Who is eligible for IVF treatment?

IVF Treatment is the process of fertilizing the prospective mother’s egg cells with sperm samples obtained from the prospective father outside the uterus, in a laboratory environment, and then placing the resulting embryos into the prospective mother’s uterus. Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy despite 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse in couples under the age of 35, and 6 months in couples aged 35 and older [1].

IVF treatment is a treatment that must be applied individually to each patient. Although the treatment processes are standard, additional procedures to be performed are decided according to the couple’s condition [2].

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IVF treatment can be applied for many causes of infertility, including endometriosis, male-factor infertility, and unexplained infertility. Early consultation significantly increases the chance of success.

What Is IVF Treatment?

IVF treatment is an assisted reproductive method applied to couples who are unable to have a child through sexual intercourse. Which method is suitable for the couple is decided according to the causes of infertility and the couple’s individual characteristics [1, 2]. The most appropriate option is selected among different techniques such as insemination (IUI), conventional IVF, microinjection (ICSI), embryo freezing, sperm freezing, or surgical methods.

Who Is IVF Applied To?

Suitable candidates for IVF treatment are [1, 2]:

• Couples under the age of 35 who are unable to achieve pregnancy despite 1 year of regular intercourse
• Couples aged 35 and older who are unable to achieve pregnancy despite 6 months of regular intercourse
• Couples over the age of 40, who may apply directly without a waiting period

In some cases, the couple should apply directly without completing the waiting period [1, 2, 3]:

• Ovulation problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Blocked fallopian tubes or removal of the tubes due to ectopic pregnancy, infection, or similar reasons
• Genetic causes (chromosomal abnormalities, carrier status)
• Lack of connection between the tubes and ovaries due to intra-abdominal adhesions
• Vaginismus and ejaculation problems
• No sperm found in semen analysis (azoospermia)
• Problems observed in the sperm ducts
• Unexplained infertility
• Endometriosis

For IVF candidacy and infertility evaluation, you can review our IVF page.

What Are the Stages of IVF Treatment?

IVF treatment is a 5-stage procedure [2, 3]:

1. Initial consultation

During the initial consultation, couples are informed about conditions that may cause infertility, and the necessary examinations and tests are performed to understand the nature of the problem. Previously performed analyses and treatments are evaluated, and the appropriate treatment method is determined.

2. Ovarian stimulation

On the 2nd or 3rd day of the menstrual period, the ovaries are evaluated by ultrasound. If necessary, hormone levels are examined and IVF treatment is started. Ovarian stimulation lasts 8–12 days [2].

3. Egg retrieval

When the eggs developed with hormonal medications reach the desired size, they are collected under anesthesia by follicular aspiration. The egg cells obtained from the woman are combined with sperm samples obtained from the prospective father to achieve fertilization.

4. Embryo transfer

The embryos are transferred into the prospective mother’s uterus. Embryo transfer is performed on the 3rd or 5th day after egg retrieval. It is a painless and short procedure; the embryos are placed into the uterus with a catheter under ultrasound guidance.

5. Testing phase

After embryo transfer, 12 days are waited and then a beta-HCG blood test is performed. If the test is positive, the gestational sac is checked 3 weeks later and the heartbeat is listened to. If the test is negative, the reasons for failure are evaluated and the process is started again [3].

For detailed information about the stages of IVF treatment, you can review our page on what are the stages of IVF treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

1. Showell, M. G., et al. (2023). In Vitro Fertilization. StatPearls — NCBI Bookshelf. NBK562266. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562266/)
2. American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). In Vitro Fertilization Treatment Journey. ReproductiveFacts.org. (https://www.reproductivefacts.org/patient-journeys/in-vitro-fertilization-treatment/)
3. Mouanness, M., et al. (2020). Cumulative Live-Birth Rates by Maternal Age after One or Multiple In Vitro Fertilization Cycles. PMC7139227. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7139227/)
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ART IVF Success Estimator & National Summary Report. (https://www.cdc.gov/art/ivf-success-estimator/index.html)