A typical IVF protocol involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization via ICSI, and embryo transfer over roughly 2 to 3 weeks. Turkish clinics like Memorial Şişli Hospital and Anadolu Medical Center utilize standardized GnRH agonist or antagonist protocols tailored to AMH and FSH hormone levels.
- Stimulation phase: Patients receive daily hormonal injections for 8 to 14 days to mature multiple follicles.
- Monitoring schedule: Clinics perform ultrasounds and blood tests every 2 to 3 days to track growth.
- Egg retrieval: This day-case procedure uses local anesthesia and sedation to collect mature eggs safely.
- Laboratory stage: Embryologists perform ICSI and culture embryos for 3 to 5 days before transfer.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many Western clinics wait for 18–22 mm follicles, data from top Turkish centers shows a trend toward earlier `trigger shots` at 16–17 mm. This approach, used by veteran specialists like Prof. Semra Kahraman, helps prevent premature ovulation while maintaining high egg quality for ICSI.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the speed of Turkish clinics, where testing and stimulation often begin within one week. Many highlight the relief of having clear, daily updates from onsite translators during the critical fertilization window.