IVF Treatment: Frequently Asked Questions

How long does IVF take?

One IVF cycle, from ovarian stimulation starting on day 2 or 3 of the period to the pregnancy test, usually takes 4-6 weeks. The assessment of both partners before treatment (hormone tests, ultrasound, semen analysis, infection screening) can take a few more weeks.

• Ovarian stimulation: daily hormone injections for about 8-14 days, monitored with ultrasound and, when needed, blood tests.
• Trigger injection and egg collection: once the follicles are large enough, a final injection is given and the eggs are collected about 34-36 hours later.
• Laboratory phase: the eggs are fertilised and embryo development is followed for 3-6 days.
• Embryo transfer: usually on day 3 or day 5; in some cases the embryos are frozen and transferred in a later cycle.
• Pregnancy test: a blood test about 9-12 days after transfer.

Do the IVF injections hurt?

Most stimulation drugs are given under the skin, usually around the navel, with very fine pen needles or syringes. Most women describe a brief sting or mild burning; a small bruise or redness may appear at the injection site. You are shown how to inject at the start of treatment and most patients give their own injections at home. Changing the site every day, applying something cold briefly beforehand and letting the alcohol dry on the skin before injecting all reduce discomfort.

Is egg collection painful?

Egg collection is done with a fine needle under vaginal ultrasound guidance and usually takes 15-30 minutes. Because it is performed under sedation, most women feel nothing during the procedure. Period-like cramps, a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen and light spotting may follow for a few hours to a few days, and usually settle with simple painkillers. You will be asked to come fasting, to bring someone with you and not to drive that day.

How many embryos are transferred?

When later frozen transfers are taken into account, transferring more than one embryo does not increase the overall chance of having a baby, but it clearly raises the risk of twins and triplets. Multiple pregnancies carry higher risks for mother and babies, including preterm birth, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. For this reason the 2024 guideline of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) recommends single embryo transfer as the standard approach whenever more than one embryo is available.

In Türkiye the number of embryos is limited by regulation: in women under 35, one embryo in the first two attempts and at most two in later attempts; in women aged 35 and over, at most two embryos. The right number for you is decided by considering your age, embryo quality and previous attempts together.

Do I need bed rest after transfer?

No. There is no evidence that bed rest after transfer improves the chance of pregnancy. After a short rest you can go home; walking, going to the toilet or climbing stairs do not dislodge the embryo. You can continue your daily life, but avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, saunas and hot tubs until the test result.

When is the pregnancy test done?

A blood beta-hCG test is usually done 9-12 days after transfer; slightly earlier after a day-5 (blastocyst) transfer and slightly later after a day-3 transfer. Home urine tests can be falsely negative early on. If the trigger injection contained hCG, tests done in the first days after it can be falsely positive. Whatever the result, do not stop support medication such as progesterone without talking to your doctor.

When can I return to work and exercise?

Most women can keep working during stimulation; short breaks for monitoring visits are usually enough. It is best to rest on the day of egg collection, and most people with desk jobs can return to work the next day.

During stimulation and in the days after collection the ovaries are enlarged, so running, jumping, heavy weight training and contact sports should be avoided; rarely, such movements can cause the ovary to twist (ovarian torsion). Gentle walking is fine. When to resume your usual exercise routine is planned with your doctor, taking into account the test result and the state of your ovaries.

How many IVF attempts can be made?

There is no single number that applies to everyone. Transfers of frozen embryos obtained in one stimulation are part of the same cycle, so one stimulation may allow more than one transfer. The cumulative chance of pregnancy can increase with further attempts, but before each new attempt the woman's age, ovarian reserve, embryo development in previous cycles and possible reasons for unsuccessful transfers should be reviewed. If pregnancy does not occur despite repeated transfers of good-quality embryos, a detailed uterine, hormonal, clotting and genetic assessment is carried out.

How does age affect IVF?

The woman's age is the strongest factor affecting the outcome of IVF. With age, both the number of eggs falls and the proportion of eggs with chromosome errors rises. This decline speeds up after 35 and becomes more marked after 40. Tests such as AMH show the quantity of the ovarian reserve but not egg quality, which is mainly linked to age. This is why women who are postponing parenthood should discuss egg freezing in good time. Male age has a more limited effect, but advanced paternal age is also considered.

Who is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for?

• PGT-M (single-gene disorders): for couples known to carry a single-gene condition such as thalassaemia, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) or cystic fibrosis, to select embryos not affected by the condition.
• PGT-SR (structural chromosome rearrangements): for couples in whom one partner carries a rearrangement such as a balanced translocation.
• PGT-A (screening for chromosome number): may be considered in selected situations such as advanced maternal age, recurrent pregnancy loss or recurrent implantation failure. It is not a routine test for every patient; its benefits and limitations (embryo biopsy, mosaicism, possibility of an incorrect result) should be discussed in detail before treatment.

Genetic counselling before deciding on PGT helps you understand what the test can and cannot show. In Türkiye, selecting embryos by sex without a medical reason is not permitted.

What is a frozen embryo transfer?

Good-quality embryos that are not transferred fresh, or that are left over after transfer, can be stored using a rapid freezing technique called vitrification. A frozen embryo transfer is done either in a natural cycle, by tracking ovulation, or in a cycle prepared with oestrogen and progesterone. It is preferred when the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is high, when PGT results are awaited or when the uterine lining is not suitable for transfer in that cycle. With current techniques most embryos survive thawing well, and in many patient groups results are similar to fresh transfer.

What should I pay attention to during treatment?

• Start folic acid before treatment.
• Stop smoking and alcohol; smoking harms treatment results in both women and men.
• Take medicines at the prescribed time and dose, and call the clinic if you miss a dose.
• Do not use herbal products or supplements without asking your doctor.
• Contact the clinic without delay if you notice marked abdominal swelling, shortness of breath, reduced urine, persistent vomiting or severe pain; these may be signs of OHSS.

Frequently Asked Questions

The information on this website is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation.

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