Infertility affects the reproductive system. It is a disease that disrupts the body’s ability to reproduce. Infertility can be from the man or the woman, but some causes of infertility can be unexplained. Infertility can be treated with drugs or surgical repair. For couples with infertility issues, such as women with blocked or absent fallopian tubes, or men with low sperm count, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) offers a chance of planned parenthood. Here we explore everything you need to know about IVF and Fertility treatment in Istanbul Turkey, things to consider, best doctors and clinics, cost.
The IVF procedure
In vitro fertilization or assisted reproductive technology, uses the combination of medicine and surgical procedures to help fertilize an egg. This fertilized egg is then implanted into your uterus or womb.
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The steps involved in the IVF process
You start by taking fertility medication for some months so that your ovaries produce eggs that are mature and can be fertilized. This process is ovulation induction. Your doctor will recommend regular ultrasounds or blood tests to measure your hormone levels and keep track of your eggs.
Egg retrieval:
When your ovaries have produced enough eggs, your doctor removes the eggs from your body. This is a minor surgical experience and you will be given pain medications. The eggs will be retrieved via the transvaginal ultrasound aspiration or an abdominal ultrasound if the ovaries aren’t accessible via the former.
The eggs are then placed in a nutritive liquid and incubated. The healthy ones are mixed with sperm for fertilization, to create an embryo, although not all the eggs can be fertilized.
Sperm retrieval:
The semen sample will be made available on the morning of the egg retrieval, this is usually done with masturbation. But there are other ways to get semen. Testicular aspiration, where the doctor uses a needle or a surgical procedure to get the sperm directly from the testicles, then the sperm will be separated from the fluid in the lab.
Fertilization:
There are 2 ways fertilization can happen:
- Conventional insemination: the healthy eggs and mature eggs are mixed and incubated overnight.
- Intracytoplasmic here a single healthy sperm is directly injected into each mature egg. This option is best when there are semen problems or IVF has failed before.
Embryo transfer:
This is done at your doctor’s office. About 2 to 5 days after egg retrieval. You will be given a sedative, although it is not a painful procedure you might experience mild cramping.
Your doctor will put a long thin and flexible tube or catheter into your uterus via your cervix. A syringe with one or more embryos is suspended in a small fluid and is attached to the end of the catheter. Using a syringe your doctor will place the embryo or embryos into your uterus.
If the process is successful, implantation will occur 6 to 10 days after egg retrieval.
Why is an IVF done?
- IVF is a choice when you have fertility issues or some genetic disorders.
- Ovulation disorders: if you are not ovulating, or it is not consistent, it becomes difficult to have eggs that will be available for fertilization.
- Fallopian tube blockage or damage: with a damaged or blocked fallopian tube, it becomes difficult to fertilize the egg or for the embryo to get to the uterus
- Endometriosis: with endometriosis, the tissue of the uterus gets implanted outside of it and grows outside, and affects the function of the ovaries, uterus, and Fallopian tubes.
- Impaired sperm functioning or production: when the sperm concentration is low, or it has low motility or
How to prepare for IVF
Before you and your partner start your IVF you will need to run some tests:
- Semen analysis: you need to get a semen analysis before the procedure so that your doctor can have a full workup of your body’s functioning.
- Ovarian reserve testing: your doctor will test the concentration of the follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, and the anti-Mullerian hormone in your blood to know the quantity and quality of your eggs.
- Infectious disease screening: you and your partner will have to be tested for certain infectious diseases like HIV.
- Uterine exam: your doctor will need to examine the inside lining of your uterus before the process starts to know the depth and the appropriate technique to use and put the embryo into your uterus.
What to expect with an IVF
After the procedure
- After the embryo transfer, you can easily resume your daily activities, but because your ovaries may still be enlarged, it will be best to avoid strenuous activities
- After the procedure, you may pass a small amount of bloody or clear fluids.
- You may experience mild cramping and constipation
- You may experience breast tenderness because of the increased levels of estrogen
- If you experience pain after the transfer, you will need to talk to your doctor to evaluate you for any complications
Results
After about 12 days to 2 weeks post the egg retrieval, your doctor will test a sample of your blood to know if you are pregnant.
If the test is positive, and you are pregnant, you will be referred to your obstetrician to continue your pregnancy journey and management.
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If you are not pregnant, your doctor will discontinue the progesterone and your period may come back after a week.
You can decide to start another round of IVF to get pregnant.
IVF and Fertility Treatment in Turkey
If you decide to have your IVF and Fertility Treatment in Turkey, you’ll find out it’s a great idea. Turkey is one of the best places to have any surgery and medical treatment done, and it is cost-effective and affordable for everyone.
Why is Turkey a Popular Destination for IVF and Fertility Treatment?
Turkey is an exceptionally popular destination for medical tourism for a variety of reasons! First, the country has a long history of medical excellence. In fact, many of the world’s most renowned cosmetic medical schools are located in Turkey. This means that there are plenty of experienced medical professionals to provide high-quality care.
Second, Turkey is a relatively affordable destination for medical tourism. The costs of medical procedures and treatments are often much lower than in other countries, such as the EU or US. This makes it an attractive option for people who want to receive quality care without spending a fortune.
Finally, Turkey is a beautiful country with plenty to explore and discover. After receiving treatment, many medical tourists take advantage of the opportunity to explore all that the country has to offer. From its stunning coastline to its vibrant cities, Turkey is an unforgettable destination!
Istanbul can be considered as the best city to have a IVF and Fertility Treatment in Turkey. And then comes the other cities such as Ankara, Antalya, and Izmir.