Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer — Obstetrics & Gynaecology, IVF. Member of ESHRE, ÜTCD and TJOD. Last updated: 2026-06-29.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is an assisted reproduction treatment in which an egg taken from the woman and sperm taken from the man are fertilised in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is then placed into the prospective mother's uterus. The whole process takes about 4–6 weeks on average and is planned individually for each person. In this guide we explain, in evidence-based terms, what IVF is, who it is suitable for, how it is performed step by step, how long it takes, what the success rates are, and the possible risks.
What is IVF?
IVF is a treatment method in which the egg and sperm are brought together and fertilised outside the body, under controlled laboratory conditions. The term "in vitro" (in glass / in the laboratory) describes the fact that fertilisation takes place in the embryology laboratory rather than inside the mother's body. The embryo that develops after fertilisation is observed in the laboratory for a few days and, at the appropriate stage, transferred into the uterus with a thin catheter. IVF is the most widely performed assisted reproduction treatment in the world, with the largest body of scientific evidence, and is used for many causes of infertility related to either the woman or the man.
What is Infertility, and Who is IVF For?
Infertility is the failure to achieve pregnancy within one year of regular, unprotected intercourse (six months in women over 35). About one third of infertility is due to the woman, about one third to the man, and in the remaining cases the cause involves both partners or cannot be explained.
H3: Female-related causes
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders (e.g. PCOS), endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve, and problems arising from the uterus or fibroids.
H3: Male-related causes
Low sperm count or motility, abnormalities in sperm structure, and azoospermia (no sperm in the semen).
H3: Unexplained infertility
When all tests are normal yet pregnancy does not occur.
After a medical evaluation, IVF is generally recommended in situations such as:
- Blocked or surgically removed fallopian tubes
- Moderate-to-severe male-factor infertility (most often with ICSI / intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
- No success with ovulation treatment or intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Advanced female age or diminished ovarian reserve
- Endometriosis and unexplained infertility
Whether IVF is right for you is a decision made together with your doctor, taking into account your history, your tests and your goals.
Before IVF Treatment: Which Tests Are Done?
Before treatment, the couple's situation is assessed in detail: hormone tests (AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol), evaluation of ovarian reserve and the uterus by ultrasound, semen analysis (spermiogram) for the man, and — when considered necessary — a uterine imaging study/hysteroscopy and genetic/infection screening. This evaluation allows the treatment protocol to be planned individually for each person.
How is IVF Treatment Done? The Stages (Step by Step)
IVF is a step-by-step process. Each step is planned around your individual situation following a medical assessment.
H3: 1. Ovarian Stimulation (Ovulation Induction)
Daily hormone injections stimulate the ovaries to develop a larger number of mature eggs. During this period, egg development is closely monitored with ultrasound and hormone (blood) tests (~8–14 days).
H3: 2. Trigger Injection and Egg Retrieval (OPU)
Once the eggs are mature, a "trigger injection" is given; about 36 hours later the eggs are collected under light sedation/anaesthesia, guided by ultrasound, using a fine needle (a short procedure of ~15–20 minutes).
H3: 3. Sperm Preparation and Fertilisation
The sperm sample obtained the same day is prepared in the laboratory. Fertilisation is achieved either by conventional IVF (placing the egg and sperm together) or by ICSI / intracytoplasmic sperm injection (injecting a single sperm directly into the egg). (For details, see our ICSI guide → /en/ICSI/)
H3: 4. Embryo Development (Laboratory Culture)
The fertilised eggs are observed in the embryology laboratory for 3–5 days; their division and quality are assessed (blastocyst stage = day 5–6).
H3: 5. Embryo Transfer
The highest-quality embryo is placed into the uterus with a thin catheter, usually without the need for anaesthesia. To reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy, single-embryo transfer is today's modern standard. Remaining good-quality embryos can be frozen (frozen embryo transfer, FET) and used in later transfers. (See our egg & embryo freezing guide → /en/egg-freezing/)
H3: 6. The Wait and the Pregnancy Test
About 10–14 days after transfer, pregnancy is assessed with a blood test (beta-hCG).
How Many Days/Weeks Does IVF Treatment Take?
| Stage | Approximate duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation and tests | ~1 week |
| Ovarian stimulation | 8–14 days |
| Egg retrieval and fertilisation | 1–2 days |
| Embryo development and transfer | 3–5 days |
| The wait and pregnancy test | 10–14 days |
| Total (approximate) | 4–6 weeks |
Your personalised timeline is explained at your first consultation.
The Difference Between Conventional IVF and ICSI (Microinjection)
In conventional IVF, a large number of prepared sperm are placed next to the egg and fertilisation is left to happen on its own. ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), on the other hand, is the injection of a single healthy sperm directly into the egg under the microscope; it is preferred particularly in male-factor infertility. ICSI is not "superior" to IVF in every case — the choice of method is determined individually, based on sperm parameters and any previous fertilisation history. (Details: our ICSI guide → /en/ICSI/)
Medications Used in IVF Treatment
The main groups of medication used in treatment are:
- Gonadotropins (FSH/LH): stimulate the ovaries to develop a large number of eggs.
- GnRH agonists/antagonists: prevent early (premature) ovulation.
- Trigger injection (hCG or GnRH agonist): final maturation of the eggs before retrieval.
- Progesterone: supports the lining of the uterus (endometrium) after transfer.
The type of medication, the dose and the protocol (antagonist, long/short protocol, etc.) are adjusted individually according to the patient's age, ovarian reserve and previous response. The medications are short-term injections, given under a doctor's supervision and usually administered at home.
IVF Success Rates — by Age and According to International Data
We do not publish invented clinic-specific percentages. Instead, so that you can form realistic expectations, we share the success rates reported by major international registries. Our clinical approach follows international (ESHRE) standards, and our outcomes are consistent with these published, age-based figures.
Age is the single most important factor in IVF success. Two honest points to understand:
- Per embryo transfer (one transfer): in the UK (HFEA, 2024) the average live-birth rate per embryo transferred was 30%, ranging from 38% at ages 18–34 down to 8% at ages 43–44.¹ Across Europe (ESHRE/EIM, 2022 data), the pregnancy rate per transfer was reported at about 33% for IVF and 33% for ICSI, and 37% for frozen transfers.²
- Cumulative, per patient (with own eggs, combining repeated cycles): US registry data (SART/CDC) report this rate at roughly 69% under 35, 59% at 35–37, 43% at 38–40, 24% at 41–42, and 8% at 43 and over.³
Transparency note: the "per transfer" rate and the "cumulative" rate are different things; presenting a single percentage without context is misleading. These are population data from large registries; they are not a promise about an individual outcome. Your own chance depends on age, egg/sperm quality, diagnosis and other factors — your doctor will give you a realistic estimate for your own situation.
Sources: ¹ HFEA, Fertility treatment 2024: trends and figures. ² ESHRE/EIM, ART in Europe (2022 data). ³ SART/CDC US ART registry. Links in the "References" section below.
Factors Affecting IVF Success
The woman's age and ovarian reserve, sperm quality, embryo quality, the health of the uterus and endometrium, the duration/cause of infertility, lifestyle (smoking, weight, alcohol) and the protocol/laboratory quality applied all affect success. Stopping smoking and reaching a healthy weight are important factors that support success and that the patient can change.
Risks and Side Effects of IVF Treatment (absent from competitor pages — our trust advantage)
IVF is generally a safe treatment; even so, there are possible risks that you should be aware of:
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): over-stimulation of the ovaries; the risk has been clearly reduced by modern antagonist protocols and close monitoring.
- Multiple pregnancy: the risk of twins/triplets when more than one embryo is transferred — single-embryo transfer minimises this risk.
- Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy: can occur with low probability; managed with early follow-up.
- Rare bleeding/infection related to egg retrieval, temporary bloating/tenderness from the injections, and temporary mood changes due to hormonal fluctuation.
These risks are kept low with an experienced team and an individualised protocol; any symptom should be reported to your doctor.
What to Watch For After Embryo Transfer
After transfer, it is advised to avoid heavy exercise and excessive tiredness, to use the progesterone support recommended by your doctor regularly, and to have a calm period until the pregnancy test. Bed rest is not required; daily life can usually continue. In the event of bleeding, severe pain or excessive bloating, you should contact the centre.
The IVF Process at UCARER Women's Health
At UCARER Women's Health (Bahçeşehir, Istanbul), the IVF process is planned individually and transparently, from the first evaluation to the pregnancy test.
- First consultation (in person or online) — review of your history and any previous treatments.
- Personalised plan — tests, protocol and timeline explained clearly.
- Treatment in Istanbul — the surgical and laboratory steps are performed within the Acıbadem hospital network with which we collaborate (an internationally recognised, JCI-accredited group — we work in collaboration with Acıbadem; UCARER does not claim its own JCI accreditation).
- Multilingual support — English, Turkish, German, French, Arabic, Russian and Persian.
Op. Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer is a member of ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology), ÜTCD (Turkish Society of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery) and TJOD (Turkish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology). Our clinic holds the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health International Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate.
IVF Add-Ons (PGT, IMSI, Assisted Hatching, ERA) — When Are They Useful?
Add-ons are extra techniques that are used not routinely, but only when there is a clinical indication. Examples: PGT for genetic screening; IMSI/PICSI for advanced sperm selection; assisted hatching; and ERA for repeated implantation failure. Your doctor recommends an add-on only when the evidence shows it may offer you a specific benefit — so that expensive or unnecessary procedures are avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is IVF treatment painful?
The injections are fine and short-lived; egg retrieval is done under light sedation/anaesthesia, and the embryo transfer is usually painless.
2. How many attempts does IVF take to succeed?
It varies from person to person; in younger couples the cumulative chance over several attempts is higher than with a single attempt. It is not correct to give a single guaranteed figure (see the success rates section above).
3. Is one embryo transferred, or more than one?
To reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy, single-embryo transfer is today's modern standard. The decision is made together with your doctor.
4. What is the difference between IVF and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)?
In standard IVF, the egg and sperm are brought together and fertilisation happens on its own. In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg — most often used in male-factor infertility.
5. Does success depend on age?
Yes — age is the most important factor. As a woman's age increases, the number/quality of eggs declines and success falls; this is why early evaluation is important.
6. How long does one IVF cycle take?
From the start of ovarian stimulation to the pregnancy test, a typical cycle takes about 4–6 weeks.
7. Is bed rest essential after transfer?
No; daily life can usually continue, while heavy activity is avoided.
8. Can frozen embryos be used?
Yes; good-quality embryos can be frozen (FET) and used in later transfers.
9. Can I have a consultation before coming to Istanbul?
Yes. We offer an initial online consultation in your own language before you travel.
References
- HFEA — Fertility treatment 2024: trends and figures. https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2024-trends-and-figures
- ESHRE / European IVF Monitoring (EIM) — ART in Europe (2022 data). https://www.focusonreproduction.eu/press-releases/ivf-and-iui-pregnancy-rates-remain-stable-across-europedespite-an-increasing-uptake-of-single-embryo-transfer/
- SART / CDC — US ART national summary (cumulative live-birth by age).
Written for UCARER Women's Health. Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer — member of ÜTCD, TJOD and ESHRE. Last reviewed: 2026-06-29. This page is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
