IVF is a long and exhausting process requiring participation of the couple. Although developments occur in the field, not every couple undergoing IVF treatment results in a pregnancy that carries to term. Success of the treatment depends on the female age and ovarian reserve. Among women < 35 years old, with adequate ovarian reserve, cumulative pregnancy rate after 3 cycles of IVF is approximately 80%. Among women > 39 with poor ovarian reserve, results are worse and cumulative pregnacy rates are < 30%.

The treatment cycle has three phases.  First phase is ovulation induction. Second phase is oocyte pick-up and fertilization of the oocytes. Last phase is the transfer of embryos. A pregnancy test is performed 10-12 days after embryo transfer.

Although treatment protocols are standard, success rates differ from center to center owing to the differences in laboratory conditions, experience of the medical team and embryo transfer protocols. Most centers transfer multiple embryos due to the pressure exerted by rivals and patients but this may result in multiple pregnancies.

In most European countries and in Australia, laws restrict the number of embryos transferred.
We prefer not to transfer more than 2 embryos in our center to women < 35. 3 embryo transfer is reserved for those > 39 and for those with previous unsuccessful IVF attempts.

Procedures such as embryo cryopreservation, blastocyst transfer, PGD, assisted hatching and embryo glue are being performed successfully in our center.