IVF Treatment (IVF)
What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization, in the simplest terms, is the process of putting the embryos, which are formed as a result of the fertilization of the egg cell taken from the woman and the sperm cell taken from the man, together under laboratory conditions. Suggested methods may be drug stimulation of ovulation, vaccination or in vitro fertilization. The most appropriate treatment method for couples is determined by our specialist doctor.
In vitro fertilization is the fertilization of the egg cell taken from the woman and the sperm cell taken from the man under laboratory conditions. Who is IVF treatment applied to?
In vitro fertilization treatment, which has been applied around the world for nearly 40 years, was initially considered only for women with blocked tubes. However, today, in vitro fertilization treatment is applied to women and men who cannot have children for different reasons. The main causes of infertility in men and women are:
In women:
- Damaged and clogged tubes
- Ovulation disorders
- Endometriosis
- Congenital or acquired pathologies in the uterus (fibroids, polyps)
- High milk hormone (hyperprolactinemia)
- Structural, infectious or secretory disorders of the cervix
- Thyroid hormone disorders
- Surgical procedures related to the uterus and ovaries
- unexplained infertility
In men:
- Sperm quality disorders
- low sperm production
- Disorders in sperm structure
- Immobility of sperm
- Injuries
- Damages caused by previous diseases or surgical procedures
- congenital disorders
- unexplained infertility
What are the Stages of IVF Treatment?
Stage 1: Initial Examination and Evaluation of the Couple
IVF phases first begin with the evaluation of the couple. If the couple who wants to receive treatment has previous treatments, they should be checked for pregnancy, or history of miscarriage. Also results of previous examinations are evaluated. After these examinations, blood samples of the couples, ovarian reserve and sperm analysis are performed. The inner layer of the uterus and the shape of the uterus are evaluated. If necessary, advanced tests such as genetic analysis are performed. The treatment is started after the pre-pregnancy routine tests are examined and the treatment is started.
Stage 2: Stimulation of the Ovaries (Ovulation Induction)
Ovulation induction or controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, which is the initial stage of IVF treatment, includes daily drug applications in the form of external injections for the development of more than one egg. This stage is individualized with the dose of medication determined according to the person's egg reserve and age.
In addition, with the needles applied, untimely cracking of the growing eggs during the treatment and spilling into the patient's abdomen is prevented. Although egg development varies from person to person, it takes an average of 7-10 days.
Stage 3: Collecting the Eggs
In this procedure, in vitro fertilization egg collection, eggs are taken from the mother-to-be under anesthesia (sedation/analgesia). It is then stored in a laboratory environment under highly hygienic conditions to wait for the fertilization process. At the same stage, a sperm sample will also be taken from the father-to-be. In order for a male individual to be able to give a sperm sample, he must abstain from sexual activity for 2 to 4 days.
Stage 4: Ensuring Fertilization with Microinjection Method (ICSI) or Classic IVF Treatment
The fertilization method used in the first years of IVF treatment is known as the classical IVF method. In this method, the fertilization of the egg and sperm in a tube under laboratory conditions is ensured.
Since the probability of fertilization is less in IVF method, ICSI, that is, microinjection method, has been preferred in recent years. In the ICSI method, one sperm taken from the man is injected directly into the egg through a pipette under a microscope. The purpose of this method is to ensure that the egg is combined with the sperm and that fertilization occurs at a high rate.
Stage 5: Embryo Transfer to the Expectant Mother
As we mentioned before, the eggs (embryos) that are stored in the laboratory environment and fertilized are placed in the uterus painlessly. After this process, it is not recommended to have sexual intercourse until pregnancy occurs.
Stage 6: Pregnancy Test
A pregnancy test can be done 10 days after the embryo transfer. If the pregnancy process begins, the expectant mother is called for ultrasound controls within 7 to 10 days. Especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy, listening to your doctor's recommendations and using the medications given are of great importance in treatment.
