International Patient Services

IVF Process for Patients Coming from Abroad

As İRENBE Women’s Health and IVF Center, we aim to plan the treatment process of our patients coming from abroad in advance and manage their stay in İzmir in the most efficient way.

The medical files of our patients who apply for IVF, infertility evaluation and necessary gynecological procedures are reviewed in advance, and a personalized treatment plan is prepared.

1. Preliminary Evaluation

Before starting the treatment process, our patients are asked to share their current medical information and previous test results with us.

The information evaluated at this stage includes:

• Medical history of both the woman and the man
• Previous treatments
• Previous IVF attempts
• Surgical history
• Laboratory results
• Ultrasound, HSG and other imaging results
• Spermiogram result

The shared information is compiled into a file and reviewed by the relevant physician. If necessary, an online consultation may be planned with the patient or the patient’s physician in their own country.

During this consultation, suitability for treatment, missing tests, estimated treatment duration and the appropriate time to travel to İzmir are evaluated.

2. Preparations That Can Be Done in Your Own Country

In order to reduce the length of stay in İzmir and begin treatment more quickly, some tests may be recommended to be performed in the patient’s own country.

Although it may vary depending on the patient, the requested tests may include:

For women:

• Complete blood count
• Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c
• Liver and kidney function tests
• TSH
• AMH
• FSH, E2
• Vitamin D, B12, folate, iron, ferritin
• HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV
• Rubella IgG, Toxo IgG, CMV IgG
• HSG / uterine film if necessary
• Genetic tests when required

For men:

• Spermiogram
• HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV, VDRL
• Hormone tests if necessary
• Urology examination and genetic tests when required

3. First Evaluation at Our Center

The first appointment is usually scheduled on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th day of the female patient’s menstrual period.

During the first evaluation:

For the female patient:

• Gynecological examination
• Ultrasonographic evaluation
• Necessary hormone tests

For the male patient:

• Spermiogram
• Evaluation by a Urology Specialist if necessary

All results are evaluated together by the physician, and a personalized treatment protocol is created.

The treatment plan is prepared by considering the patient’s age, ovarian reserve, body mass index, smoking status, previous treatment history, sperm condition and PGT plan if required.

If there is no condition preventing treatment from starting, the process is initiated with ovarian stimulation medications. Medication sales are not available at our center. The use and application method of the medications are explained to the patient by our nurses.

4. Treatment and Follow-up Process

Ovarian stimulation treatment takes an average of 10–12 days. During this period, the patient is usually called for 3–4 follow-up visits.

During the follow-ups:

• Egg development is monitored by ultrasound

• Hormone tests are performed when necessary

• The treatment is planned to proceed at the most appropriate time

When the eggs reach the desired maturity, a trigger injection is administered. Egg retrieval is performed approximately 34–36 hours after this injection.

5. Egg Retrieval and Sperm Sample

Egg retrieval is performed vaginally under intravenous anesthesia and ultrasound guidance. During the procedure, the eggs are evaluated in the laboratory environment by the embryology team.

A sperm sample is taken from the male patient on the same day, usually after 3–6 days of sexual abstinence. In patients with severe male factor infertility, sperm retrieval procedures such as TESE, Micro TESE, TESA or PESA may be planned if necessary.

6. Embryo Development

After the egg and sperm are combined in the laboratory environment, the embryos are monitored in special incubators.

Embryo development is evaluated daily by our embryology laboratory. The transfer day is determined according to embryo quality, the patient’s medical condition and the physician’s recommendation.

7. Embryo Transfer Options

Two different transfer options may be applied in IVF treatment:

Fresh Embryo Transfer

This is the placement of embryos into the uterus within the same treatment cycle. In patients planned for fresh transfer, the length of stay in İzmir is usually approximately 20–21 days.

Embryo transfer is generally painless, does not require anesthesia and is performed similarly to an examination. Unless there is a special condition, it is performed under ultrasound guidance with the bladder slightly full.

Frozen Embryo Transfer

This is the freezing and storage of embryos and transferring them later at the appropriate time.

If a polyp, fibroid or another condition that may affect transfer is detected inside the uterus, frozen embryo transfer may be planned after the necessary treatment or minor surgical procedure.

Suitable remaining embryos after transfer may be frozen and stored at our center in accordance with the couple’s written consent and legal procedures.

Note: It is a legal requirement for both spouses to be present at the center together on the embryo transfer day.

8. Pregnancy Test

After embryo transfer, a blood pregnancy test, namely beta-hCG, is usually performed on the 10th or 12th day.

The patient must continue using the prescribed medications as recommended until the test day.

In patients with a positive pregnancy test, beta-hCG is repeated a few days later to evaluate whether the pregnancy is progressing healthily. In patients with an appropriate increase, an ultrasound check is planned on the scheduled date.

9. Documents Required for Registration

The following documents are requested from our patients coming from abroad for registration and legal filing procedures:

• Passport / identity card copies of both the woman and the man
• One passport-size photograph of both the woman and the man
• A Turkish-translated copy of the official document showing that the couple is married
• Previous test and treatment results

10. Procedures Performed at Our Center

The main procedures performed at İRENBE in the field of IVF and infertility include:

• IVF / In Vitro Fertilization
• Microinjection / ICSI
• Insemination / IUI
• Ovulation treatments and follow-ups
• Mini IVF treatments
• Sperm evaluation and sperm washing
• Sperm selection with the microchip method
• Fresh and frozen embryo transfer
• Embryo freezing and thawing
• Egg freezing and thawing
• Sperm freezing
• PGT / Preimplantation Genetic Testing
• Assisted Hatching
• Embryo Glue
• Sperm retrieval methods such as TESE, Micro TESE, TESA and PESA

International Patient Services

With personalized diagnosis and treatment processes, we provide reliable and qualified support in all areas of our healthcare services.