Patient guide
IVF
In vitro fertilisation combines eggs and sperm in a laboratory; embryos are transferred to the uterus after culture.
What this guide covers: This guide covers candidacy, what happens during treatment, recovery timelines, red flags, and questions to ask before you travel.
Browse Gynaecology providersQuick facts
- Typical stay
- 2–3 weeks (one cycle)
- Anaesthesia
- Sedation for retrieval
- Embryo transfer
- Day 3 or Day 5
Last reviewed: June 2026
Overview
What is ivf?
IVF is a multi-step fertility treatment involving ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, embryo culture, and transfer. International patients choose Turkey for competitive pricing and experienced embryology labs, but success rates vary by age, ovarian reserve, and laboratory quality. Treatment should be delivered in licensed fertility centres with clear counselling on multiples, freeze-all cycles, and genetic testing options.
Directory
Compare licensed hospitals, clinics, and practices in Turkey that list ivf among their treatments.
Candidacy
Who is it for?
Couples with tubal factor infertility, male factor issues, or unexplained infertility
Patients where simpler treatments such as IUI have not succeeded
Those using donor eggs or sperm where permitted and ethically managed
Women with diminished reserve considering freeze-all or donor pathways
Treatment day
What happens
Baseline assessment
Hormone tests, ultrasound antral follicle count, semen analysis, and infection screening establish protocol and drug dosing.
Stimulation and monitoring
Daily or alternate-day injections stimulate multiple follicles. Scan and blood tests adjust doses to reduce hyperstimulation risk.
Egg retrieval and fertilisation
Eggs are collected under sedation. Partner or donor sperm fertilises eggs via standard IVF or ICSI. Embryos are cultured 3–5 days.
Embryo transfer
Selected embryo(s) are transferred to the uterus. Luteal support continues. Remaining viable embryos may be vitrified.
After treatment
Recovery timeline
Day of retrieval
Cramping and bloating common. Rest same day; avoid driving after sedation.
Next: Days 2–5Days 2–5
Bloating may peak. Watch for severe pain or rapid weight gain — OHSS warning signs.
Next: Two-week waitTwo-week wait
Pregnancy test timed per clinic. Continue prescribed support until instructed.
Next: If positiveIf positive
Early scan at 6–7 weeks confirms intrauterine pregnancy; continue local obstetric care.
Warning signs
Risks and red flags
These are warning signs that should give you pause — or cause you to walk away entirely. No reputable provider will object to being asked these questions.
Clinics quoting success rates without age stratification
High-order multiple embryo transfer against current best practice
No counselling on ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Opaque donor screening or identity-disclosure policies
Before you commit
Questions to ask
- What is your live birth rate for my age group, not generic clinic rates?
- How many embryos will you recommend transferring?
- Is ICSI included, and when is it medically indicated?
- What happens to frozen embryos and what are annual storage fees?
Next steps
Research providers with confidence
This guide is for general information only and does not replace advice from a qualified clinician. Use our rankings and directory to compare licensed organisations before you commit.
Ready to research IVF providers?
Use our independent rankings and directory to compare licensed organisations — or read our selection guide before you decide.