If you experience such symptoms, you should notify your doctor immediately. OHSS needs to be handled correctly, as in rare cases it might bring serious complications. However, with modern treatment options, the risk is now less than 1%.
Q: How many days should I have to stay in Istanbul for the treatment?
A: While the entire IVF procedure takes up to four weeks, you will need to attend the first appointment, and afterward you will have to visit your doctor regularly for an average of 1 week to 16 days prior to the embryo transfer. The team will support you with all necessary arrangements and logistics to ensure your safe and comfortable stay.
Q: Does my male partner have to stay with me in Istanbul all the time?
A: Your partner will be needed during the first consultation, when your doctor will schedule tests and regimen for both of you, according to your specific case, to ensure a comprehensive fertility evaluation. His presence may be needed later depending on planned tests and procedures. Beyond these circumstances, your partner is always welcome but you are free to decide on his presence depending on your comfort, preferences and availability.
Q: What are my chances of a successful pregnancy with IVF?
A: The IVF success rates depends on various factors, including your medical history, test results, the age of the female partner and the infertility cause. The share of IVF treatments that result in live births is around 60% under 35 years of age. It drops to 20-25% between 40-42. You can discuss your options in detail with your doctor.
Q: Why my IVF cycle failed?
A: Unfortunately some IVF efforts do fail. It might be due to the quality of the embryos, implantation problems, immunity problems, etc. Analysing the core reason for failure will help you to draft next steps. You are welcome to discuss with our fertility doctors your previous IVF attempts and what can be improved for successful results.
Q: If I am not pregnant, when can we try again?
A: We usually recommend at least two months between two IVF treatment cycles. Please consult your doctor for specific recommendations regarding your case.
Q: What happens if I get a positive pregnancy test after IVF?
A: After fertility treatment, you can perform an HCG level test 2 weeks after the embryo transfer. A second one follows 48 hours later. Heartbeat can usually be detected 6 weeks after gestation. If you have reached that far, relax and let nature take its course. You will have to inform your obstetrician that this is an IVF conception, as you will be monitored more intensively than a patient who conceived naturally. We wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy!
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