Our hospitals continue to provide infertile couples with health services in the light of scientific developments at well equipped IVF Centers and obtain joyful results. Infertility is defined as failure of conception despite regular sexual intercourse with no birth control method and it is the one of the major problems faced by couples. Today, diagnosis of infertility – originating from male or female factors – can be mostly established with the help of existing technological means. Our IVF centers adopt patient-oriented approach. An experienced team of gynecologist, embryologist, medical genetic specialist, urologist, psychologist, biologist and nurses and well-equipped in vitro fertilization laboratory aim to increase chance of conception in infertile couples.

TREATMENT CONSISTS OF 5 STEPS

Age of the individual, ovarian capacity, body mass index, genetic variations and ovarian response to previous treatments as well as history of problems in embryological development are taken into consideration in In Vitro Fertilization therapy methods that consists of 5 steps;

1st Stage (Pre-Interview): IVF treatment is a 5-step process. These steps are completed in 4 weeks. In the initial discussion with the couples who want to achieve pregnancy, candidate mother and father are informed about causes of infertility and tests that are done to establish the diagnosis. Previous spermiograms, reports of X-ray examination of uterus and Fallopian tubes (hysterosalpingography – X-ray examination of uterus and Fallopian tubes- should be scanned, if not already available), and tests and reports of previous infertility treatments are reviewed and all necessary blood tests are ordered. Thusly, patient's history is obtained. If the candidate mother did not have a smear test within the previous year, the test is ordered. In the light of all existing data, cause of infertility is detected and relevant treatment is started.

2nd Stage (Induction of Ovaries): at the second stage of IVF, the candidate mother visits the doctor on second or third day of the menstrual cycle in order to have ovaries evaluated. The doctor examines ovaries of the candidate mother with ultrasound and hormone analyses can be considered, if a relevant pathology is identified. Physician reviews all results and prescribes a medicine to induce ovaries and grow eggs and the patient is informed by the nurse about how the medication is taken.

3rd Stage (Egg Collection or Retrieval):Egg retrieval is one of the most important stages in the in vitro fertilization process. After eggs are grown to target size and maturation with hormone medications, they are retrieved from uterus using a specialized syringe under general anesthesia. Eggs are retrieved from uterine cavity through vaginal route and fertilized with classic IVF or microinjection methods. In classic IVF, a certain number of sperms are added to the medium, wherein eggs are present, and it is expected that egg is fertilized by one of these sperms. In microinjection method, the healthiest sperm with best quality is selected and injected into an egg with a specialized method.

4th Stage (Embryo Transfer): Eggs and sperms that are collected for fertilization and embryo transfer are checked in the laboratory and embryo development is supervised. Embryos with highest quality are selected by the embryologist. The governing law allows transfer of one embryo for women younger than 35 and two embryos for women older than 35. Embryo(s) that meet quality criteria are implanted in the uterus by a physician with a special catheter that is inserted into uterine cervix. Although no anesthesia is administered, no pain or ache is felt during embryo transfer and the mother candidate is allowed to rest for 45 minutes to 1 hour after the procedure. She can engage in routine activities of daily life thereafter.

5th Stage (Supportive Treatment): Supportive medications are prescribed for the candidate mother in order to help the embryo implant better in the uterus following embryo transfer. Beta HCG level is analyzed 12 to 15 days later.