<\/span><\/h3>\nDoctors usually use a simple rule. If pregnancy has not happened after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex<\/strong> (or after 6 months if the female partner is 35 or older<\/strong>), it is time to get checked. Infertility can involve the ovaries or tubes, sperm issues, both partners, or no clear cause at all. It is common, and it is not your fault.<\/p>\n
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<\/span>Who might need fertility care<\/span><\/h3>\n\n- Couples who have tried for a year without success (or six months if age 35+).<\/li>\n
- People with known conditions like PCOS<\/strong>, endometriosis<\/strong>, blocked tubes, very low sperm count, or recurrent miscarriage.<\/li>\n
- People preserving fertility before cancer therapy or major surgery.<\/li>\n
- People who want to freeze eggs<\/strong> when tests show a low ovarian reserve or a strong family history of early menopause.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>First steps: simple tests<\/span><\/h3>\nGood care starts with basics. A medical history, pelvic exam, ultrasound, and blood tests to check ovulation. A semen analysis<\/strong> to check count, movement, and shape. Sometimes a dye test to see if tubes are open. The plan comes from your results, your age, and your goals.<\/p>\n<\/span>Main Treatment Paths, Explained Simply<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>Timed intercourse, lifestyle, and medicines<\/span><\/h3>\nSometimes small changes and timing make a big difference: tracking ovulation, adjusting thyroid or prolactin levels, treating infections, or using pills or injections to help eggs mature. Your team tries the least invasive options first when it makes sense.<\/p>\n
<\/span>IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)<\/span><\/h3>\nWith IUI<\/strong>, a lab prepares a semen sample and the doctor places the best-moving sperm inside the uterus near ovulation. It is quick and usually painless. It can help in unexplained infertility or mild male factor. Some people do a few IUI cycles before moving on.<\/p>\n<\/span>IVF (In\u00a0Vitro Fertilization)<\/span><\/h3>\nIVF<\/strong> means eggs are stimulated to grow, collected with a tiny needle, and fertilized in the lab. A few days later, one embryo is placed in the uterus. Extra embryos can be frozen for later. IVF success depends on age, egg and sperm quality, medical history, and lab quality. Your team will set expectations carefully.<\/p>\n<\/span>ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)<\/span><\/h3>\nSometimes a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. This is called ICSI<\/strong>. It is commonly used for very low sperm counts or after prior fertilization failure. It is not automatically better for every case. Your doctor will explain when it helps.<\/p>\n
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<\/span>PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing)<\/span><\/h3>\nSome couples consider PGT<\/strong> to check embryos for specific genetic diseases (PGT-M) or for chromosome number (PGT-A). PGT-M can prevent passing on known single-gene disorders. PGT-A has benefits and limits; it may help choose one euploid<\/em> embryo, but it is not a guaranteed path to higher live birth in every situation. It is a personal decision after counseling.<\/p>\n<\/span>Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation)<\/span><\/h3>\nEgg freezing<\/strong> lets people store eggs for the future. In T\u00fcrkiye, egg freezing is allowed under defined medical conditions, including low ovarian reserve verified by a specialist committee, certain genetic or family risks for early menopause, or before treatments that can harm fertility. Your doctor will review the criteria and documents needed.<\/p>\n<\/span>What affects success<\/span><\/h3>\n\n- Age<\/strong> is the strongest factor for outcomes with your own eggs.<\/li>\n
- The cause of infertility and how long you have been trying.<\/li>\n
- Embryo quality and lab standards.<\/li>\n
- Number of attempts and whether you use frozen embryos later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Even with the best care, not every cycle works. Many families need more than one try. Your team will guide you through solid next steps after each result.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Risks and How Clinics Lower Them<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome)<\/span><\/h3>\nWith strong responses to stimulation, fluid can shift in the body and cause discomfort or, rarely, serious illness. Today, doctors use safer protocols, lower doses, and \u201cfreeze-all<\/strong>\u201d strategies to cut risk. Tell your team quickly if you feel worsening pain, fast weight gain, or severe bloating.<\/p>\n<\/span>Multiple pregnancy<\/span><\/h3>\nTwins may sound appealing, but they carry higher risks for both the birthing parent and babies. That is why many countries encourage single-embryo transfer<\/strong> whenever possible. In T\u00fcrkiye, the number of embryos transferred is legally limited (details below). This supports safer, healthier pregnancies.<\/p>\n
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<\/span>Other possible issues<\/span><\/h3>\nProcedures can have side effects like soreness, spotting, or rare infection. Pregnancy at advanced age brings higher risks, which your obstetrician will manage with close follow-up. Your clinic\u2019s job is to inform, prevent, and act early if anything feels off.<\/p>\n
<\/span>How an IVF Cycle Usually Flows<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>1) Preparation<\/span><\/h3>\nScreening tests, vitamin and vaccine review, and a clear plan. Some clinics use short contraception or estradiol to keep timing predictable. You learn to give tiny injections at home or visit the clinic for them.<\/p>\n
<\/span>2) Stimulation and monitoring<\/span><\/h3>\nFor about 8\u201312 days, you take hormone shots so multiple eggs mature. Ultrasound and blood tests guide dose changes. When follicles are ready, you take a \u201ctrigger\u201d shot.<\/p>\n
<\/span>3) Egg retrieval and fertilization<\/span><\/h3>\nThe doctor retrieves eggs through the vagina under light anesthesia. In the lab, eggs meet sperm, either by standard insemination or ICSI. The lab cares for embryos in carefully controlled incubators.<\/p>\n
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<\/span>4) Embryo transfer<\/span><\/h3>\nEmbryos grow for 3 to 5 days. The doctor places one embryo into the uterus with a soft catheter. Extra good-quality embryos can be frozen.<\/p>\n
<\/span>5) The wait and the plan<\/span><\/h3>\nAbout two weeks later, a blood test checks for pregnancy. If not pregnant, your team helps plan the next step. Many families succeed across more than one cycle, especially when frozen transfers are included.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Fertility Care in Istanbul<\/span><\/h2>\nIstanbul<\/strong> is a major hub for medical travel. The city blends skilled specialists, modern hospitals, and dedicated international patient services. Many hospitals hold global accreditations and run busy IVF programs with experienced teams. The city\u2019s airports, hotels, and interpreters make logistics easier for patients and companions.<\/p>\n<\/span>Why Istanbul stands out for patients<\/span><\/h3>\n\n- Experienced clinicians<\/strong>. High-volume centers staffed by reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists, anesthesiologists, and nurses focused on IVF.<\/li>\n
- Quality systems<\/strong>. Many hospitals pursue international accreditation (for example, JCI) and follow global fertility guidelines.<\/li>\n
- International desks<\/strong>. Schedulers, translators, and case managers help with appointments, transfers, and paperwork.<\/li>\n
- Comfort and culture<\/strong>. A historic, welcoming city with many hotel options near major hospitals and clinics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>What the law allows in T\u00fcrkiye (plain language)<\/span><\/h3>\nT\u00fcrkiye has clear rules for assisted reproduction. Treatments are designed for married couples using their own eggs and sperm<\/strong>. Third-party reproduction\u2014donor egg, donor sperm, embryo donation, and surrogacy<\/strong>\u2014is not permitted<\/strong>. The law also restricts the number of embryos transferred to reduce multiple pregnancy risk. For women under 35, the first two IVF attempts usually involve single-embryo transfer<\/strong>. In later attempts, or at age 35 and above, up to two embryos may be allowed. Egg freezing is permitted under specific medical indications, such as documented low ovarian reserve or upcoming treatments that can harm fertility. Your clinic will review the current rules with you and provide required documentation.<\/p>\n<\/span>Packages, costs, and value<\/span><\/h3>\nClinics in Istanbul often offer bundled packages<\/strong> for international patients. These can include medical consults, scans, lab work, medications during your stay, egg retrieval, anesthesia, embryo culture, transfer, freezing of extra embryos, and airport or hotel transfers. Read every offer closely. Ask what is included, what is extra, and how many follow-ups are covered after you return home. Focus first on safety, ethics, and proof of quality before comparing price.<\/p>\n<\/span>A typical international patient journey<\/span><\/h3>\n\n- Inquiry and review<\/strong>. You share your history, test results, and goals. The clinic suggests a plan and a timeline.<\/li>\n
- Pre-arrival checklist<\/strong>. The team may order updated labs, a semen analysis, or imaging at home. They confirm legal paperwork and consent forms.<\/li>\n
- Arrival in Istanbul<\/strong>. In-person consult, ultrasound, and blood work. A final plan is set. Medications begin.<\/li>\n
- Procedure and early recovery<\/strong>. Egg retrieval is a short day-procedure. Many people rest that day and feel normal within 24\u201348 hours.<\/li>\n
- Transfer and travel<\/strong>. You may have a fresh transfer or plan a frozen transfer later. The clinic gives detailed aftercare instructions and emergency contacts.<\/li>\n
- Follow-up from home<\/strong>. Tele-visits and shared lab results help your Istanbul team coordinate with your local doctor.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/span>How long to stay<\/span><\/h3>\nFor a fresh IVF cycle, many plan 12\u201318 days<\/strong> in Istanbul to cover stimulation, retrieval, and transfer. If you plan to freeze embryos and return later for a frozen transfer, the first trip can be shorter. Your clinic will tailor the schedule.<\/p>\n<\/span>Aftercare when you return home<\/span><\/h3>\nGood follow-up protects your health and your results. Schedule local blood tests and scans. Keep taking prescribed medicines. Share reports between teams. Ask for an emergency contact number before you fly home.<\/p>\n
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<\/span>Choosing the Right Istanbul Clinic<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>What to look for<\/span><\/h3>\n