What is IVF?

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a medical procedure used to help people with fertility problems have a baby. IVF is used for various reasons, including blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, ovulation disorders, unexplained infertility, or genetic conditions. ICSI (İntracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a specialized form of IVF used primarily to treat male infertility. It involves injecting a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of an egg using a very fine needle. We are happy to inform you that ICSI is applied a with no additional costs in our clinic for every IVF treatment.

What can cause fertility problems?

Fertility problems can affect both men and women for a number of reasons. The following are some common causes of infertility problems: 

  • Age : Women become less fertile as they get older because they produce fewer, lower-quality eggs. Men may become less fertile as they age similarly and at different age groups.
  • Ovulation Disorders : Women who experience irregular or nonexistent ovulation may find it challenging to conceive, and therefore IVF can be recommended.
  • Endometriosis : A disease that might result in infertility in which the tissue that normally borders the uterus develops outside of it.
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) : Is a hormonal disorder that can affect a woman's ovulation and fertility. Our PCOS Specialized Medical Protocol can help patients dealing with this issue to maximize their chances of success.
  • Damage or blockage of the fallopian tubes may impede conception or halt the fertilized egg's implantation.
  • A man's capacity to create enough sperm to reach and fertilize an egg may be hampered by low sperm count or poor sperm motility and/or morphology.
  • Sexual dysfunction: Problems with the timing of relationships or sexual chemistry may contribute to infertility.
  • Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, being overweight, and exposure to environmental contaminants can all cause infertility issues for both men and women.

What is ICSI?

A new laboratory technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can help couples overcome male factor infertility when combined with in vitro fertilization (IVF). In order to stimulate fertilization, ICSI entails injecting a single sperm straight into the egg.

When there is a low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or other sperm abnormalities that make it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg on their own, ICSI is frequently used. Infertility that cannot be explained or situations where IVF has failed can also be treated with ICSI. which is why at our clinic is ICSI is the standard method of fertilization for all types of our IVF services.

ICSI may be recommended in cases of:

  • Severe male factor infertility
  • Previous failed fertilization attempts with standard IVF
  • Genetic disorders

Understanding ICSI

The fertilization procedure used in ICSI is different from that of conventional IVF. Instead of allowing the sperm to fertilize the egg naturally by insemination, a single sperm is directly injected into the egg. Since this approach does not include natural fertilization, it is typically advised when it is not possible to induce a lack of sperm motility or quantity.

The ICSI procedure involves the following steps:

  • Egg retrieval and preparation
  • Sperm preparation and selection
  • Injection of a single sperm into each mature egg
  • Monitoring of fertilization
  • Embryo culture and transfer

When is IVF/ICSI Recommended?

When all other alternatives for therapy with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or fertility medications have been exhausted, IVF and ICSI are typically recommended. These cutting-edge treatments might also be the initial line of treatment for a number of fertility problems, including advanced maternal age, male factor infertility, or specific genetic disorders.

Understanding the IVF Process

The IVF process involves several key steps:

Consultation

Next, the patient goes to the fertility specialist for their first visit. At this visit, the clinician will discuss your medical history and perform required tests and create an individual treatment plan.

Ovulation Induction

The woman will be treated with ovulation drugs to induce multiple oocytes to mature. This is known as controlled ovarian stimulation.

Egg Retrieval

Once the yolks are matured to the maximum, the yolks are extracted from the ovary through a minimally invasive surgery. This is typically performed under light sedation or anesthesia.

Embryo Development

Fertilized eggs/embryos are then in vitro cultured for days while they continue to grow before they reach the blastocyst stage.

Fertilization

In the laboratory the egg and sperm are mixed and their fertilisation is observed. During ICSI a single sperm is introduced in each mature oocyte.

Sperm Retrieval

If a partner's sperm is used, one sample will be taken prior to the egg collection process. Sperm can be collected directly from the testicle or epididymis in men with established fertility disorders through TESE/TESA.

Embryo Transfer

One or more embryos are then carried gently into the woman's uterus via a thin flexible catheter. This is a relatively simple and painless procedure.

Pregnancy Test

2 weeks (12 Days) after embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to confirm if IVF/ICSI treatment resulted in a successful pregnancy.

Success Rates and Factors Affecting Outcomes

The success rate for ICSI and IVF varies as well, for example.

  • Age: As people age, fertility decreases, especially in women. In general, younger women are more successful.

  • Sperm quality: Male infertiles who have fewer sperm or sperm motility or morphological issues may have a lower likelihood of a successful fertilization and the development of an embryo.

  • Egg quality: Female egg quality (quantity) plays an important part on the IVF/ICSI outcome.

  • Uterine factors: The likelihood of implantation and pregnancy may be decreased by involvement in conditions including fibroid uterus, polyps, and polypoid formation of the uterine wall.

  • Lifestyle factors: Stress, obesity, and smoking may potentially have an impact on IVF/ICSI success rates and fertility.

Conlusion

For many patients and couples at the infertility stage, IVF and ICSI have emerged as a game-changing treatment for infertile patients. Many patients with a variety of fertility issues can now become parents thanks to these advanced reproductive technologies. You may be able to start making better decisions and start a family and having children the way you have always desired by learning about the IVF and ICSI processes, the factors that contribute to success, and the common questions and doubts people have.

In case of planning an IVF or ICSI, we recommend that you book an appointment (HYPER LINK WHATSAPP) in our clinic. We, thanks to our experienced fertility specialists, will work with you to design the best possible treatment plan for your specific needs and increase your chance of a successful outcome.