What Is IVF? How Is IVF Treatment Done?

IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is an assisted reproductive treatment based on bringing egg and sperm cells together outside the body, in a laboratory setting, and placing the resulting embryo into the mother-to-be's uterus. For many couples who cannot conceive naturally, it is scientifically the most effective option available.

This content was prepared under the medical supervision of Op. Dr. Armağan Ulubaş.

What Is IVF?

Under normal conditions, fertilisation takes place when the egg meets the sperm in the fallopian tubes. If the tubes are blocked, if sperm count or motility is insufficient, or if this meeting cannot happen for other reasons, fertilisation is moved to the laboratory. The embryologist fertilises the mature eggs with sperm under a microscope; the developing embryos are monitored for a few days in specialised devices, and the healthiest embryo is then transferred to the uterus. In other words, the name "IVF" comes not from the baby growing in a tube but from fertilisation taking place in a laboratory dish; the rest of the pregnancy progresses no differently from a natural one.

Today, most centres prefer the ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) method over classic IVF: a single sperm is placed directly inside the egg with the help of a fine needle. This method markedly increases the chance of fertilisation, especially in cases of male-factor infertility. You can find plain-language explanations of these and similar terms in our IVF glossary.

Who Is IVF Treatment For?

IVF is one of the options considered when pregnancy does not occur despite one year (six months in women over 35) of regular, unprotected intercourse. The main reasons it is used include:

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Male factor linked to sperm count, motility or shape abnormalities
• Advanced maternal age and diminished ovarian reserve
• Endometriosis (chocolate cysts) and ovulation disorders
• Unexplained infertility
• Simpler treatments such as insemination not producing results

The Stages of IVF Treatment

IVF treatment consists of five core stages that follow one another, each carefully planned. The whole process usually fits within a single menstrual cycle.

1. Assessment and treatment plan: The couple's situation is evaluated with hormone tests — particularly AMH, which reflects ovarian reserve — along with ultrasound and semen analysis; a personalised medication protocol is then determined.

2. Ovarian stimulation: With hormone injections that begin on the second or third day of menstruation, several eggs are encouraged to develop that month instead of just one. During this period, follicle development is closely monitored with ultrasound and blood tests; the process takes an average of 8-12 days.

3. Egg collection (OPU): Once the eggs reach sufficient maturity, a trigger injection is given and, roughly 34-36 hours later, the eggs are collected under light anaesthesia and ultrasound guidance. The procedure takes 15-20 minutes; a sperm sample is also provided on the same day.

4. Fertilisation and embryo monitoring: The eggs are fertilised in the laboratory using the ICSI method. At Clavis, embryos are monitored continuously in MINC+ benchtop incubators that mimic the mother's womb, together with embryoscopy (time-lapse imaging); this way, the embryo that develops most healthily can be selected without ever being taken out of the cabinet.

5. Embryo transfer: Generally 3-5 days after fertilisation, the highest-quality embryo is placed into the uterus with a fine catheter. The procedure is painless and requires no anaesthesia. A blood pregnancy test is carried out about 10-12 days after the transfer. Good-quality surplus embryos can be frozen by vitrification for future use.

How Do You Prepare for Treatment?

Small changes made in the period before treatment can have a positive effect on both egg and sperm quality. Giving up smoking and alcohol, regular sleep, a balanced diet and folic acid support are the most commonly given recommendations. As excess weight or marked thinness can affect hormone balance, moving closer to an ideal weight is important before treatment. Sharing all medications and supplements you use with your doctor, and checking values such as thyroid and vitamin D, are also part of preparation. Stress management is a topic that should not be underestimated; taking psychological support when needed to ease the emotional weight of the process is entirely natural.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

The active part of treatment is completed within one menstrual cycle. For guests treated at our centre in Cyprus, a significant part of the medication can be planned in the city where they live; the time that needs to be spent on the island is in most cases limited to 5-7 days. This allows treatment to be organised in a way that has the least possible impact on work and daily life.

Factors That Affect Success

The most important factor determining the outcome in IVF is the woman's age and egg quality. Alongside this, ovarian reserve, sperm parameters, embryo quality, the state of the uterine lining (endometrium) and the laboratory's technological infrastructure directly affect success. In cases where egg quality has declined significantly, options such as egg donation can raise pregnancy rates to levels of up to 90%. Because every couple's situation is different, realistic expectations can only be set through an individual assessment; no definite outcome can be promised in advance for any treatment.

At Clavis IVF Center, with our more than 23 years of experience and a team that has accompanied the journeys of more than 45,000 families to date, we plan every treatment with the same care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IVF treatment painful?
Because egg collection is performed under light anaesthesia, no pain is felt; the injections come in the form of fine-tipped pens and are comfortably tolerated by most patients.

How many times can IVF be tried?
There is no medical upper limit; however, the treatment plan is reviewed after each attempt and, if needed, the protocol, method or options are updated.

Is there a difference between frozen and fresh embryos?
Embryos frozen with the modern vitrification technique thaw with a survival rate of up to 99%; today, frozen embryo transfers give results similar to fresh transfers.