What is Infertility? 10 Steps to IVF Treatment

Today, the number of couples seeking help from IVF centers to have a baby is quite significant. As the number of couples visiting these centers increases, IVF methods are continuously evolving, and success rates are steadily improving. Anadolu Health Center IVF Center Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tayfun Kutlu and Obstetrics and IVF Specialist Op. Dr. Ebru Öztürk Öksüz shared some advice with couples wishing to have a baby. Here are some key points couples should keep in mind before starting IVF treatment...

Nfertility is Not Just Your Problem

Infertility, which prevents couples from having children, is a very common health issue today. Affecting one in every six couples, infertility can have various causes. Infertility is as common in men as it is in women, and it is increasingly prevalent, especially due to unhealthy lifestyles and poor nutrition.

VF Treatment Requires Patience

In IVF treatment, the egg taken from the woman is fertilized in the laboratory with the sperm of the male partner, and the fertilized egg (embryo) is transferred to the mother's uterus at an appropriate stage. Since there are factors such as medications the mother may need to take for a period, ovulation timing, the embryo reaching a certain stage before transfer, and the time required for it to implant in the uterus, the treatment process may take longer. The treatment method and duration are specifically tailored to the couple. IVF treatment typically takes 2-3 weeks to complete. However, in some cases, it can take up to 4-5 weeks. Therefore, it is beneficial to be patient.

There Are Various IVF Methods, Which Are Specifically Tailored to the Couple

There is no single IVF method. Many advanced methods exist, and these are determined based on factors such as the woman’s age, weight, health status, lifestyle, and even the quality of the man’s sperm. There is no one-size-fits-all "super method" for everyone. It is important not to take hearsay information seriously and to consult a doctor for any questions you may have.

The Woman’s Age Is Important

The woman’s age plays a major role in the success of IVF treatment because as age increases, the number and quality of eggs decrease, reducing the chances of having a baby. It is beneficial to avoid exceeding the age of 35 if possible. However, successful IVF methods are still available for women over 35.

Reproductive health in men also deteriorates over time. Especially as testosterone levels decrease, the body produces less sperm, lowering the chances of having a baby. Additionally, sperm quality also declines with age.

Don’t Delay Treatment

Couples who are unable to conceive despite having unprotected intercourse for a year are advised to consult an IVF center. If the woman is over 35 years old, it is beneficial to limit this period to 6-8 months. The earlier the cause of infertility is diagnosed and treatment is started, the higher the success rate.

Treatment Can Be Repeated

It is possible that the first IVF attempt may not result in pregnancy. When treatment does not result in pregnancy, the doctor may decide to repeat the same treatment or try a different approach. Couples who start IVF treatment should be prepared for the possibility of undergoing several IVF attempts to avoid disappointment.

Frozen Eggs Are Also High-Quality

Egg freezing is recommended not only for women who risk losing their eggs due to any illness but also for those who want to delay pregnancy or have a decreasing egg reserve. Thanks to advanced technology, frozen eggs retain their quality when thawed, and women can become pregnant using these eggs when they decide to have a baby. There is no requirement for marriage for women to freeze their eggs.

You Might Have Twins

In the past, to increase the chances of success in IVF, multiple embryos were transferred to the mother’s uterus. However, to prevent multiple pregnancies and protect the health of both the mother and the baby, the Ministry of Health has allowed the transfer of a maximum of two embryos for a long time. This means you may not have triplets or quadruplets, but you have a good chance of having twins with IVF treatment. While the chance of a naturally pregnant woman having twins is around 3%, the chance with IVF treatment is over 30%.

Only Two Embryos Are Transferred to the Uterus Today

Today, a maximum of two embryos are allowed to be transferred to the uterus, but this does not reduce the chances of pregnancy. Thanks to advancements in technology and medications, it is now possible to achieve pregnancy even with the transfer of a single embryo.

High Success Rates
With the development of technology and medications, the chances of having a baby through IVF are steadily increasing. As success rates rise, the treatment process also becomes less burdensome for couples. It is important to emphasize that due to more effective and less side-effect-prone treatments, there is minimal decline in the quality of life of the couples, particularly the mothers-to-be.

Morale Is Important

As with any treatment, psychology plays a significant role in IVF treatment. Keeping morale high, not focusing solely on the treatment, continuing with daily life during the treatment process, and staying engaged in hobbies are important. It is wrong to let unsuccessful IVF attempts discourage you by looking at others. Every couple’s treatment is unique. A method that does not work for one couple may be successful for another. Therefore, approaching the process positively and seeking professional help when necessary is essential.