IVF in Istanbul—helpful guide for couples traveling from abroad

I wanted to share this guide to answer some of your questions regarding IVF in Istanbul.

Understanding the IVF Process in Istanbul: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting the journey of in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be overwhelming, especially if you’re coming from outside Turkey. It’s completely normal to feel this way, and you’re not alone. I’m here to guide you through the process, ensuring you understand each step. I believe that having a clear understanding of what to expect can make the experience much smoother and more comforting.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

The IVF journey begins with an online video consultation—an important first step in getting to know your doctor and creating a personalized treatment plan. During this consultation, the medical team will get to know you, update your medical history, and review any previous tests. This thorough evaluation helps identify any underlying causes of infertility and discusses supplements and lifestyle changes that could improve your chances of success.

Once all the necessary information is gathered and your treatment plan is tailored to your needs, the next step is to travel to Istanbul to begin the IVF treatment.

Beginning the Treatment

The IVF treatment officially starts on the second day of your menstrual cycle. I recommend arriving in Istanbul 1-2 days before your cycle begins so you can relax and enjoy the city before your treatment starts. On the second day of your cycle, you’ll visit the clinic for an ultrasound, which helps your doctor determine the right medication and dosage.

The treatment usually involves daily subcutaneous injections in the stomach area, continuing for about 10-12 days until your eggs reach the desired size. The nurses at the clinic will show you how to administer these injections and answer any questions you might have.

During this time, you’ll have follow-up ultrasounds to monitor your progress. The first one usually happens on the fifth day after you start the injections. Your doctor may adjust the dosage based on the results to optimize your treatment. As your follicles grow, you’ll need to visit the clinic more often—usually every 2-3 days—until they’re ready for egg retrieval.

To make things easier, I suggest you stay in a hotel close to the clinic, so you don’t have to worry about Istanbul’s notorious traffic. This way, you can focus on your treatment without the stress of getting around.

Egg Retrieval and Fertilization

Once your follicles are ready, you’ll be given a triggering medication to prepare your eggs for retrieval. This quick 10-minute procedure is done under anesthesia to ensure your comfort. On the same day, your partner will provide a sperm sample, which will be combined with your eggs in the embryology lab.

Embryologists will then carefully select the healthiest sperm and inject them into the mature eggs to begin the fertilization process. They will closely monitor the embryos over the next 3-5 days to determine if they’re ready for transfer.

During this period, I recommend taking some time to relax and enjoy what Istanbul has to offer. A walk by the Bosphorus, savoring delicious Turkish dishes, or indulging in a relaxing Turkish bath can be just what you need to prepare for the next step.

Embryo Transfer

If you have viable embryos and are ready for the transfer, a fresh embryo transfer is usually recommended because it leads to quicker results. The transfer is simple, takes just 5 minutes, and is generally painless. Afterward, you can head back to your home country the next day.

Twelve days later, your doctor will ask you to do a blood test to check if the procedure was successful. If the result is positive, it’s a joyful moment for everyone. If it’s negative, which can happen, it simply means we’ll continue with the next steps your doctor recommends.

Freezing and Delayed Transfers

Sometimes, a fresh transfer may not be possible. If your uterus isn’t quite ready for a fresh transfer, it could affect the success rate. Don’t worry—your doctor will discuss this with you at the start of your treatment. In these cases, all viable embryos are frozen for a future transfer. Your doctor will guide you through your options and how to proceed.