Indications and Contraindications for IVF
IVF may be recommended when other fertility treatments have been unsuccessful or are unlikely to produce the desired outcome.
Common Indications
- Tubal factor infertility
- Endometriosis
- Ovulation disorders
- Male-factor infertility
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- Immunological infertility
- Unexplained infertility
- Genetic conditions requiring assisted reproduction
Contraindications
IVF may not be appropriate for patients with:
- Severe uncontrolled systemic diseases
- Active cancer
- Acute infectious diseases
- Medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe
A reproductive specialist determines whether IVF is appropriate based on a comprehensive medical evaluation.
The IVF Process Step by Step
Although every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, a standard IVF cycle generally includes the following stages.
Initial Consultation and Assessment
The physician reviews the patient's medical history, previous test results, and reproductive health before recommending additional diagnostic investigations if necessary.
Ovarian Stimulation
Hormonal medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Throughout this stage, follicular development is carefully monitored using ultrasound examinations and laboratory testing.
Egg Retrieval
When the follicles reach the appropriate stage of development, mature eggs are collected through a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided procedure that typically takes 15–20 minutes.
Fertilization and Embryo Culture
The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm under laboratory conditions. When indicated, advanced techniques such as ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) may be used to improve fertilization outcomes.
The embryos are then cultured in specialized incubators under carefully controlled conditions for several days.
Embryo Transfer
Following embryo evaluation, one or more high-quality embryos are transferred into the uterus. The procedure is painless and usually does not require anesthesia.
Luteal Phase Support and Pregnancy Testing
After embryo transfer, hormonal medications support implantation and early pregnancy. Approximately 10–14 days later, a blood test measuring human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) confirms whether pregnancy has been achieved.
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