IVF Treatment Process
Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval
After the initial evaluation and treatment planning stages are completed, one of the most important steps in IVF treatment is ovarian stimulation. This phase aims to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple high-quality eggs. In a natural menstrual cycle, typically only one egg matures. However, in IVF treatment, the goal is to obtain several mature eggs in order to increase the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy.
During this stage, a personalized hormone treatment protocol is designed for the patient. The medications used are usually injectable hormones that stimulate the ovaries and promote the development of follicles. Follicles are small fluid-filled sacs within the ovaries that contain the eggs. Throughout the stimulation period, the patient undergoes regular ultrasound examinations and blood tests to monitor hormone levels. These evaluations allow the medical team to track the number, size, and development of the follicles and to adjust medication doses if necessary.
The ovarian stimulation phase generally lasts between 8 and 12 days, although the duration may vary from person to person. Factors such as the woman’s age, body weight, ovarian reserve (AMH level), previous treatment history, and overall hormonal status play a significant role in determining the medication protocol and dosage. For example, women of advanced reproductive age or those with diminished ovarian reserve may require different stimulation protocols compared to younger women with a higher ovarian reserve.
Strict adherence to the medication schedule is extremely important during this phase. Taking injections at the correct time and in the correct dosage directly influences the success of the treatment. Patients are also advised to avoid excessive physical activity, manage stress effectively, and maintain a balanced diet during this period.
Once the follicles reach the desired size, a final injection known as the “trigger shot” is administered. This hormone injection initiates the final maturation process of the eggs. Egg retrieval is then scheduled approximately 34–36 hours after the trigger injection.
Egg Retrieval Procedure
Egg retrieval (OPU – Oocyte Pick-Up) is the third stage of IVF treatment and is considered a minor surgical procedure. It is typically performed under light general anesthesia or sedation, ensuring that the patient does not experience pain or discomfort. The procedure usually takes about 15–20 minutes.
Using transvaginal ultrasound guidance, a thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall into the ovaries to aspirate the fluid inside the follicles. The follicular fluid, which contains the eggs, is immediately transferred to the embryology laboratory. There, specialized embryologists examine the fluid under a microscope to identify and isolate the mature eggs.
On the same day as egg retrieval, the male partner provides a semen sample. For optimal sperm quality, a period of 3–4 days of sexual abstinence is recommended before the procedure. In cases where sperm is not present in the semen (azoospermia), surgical sperm retrieval techniques may be required.
After the eggs and sperm are collected, the fertilization stage begins in the laboratory. Two main fertilization methods may be used:
- Conventional IVF: Eggs and sperm are placed together in a culture medium, allowing fertilization to occur naturally.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm cell is directly injected into the egg under a microscope. This method is particularly preferred in cases of low sperm count or poor sperm quality.
Following fertilization, the resulting embryos are cultured in specialized incubators under carefully controlled laboratory conditions. Embryo development is monitored for 2 to 6 days. The highest-quality embryos are selected for transfer.
After the egg retrieval procedure, patients are usually discharged on the same day. Mild pelvic discomfort or light spotting may occur but typically resolves within a short time. Patients are advised to follow their doctor’s instructions and avoid strenuous physical activities during recovery.
The ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval phase is one of the most critical components of IVF treatment. The number and quality of the eggs obtained directly influence embryo development and, ultimately, the likelihood of achieving pregnancy. For this reason, careful monitoring by an experienced medical team and high-quality laboratory conditions are essential factors in maximizing treatment success.