IVF and infertility: evaluation, treatment and the road to pregnancy
This guide explains when infertility should be evaluated, its causes, IVF, ovarian reserve and the steps of treatment in plain language. It is general information and does not replace a medical examination. Outcomes and methods depend on age and diagnosis and are individual.
IVF and infertility: start here.
Causes of female infertility
Causes of female infertility: ovulation problems, blocked fallopian tubes, uterine and lining problems, reduced ovarian reserve and unexplained…
Read the guide →Endometriosis and infertility
How endometriosis (chocolate cyst) can affect fertility, whether pregnancy is possible, and options of monitoring, surgery or IVF, including cyst…
Read the guide →Fertility preservation
What fertility preservation is and who it is considered for: egg and embryo freezing before cancer treatment, the methods, and why timing matters.
Read the guide →Male infertility and semen analysis
How a semen analysis is done and read: count, motility and morphology, varicocele, azoospermia and when a urology/andrology evaluation is needed.
Read the guide →PCOS and infertility: is pregnancy possible?
How polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects getting pregnant, whether pregnancy is possible, the signs, the steps of ovulation treatment and…
Read the guide →What are ovarian reserve and AMH?
What ovarian reserve is, what AMH and antral follicle count tell you, how reserve changes with age, common misconceptions and options when reserve is…
Read the guide →What are the risks of IVF?
Possible risks of IVF: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, risks of egg retrieval, and how they are…
Read the guide →What are the steps of IVF?
The IVF process step by step: ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval (oocyte pick-up), fertilization and ICSI, embryo development, transfer and what…
Read the guide →What is infertility, and when should you see a doctor?
What infertility is, why testing starts after 1 year or 6 months of trying, why both partners are evaluated, the main causes and when to seek care…
Read the guide →What is insemination (IUI), and who is it suitable for?
What IUI (intrauterine insemination) is, how it is done, who it may suit and how it differs from IVF. How many attempts, and what to expect along the…
Read the guide →What is IVF, and who is it recommended for?
What IVF is, how it works and who it is recommended for; how it differs from IUI, IVF vs. ICSI, and setting realistic expectations before deciding.
Read the guide →More topics in this area are currently available in Turkish: Tüp Bebek & İnfertilite (Turkish). English versions are added over time.
Common questions
How long should we try before seeing a doctor?
Evaluation is recommended after 1 year of regular unprotected intercourse if the woman is under 35, and after 6 months if she is 35 or older. With irregular periods or a known problem, it is reasonable to seek advice earlier.
Is IVF started right away at the first visit?
No. First the couple's history is taken and an examination and basic tests are done. Depending on the cause found, lifestyle changes, ovulation support, intrauterine insemination or IVF may be considered. IVF is only one of the options.
Is the problem in the woman or the man?
It can be in either, at similar frequencies. That is why evaluation always includes both partners; for the man it usually starts with a semen analysis and, when needed, continues together with urology/andrology.
Is the outcome of IVF guaranteed?
No. The outcome is individual and depends largely on the woman's age, the diagnosis and ovarian reserve. No single outcome or guarantee applies to everyone; your doctor will share realistic expectations based on your test results.
Is IVF covered by SGK in Türkiye?
IVF may be covered by SGK (the Turkish social security institution) when certain conditions are met together, including age, number of attempts, insurance status, a health board report and a contracted center. Because these conditions can change, confirm your current situation with SGK and the center you apply to.
How appointments work
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emre Mat works at a public institution in Türkiye. Appointments are made through the national MHRS system; this site has no booking form or private booking channel.