What is IVF?
IVF treatment is one of the most effective assisted reproductive methods for couples experiencing infertility problems today. This method, known as “In Vitro Fertilization” (IVF), refers to a process in which the female egg and the male sperm are combined in a laboratory environment, fertilization is achieved, and then the developing embryo is placed in the mother’s uterus. While IVF treatment brings hope to couples who cannot have children naturally, it is important to know how this process works and who it is suitable for.
Who is IVF Suitable for?
IVF treatment is applied to couples who cannot have children for various reasons. The following situations are among the main causes of infertility for which IVF treatment is recommended:
Blocked or Damaged Tubes: In women, if the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, the sperm and egg may not be able to unite naturally. In such cases, IVF treatment may be the most appropriate option.
Low Sperm Count or Quality: Male infertility is associated with low sperm count or quality. In cases where sperm quality is low, IVF treatment may also be recommended.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis can lead to infertility as a result of tissues developing outside the uterus damaging the reproductive system. In this case, IVF treatment can increase the chance of success.
Unexplained Infertility: In some couples, the cause of infertility cannot be found. In this case, IVF treatment is an effective method that increases the chance of pregnancy.
Failure of Other Treatment Methods: When less invasive treatment methods such as insemination do not yield results, IVF treatment is preferred as the next step.
Stages of IVF Treatment
IVF treatment is a planned and controlled process consisting of several stages. Each step is carried out with great care for the treatment to be successful. Here are the basic stages of IVF treatment:
Stimulation of Ovaries (Ovulation Induction): Before starting the treatment, the woman’s ovaries are stimulated with hormone therapy. During this process, multiple eggs are matured, thus providing a higher chance of fertilization. Hormone treatment lasts approximately 10-14 days, and during this period, the development of the eggs is monitored with ultrasound and blood tests.
Oocyte Collection: When the eggs are mature, the egg collection procedure (oocyte aspiration) is performed under a short anesthesia. This is a minimally invasive procedure in which the eggs are collected with the help of a thin needle.
Fertilization: The collected eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory environment. When fertilization is successful, embryos begin to form. Fertilization can be done with the classical IVF method or with the microinjection (ICSI) technique. Microinjection is a technique more commonly used in men with low sperm counts.
Embryo Development and Transfer: The fertilized egg (embryo) is monitored in a laboratory environment for several days. The developing embryo is usually placed in the mother’s uterus on the 3rd or 5th day. This procedure is painless and usually does not require anesthesia.
Pregnancy Test: Approximately 10-12 days after embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to evaluate the pregnancy result. If pregnancy has occurred, the mother-to-be is regularly checked and the pregnancy process is closely monitored.
Factors Affecting Success in IVF Treatment
The success of IVF treatment depends on many factors. These factors include the couple’s general health, age, the experience of the center where the treatment is performed, and embryo quality. The main factors affecting success rates are as follows:
Age of the Woman: A woman’s age is one of the most important factors in IVF treatment. While success rates are higher in women younger than 35, this rate may decrease as age increases.
Embryo Quality: Transferring healthy and developed embryos increases the chance of pregnancy.
Uterine Health: A healthy uterus is a critical factor that increases the chance of an embryo attaching. The thickness and general condition of the uterine lining should be evaluated before treatment.
Risks and Side Effects of IVF Treatment
IVF treatment is generally a safe procedure, but there may be some side effects and risks. The most common side effects include bloating, mild pain, and mood swings due to hormone therapy. In addition, conditions such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur, although this is rare. OHSS is characterized by fluid retention and abdominal pain due to overstimulation of the ovaries.
IVF treatment offers a promising solution for couples who cannot have children naturally. Every stage of the treatment process is carried out meticulously, and couples are provided with both physical and emotional support during this process. IVF treatment, carried out by an expert team, has a high success rate in suitable couples. Before starting treatment, your doctor