12 Frequently Asked Questions about IVF

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most innovative and effective treatments for infertility available to couples struggling to conceive. This method involves combining eggs and sperm in a laboratory setting. Once an embryo forms, it is transferred to the mother’s uterus to continue developing. Over the years, IVF has provided hope to millions of couples worldwide, helping them achieve their dream of becoming parents. We understand that this journey can be confusing and stressful, but it can also be filled with hope. In this article, we aim to answer your questions about IVF and address any concerns you may have before starting the treatment process.

1. What is IVF?

 In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology designed to help couples facing infertility have children. In this process, eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory. Once an embryo is formed, it is transferred to the mother’s uterus. IVF is often recommended for individuals experiencing infertility due to various issues, such as blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or sperm-related problems.

2. How is IVF performed?

An IVF cycle consists of several key steps, each playing an essential role in the pregnancy journey. In the following section, we will outline the main stages of the IVF process and what you can anticipate at each step. Understanding these stages will help you prepare for IVF treatment and navigate the process with greater confidence:

• Preparation before IVF

Before starting an IVF cycle, preparing the body and maintaining peace of mind are essential to increase the likelihood of success. Therefore, it is better to take the following steps before starting the treatment process:

• • Choosing a specialist doctor and a reputable infertility treatment center

    A specialist and experienced doctor can help accurately and timely diagnose the cause of infertility, choose effective treatment equipment and trained personnel, and use up-to-date infertility treatment methods. In addition, a reputable infertility treatment center can increase the chances of success of the treatment by utilizing developed

  • Pre-treatment tests

    This stage includes blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, ultrasounds to assess the health of the reproductive organs, screenings for infectious diseases, and sperm analyses. The results of these tests help the doctor accurately diagnose the cause of infertility.

• • Lifestyle changes

    You should improve your lifestyle at least three months before starting the IVF process. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and other harmful substances to improve the quality of your eggs and sperm and increase the chances of IVF success. Learn more about tips to increase your chances of IVF success: Factors Affecting In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Success Rates

• Ovulation Stimulation

In this stage, hormonal drugs stimulate the ovaries to increase the number of eggs. These drugs cause multiple eggs to mature instead of one or two in a menstrual cycle, increasing the chances of forming a quality embryo and the likelihood of IVF success. In this stage, patients receive daily hormone injections such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) for 10 to 14 days.

During follicle stimulation, the growth of the follicles must be monitored. To monitor the development of the follicles and adjust the dosage of the drugs, the patient must regularly visit their doctor and have ultrasounds and blood tests.

The final injection (Trigger Shot) must be given in the final step. When the follicles reach the appropriate size, a hormone injection (hCG or GnRH agonist) is provided to complete the egg maturation process. This injection is given about 36 hours before the egg retrieval procedure.

• Oocyte retrieval (oocyte pick-up)

This step involves collecting mature eggs from the ovaries and is performed about 36 hours after the final injection. During the procedure, a specialist uses a thin needle guided through the vaginal wall into the ovaries to extract the eggs, aided by an ultrasound machine. This procedure is typically conducted under general anesthesia or sedation.

During recovery, the patient may experience cramping or spotting, but most people can return to normal activities within a day or two after a short rest.

Sperm preparation for IVF: Along with preparing eggs, sperm must also be ready for IVF. On the day of the egg retrieval procedure, the partner of the egg provider needs to supply a sperm sample. This sample is analyzed in the laboratory, where healthy, high-quality sperm is selected for fertilization if the man does not have a suitable sample for insemination due to issues such as azoospermia or poor sperm quality, testicular sampling methods, like TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction).

•  Fertilization and embryo formation

After collecting the eggs and sperm, they are combined in a laboratory. In conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF), the eggs and sperm are placed in a unique culture medium, allowing the sperm to swim toward the egg and fertilize it naturally. If there are male fertility issues or if previous IVF attempts have been unsuccessful, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used. This technique injects sperm into the egg to create the initial embryo cell. The fertilized eggs are then cultivated in the laboratory for three to five days until they reach a developmental stage suitable for transfer to the uterus.

• Transfer of the Embryo to the Uterus

 After a few days of growth in the lab, the embryos are ready for transfer. The embryologist selects the best ones based on quality and growth rate. The doctor uses a thin catheter to place one or two high-quality embryos into the uterus through the cervix. The remaining embryos are frozen for future use. The procedure is quick, painless, and usually doesn’t require anesthesia. After a short rest, the individual can resume normal activities. Hormonal medications may be prescribed to support embryo implantation and improve the chances of success.

• Pregnancy test

A pregnancy test is performed about two weeks after embryo transfer to determine whether implantation was successful and pregnancy has occurred.

3. Who is IVF recommended for?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has a wide range of applications in treating infertility issues. This method is especially recommended in the following situations:

• Fallopian Tube Problems

  The fallopian tubes act as the pathway for the egg to move from the ovary to the uterus, which is essential for fertilization and natural pregnancy. After the egg reaches the uterus, highly mobile sperm travel to the fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg. If the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, the chances of a natural pregnancy significantly decrease. In these cases, IVF is a suitable option for achieving pregnancy.

• Severe endometriosis

  Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of it. This condition can lead to infertility for several reasons. Inflammation of the endometrial tissue can release chemicals that hinder the fertilization of the egg and sperm. Additionally, endometriosis may cause adhesions and damage to the uterus and fallopian tubes. In some instances, it can also impact the ovaries’ function and the eggs’ quality. Consequently, in severe cases of endometriosis, IVF is recommended.

• Reduced ovarian reserve

  Reduced ovarian reserve refers to a decrease in both the number and quality of eggs. Several factors can contribute to reduced ovarian reserve, including ovarian failure, premature menopause, aging, surgery, certain diseases, or chemotherapy. In these situations, utilizing IVF can improve the chances of pregnancy. Learn more about pregnancy with low ovarian reserve: Low ovarian reserve: What causes it and how is it treated?

• Male infertility

  If sperm are of poor quality due to factors such as a low count, reduced motility, or abnormal shape, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a suitable option for the treatment of infertility.

• Unexplained infertility

  In cases where the cause of infertility is not identified after various tests, IVF can be an effective treatment option.

• Genetic disorders

  Couples who are at risk of passing on genetic diseases to their child can use IVF with pre-implantation genetic testing (PGD or PGS) to select healthy embryos. Parents who are interested in having a child of a specific gender can also use IVF with PGD to determine the sex of the fetus.

• History of previous treatments

  If previous treatments such as drug therapy or IUI are not successful, IVF is recommended for couples.

• Using alternative methods

  Sometimes, couples may not have suitable eggs or sperm to form an embryo. In this case, couples can do IVF with donor eggs, sperm, or embryos to get pregnant. In these cases, IVF is used to form an embryo.

Ultimately, determining the best treatment method depends on carefully examining the couple’s condition and consultation with a specialist doctor.

4. What is the success rate of IVF?

 The success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) varies depending on several factors, with the woman’s age being one of the most significant. As women age,  both the quality and quantity of their eggs decline, reducing the chances of producing viable embryos. As a result, younger women generally have higher success rates with IVF. Research shows that when accounting for other factors that influence IVF success, the likelihood of achieving a successful outcome varies by age.

• Women under 35 have a live birth rate per IVF cycle of approximately 50 to 55 percent.
• Ages 35 to 37: The success rate is between 30 and 40 percent per cycle.
• Ages 38 to 40: The success rate is about 20 to 30 percent per IVF cycle in this age group.
• Ages 41 to 42: The live birth rate in this group is around 13 percent.
• Over 42: The success rate drops dramatically to about 5 percent or less.

For women over 40, who typically have a lower chance of IVF success, using donor eggs can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome. This method involves using high-quality eggs donated by young volunteers, which are then fertilized with the sperm of the recipient’s partner. The resulting embryos are transferred to the mother’s uterus. If the uterus is well-prepared for embryo implantation, the success rate of IVF with donor eggs is about 55 to 60 percent.

The likelihood of successful IVF for women over 40 is lower. However, using donor eggs can significantly enhance the chances of treatment success. This process involves fertilizing high-quality eggs from young women who volunteer to donate with the sperm from the recipient’s partner. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the recipient’s uterus. If the uterus is adequately prepared for implantation, the success rate of IVF with donor eggs is approximately 55 to 60 percent. Learn more about the success rate of IVF using egg donation: Everything About Donor Egg Success Rates

5. What factors affect the success of IVF?

The success of IVF treatment depends on various factors. Understanding these factors helps couples who plan to use this method to enter the treatment process more prepared, control the factors that affect the success of the treatment as much as possible, and have more realistic expectations of the treatment stages. These factors include:

• Age

  As women age, especially after the age of 35, both the quantity and quality of their eggs decline, which can negatively impact treatment outcomes in fertility procedures.

• Sperm & Eggs Quality

  The quality of both eggs and sperm is crucial for the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Higher-quality eggs and sperm significantly increase the chances of successful fertilization and result in healthier embryos. Conversely, lower quality can lead to genetic issues in embryos and a higher risk of miscarriage. Understanding this decline is vital for women who are considering IVF and want to optimize their chances of success.

• Uterine Health Status

  Various factors can affect uterine health, including conditions such as endometriosis, hormonal disorders, the condition of the fallopian tubes, and the presence of adhesions. These factors significantly impact the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Furthermore, issues with the immune system can influence embryo implantation in the uterus and overall treatment success.

• Lifestyle

  A healthy and balanced diet, particularly the Mediterranean diet, can enhance the chances of IVF success. Regular physical activity also contributes to improved overall health and fertility. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential as it helps balance hormones and increases the likelihood of pregnancy. It’s advisable to avoid smoking and alcohol, as both can negatively impact fertility. Taking supplements such as folic acid, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial, but it’s essential to consult your doctor before starting any supplements

• Stress Management

  Stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, and prayer can positively influence the outcomes of IVF treatment.

• Choosing a well-equipped and advanced clinic

  The experience and expertise of the medical team, along with the quality of laboratory equipment, significantly affect the success of IVF. Optimal and standardized conditions in embryology laboratories are essential for the growth and development of the fetus. Therefore, selecting a specialized and experienced doctor, visiting a properly equipped clinic, and utilizing advanced infertility treatment techniques will help enhance treatment outcomes.

6. How long does an IVF cycle last?

An IVF cycle typically lasts between 4 and 6 weeks, depending on the couple’s circumstances. Ovulation-stimulating drugs are generally started on the second or third day of the menstrual cycle. Individual responses to these drugs can vary, so the duration of use usually ranges from 10 to 14 days. Following ovulation and embryo formation in the laboratory, the embryos develop for 3 to 5 days. If the mother’s uterus is ready for implantation, one or two embryos are transferred to the uterus.

If the mother’s uterus requires additional preparation, the embryos are frozen. The preparation process for the uterus begins after one menstrual cycle and involves some hormonal medications. Depending on the uterus’s response to these drugs, the optimal time for embryo transfer is 19 to 22 days after beginning the transfer medications.

7.  What are the possible risks and side effects of IVF?

IVF is an effective and low-risk method of treating infertility. However, it may be accompanied by some side effects and many benefits. Common side effects of this treatment method include the following:

• Mild cramps and pain

  Hormonal drugs injected to stimulate ovulation may cause mild cramps and pain similar to menstrual periods, hot flashes, headaches, and restlessness due to increased hormone levels.

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

  In this condition, the ovaries overreact to ovulation-stimulating drugs and become swollen and painful. Severe cases of this syndrome require medical attention. To prevent this complication, the doctor will regularly check the condition of the ovaries while taking the drugs and change the dosage of the drugs if necessary.

• Injury or infection

  During the egg retrieval process, a needle is inserted into the ovary under ultrasound guidance, which may result in minor bleeding, infection, or damage to surrounding structures, although these complications are rare.

• Multiple Pregnancy

  Transferring more than one embryo increases the chance of having twins or multiples, which can carry risks such as premature birth and low birth weight.

• Ectopic pregnancy

  This is a rare condition in which the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. This condition requires medical intervention.

Medical advances in infertility treatment have increased the safety of IVF. So, treatment in reputable clinics under the supervision of a specialist and experienced doctor will not cause serious side effects. Learn more about the risks of IVF: Possible health effects of IVF

8. Does IVF reduce ovarian reserve?

 Each ovarian follicle typically contains one egg. Multiple follicles are prepared to mature during each menstrual cycle, but ultimately, one or two follicles mature and are released from the ovary as eggs (ovulation). The immature follicles are discarded. Ovulation-stimulating medicines used in the IVF process assist these follicles in maturing, allowing more than one or two to mature in a single menstrual cycle. Therefore, IVF does not reduce ovarian reserve; instead, it facilitates the maturation of more follicles released within the same cycle.

9. How much does IVF cost?

The costs associated with IVF depend on various factors, such as geographic location, the chosen clinic, and the couple’s circumstances. A single IVF treatment cycle typically costs between $12,000 and $25,000 in the United States. This cost usually includes the initial consultation, ovulation induction, in vitro fertilization, and embryo transfer. However, several factors can affect the overall cost of IVF, including the types of fertility medicines, additional tests, or complementary treatments like laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. Techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), genetic screening (PGD), and assisted hatching may also increase the total cost.

IVF costs vary worldwide, with some countries offering more affordable services. The table below shows the average price of an IVF cycle in different countries:

Country	Average IVF cost per cycle (USD)
United States	$12,000–25,000
Spain	$3,600–6,700
Czech Republic	$2,100–3,500
Greece	$2,500–3,500
Northern Cyprus	$2,500–3,000
Portugal	$4,000–4,600
Denmark	$3,300–4,500
Iran	$2,500–3,500

Note: These prices are approximate and may vary between clinics and depending on the type of treatment. Considering the high success rate of IVF and its minimal side effects, this approach is the best and most cost-effective for treating infertility.

10. How to Choose the Best IVF Center?

Choosing the best fertility clinic for IVF is a significant decision in the journey of infertility treatment. Paying attention to key criteria, reviewing the clinics’ international services, and asking important questions during the initial consultation is essential to make the right choice. Key criteria to consider when selecting an IVF clinic include:

• Success rate

Check the clinic’s success rate, but remember that these figures should be transparent and reliable. Exceptionally high rates can be unrealistic or may result from more straightforward case and patient selection, so it is crucial to understand and analyze the success statistics of different centers.

• Experience of doctors

  The skill, experience, and expertise of doctors in the infertility treatment process can not only improve treatment results but also alleviate anxiety and worry during the process, fostering hope.

• Equipment and techniques used

  Various equipment influences the quality and success of the IVF process. Utilizing up-to-date and advanced equipment and techniques in infertility treatment can enhance the success rate of IVF.

• Multilingual support

  If your language differs from that of the medical center’s staff and doctors, ensure the clinic provides professional translators to enhance your understanding of the treatment process.

At Hayat Medtour, we work closely with Iran’s leading infertility treatment centers and doctors. By offering pre-trip medical consultation services, multilingual support, travel and accommodation coordination, and cultural understanding, Hayat Medtour creates a more comfortable experience for foreign patients, making the dream of becoming a parent more achievable and beautiful. Learn more about the best IVF and infertility treatment centers in Iran: The best hospitals for infertility, IVF, and donation in Iran

11. What are the essential post-IVF care tips for a successful outcome?

Post-embryo transfer care during the IVF process plays a crucial role in enhancing the chances of successful treatment and pregnancy. Paying attention to the following points can help improve results:

• Follow medication instructions

Take the medications prescribed by your doctor on time and correctly to create optimal conditions for embryo implantation. Consistent use of medications as directed by the doctor is vital for the success of IVF.

• Healthy nutrition

  Consume a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains to ensure the body receives nutrients. Adequate water intake also promotes overall health and enhances cellular function.

• Avoid harmful substances

  Steer clear of excessive alcohol, smoking, and caffeine, as these can negatively impact IVF results.

• Get enough rest

  After embryo transfer, it is advisable to rest on the day of the procedure. However, rest is not mandatory; you can engage in light daily activities. Complete immobility and insufficient movement can increase the risk of blood clots and impede blood flow to the embryo, affecting its development. Therefore, complete rest after embryo transfer is discouraged and may pose risks.

• Avoid strenuous activities

  Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and intense physical activity to prevent pressure on the uterus.

• Manage stress

  Stress can negatively affect IVF outcomes. Employ relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to help maintain calmness. A positive and hopeful mindset can enhance results. Try to boost your spirits with enjoyable activities.

• Get enough sleep

  Sleep can help you stay calm and enhance your chances of IVF success. How you sleep after embryo transfer does not impact your chances of implantation, so rest in a position that feels most comfortable and relaxing.

• Seek support

  Connect with friends, family, or support groups for emotional encouragement•

Paying attention to these tips and following your doctor’s advice will boost your chances of success during IVF.

12. When can IVF be attempted again if it fails?

Restarting the IVF process depends on the couple’s physical and mental condition and the doctor’s diagnosis. Typically, however, a new IVF cycle can be initiated after one or two complete menstrual cycles.

The chance of IVF success ranges from 30% to 60%, depending on the couple’s circumstances. Therefore, many couples may experience failure during their first IVF attempts. It is important to remember that unsuccessful IVF does not imply that the treatment has failed, and subsequent attempts can be successful. Thus, do not lose hope after each failure and continue the treatment. Learn more about the reasons for IVF failure: The most important reasons for IVF and ICSI failure

IVF: A Promising Path

In this article, we will explore the key steps of an IVF cycle, from ovarian stimulation and preparation to ovulation, fertilization, embryo transfer, and pregnancy testing. This advanced infertility treatment has given many couples hope for a child. IVF offers couples facing fertility challenges a better chance of conceiving and also allows them to freeze embryos for future use.

Iran is recognized as one of the top destinations for infertility treatment. Specialized clinics equipped with modern technology, affordable costs, and experienced doctors with expertise in this field are some reasons why Iran is a preferred choice for IVF treatment. The treatment process is also swift and does not involve long waiting lists.

If you are looking for a way to address infertility through IVF, now is the perfect time to take action. Contact us or register for free expert advice and consultation for more information. We are here to support you in making the best decisions on the journey to having children and navigating the treatment stages with peace of mind.

References:

Understanding the 5 stages of IVF treatment

The IVF Timeline: How Long Does it Take?

Understanding the IVF Process: Steps, Timeline, and Fertility Doctors

IVF Cost Abroad – 2025 Guide

What Are the 5 Stages of IVF?