IVF Treatment in Cyprus

IVF treatment is one of the first applied methods in assisted reproduction. It is performed by bringing eggs and sperm together in a laboratory environment and monitoring the fertilized eggs after a certain period. In this procedure, sperm and egg quality are important. If applied in cases where sperm count is very low or sperm quality is poor, fertilization may not occur. In such cases, microinjection should be attempted. In IVF treatment, approximately 250,000 sperm are used per egg. If the eggs left for fertilization are not fertilized the next day, ICSI cannot be performed.

Microinjection (ICSI)

Today, this is the most commonly used method. Although the procedure is expensive and labor-intensive, it is preferred due to its high success rate.
It can also be used in cases of severe sperm or egg problems. Since only one sperm is needed per egg, pregnancy can be achieved even with a few sperm obtained from the testes.

IMSI is the selection of sperm using microscopes with higher magnification. It is particularly beneficial for patients with poor sperm quality.

Embryoscope in IVF Treatment

Embryoscope is a method that helps in selecting high-quality embryos. It works by capturing images and creating videos of embryos, based on the expectation that early-dividing embryos have a higher chance of pregnancy.

Especially in countries like Turkey, where embryo transfer regulations may limit the number of embryos transferred, this method provides a significant advantage in helping patients achieve pregnancy sooner. Many centers use this device, while some maintain pregnancy rates without it.

Pregnancy Vaccine in IVF Treatment

Although its effectiveness is debated, some physicians report that it may provide limited benefits for certain patients.

Assisted Hatching: Rarely beneficial. If the outer shell of the egg is thick, a small opening is created using a laser to facilitate implantation.

PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis)

If infertility is due to genetic reasons, eggs fertilized through microinjection (ICSI) or IVF are developed in the laboratory. Before transferring the developing embryos into the uterus, genetic analysis is performed through blastomere biopsy. Genetically healthy embryos are then transferred to the mother. The number of diseases detectable with PGD continues to increase.

IVF treatment is a method that enables fertilization by combining female and male reproductive cells in a laboratory environment. After fertilization of the woman’s eggs, cell division begins. At this early stage, called the embryo stage, the process is carried out in the laboratory and then the embryo is transferred into the uterus.

The pregnancy achieved through IVF progresses similarly to a natural pregnancy. The only difference is that fertilization occurs outside the body and the embryo is placed into the uterus by a specialist.

IVF Treatment Is the Most Common Infertility Treatment

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a widely used infertility treatment. First, the ovaries are stimulated using fertility medications to develop multiple follicles, each containing an egg. Follicle number and growth are monitored with blood hormone levels and ultrasound to determine the optimal timing for egg maturation.

The fertility doctor then retrieves the eggs using a small needle while the woman is under light anesthesia. The eggs are fertilized with sperm in a specialized laboratory. After fertilization, the eggs are cultured and develop into embryos. Three to five days later, the specialist transfers the embryos back into the uterus.

What Is IVF Treatment Like?

Common laboratory techniques used during an IVF cycle include:

Egg Retrieval: A minor surgical procedure under light anesthesia in which eggs are collected from ovarian follicles.

Donor Insemination: A gynecologist places sperm directly into the cervix or uterus (called Intrauterine Insemination – IUI).

Embryo Development: If sperm successfully fertilizes the egg, an embryo forms and begins to grow. At 2–3 days, it is called the cleavage stage; at 5–6 days, it is called a blastocyst.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected into the egg to achieve fertilization.

Assisted Hatching: A laser or chemical solution is used on the embryo to increase the likelihood of implantation in the uterine lining (endometrium).

Embryo Transfer: Fertilized eggs (embryos) are placed into the uterus.

Implantation: After placement in the uterus, the embryo must attach to the endometrium through a complex biological process.

Embryo Cryopreservation: Embryos are frozen at very low temperatures for future use.

IVF Treatment

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a procedure used to overcome various fertility problems by combining an egg and sperm outside the body in a specialized laboratory. The fertilized egg (embryo) is allowed to grow in a controlled environment before being transferred into the woman’s uterus, increasing the chances of pregnancy.

IVF can address a wide range of fertility issues and provides many couples the opportunity to have a baby.

Treatment is coordinated by a fertility specialist supported by an experienced team of nurses, counselors, and scientists. We understand how important building a family is and aim to provide the highest standard of fertility care.

Embryos are generally cultured until day 5 (blastocyst stage), as strong evidence suggests these embryos have a higher chance of implantation.

If more than two embryos develop, excess embryos may be frozen for future cycles.

If there are concerns about sperm quality, fertilization is performed via ICSI, where a single sperm is injected into each egg.

Step-by-Step IVF Treatment Process

Each IVF treatment cycle lasts approximately six weeks.

Step 1: Initial Specialist Appointment

Your fertility specialist reviews your medical history and previous treatments and discusses preliminary treatment options.

Step 2: Pre-Treatment Consultation

Treatment plans are confirmed, consent forms signed, and medications reviewed.

Step 3: Treatment Begins

You receive necessary medications and instructions for self-administering Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) injections.

Step 4: Hormonal Stimulation

FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

Step 5: Monitoring

Regular blood tests and ultrasounds monitor hormone levels and follicle development.

Step 6: Trigger Injection

When follicles reach optimal size, an hCG injection triggers ovulation. Egg retrieval is scheduled 36–38 hours later.

Step 7: Egg Retrieval

Performed under ultrasound guidance, usually under light anesthesia. A fresh semen sample is provided the same day.

Step 8: Fertilization

In IVF, sperm and eggs are placed together in a dish. In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg.

Step 9: Embryo Development

Embryos are cultured in incubators at 37°C. Fertilization is assessed the next day.

Step 10: Embryo Transfer

Embryos are transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter.

Step 11: Embryo Freezing

Additional viable embryos may be frozen for future use.

Step 12: Pregnancy Test

A blood test is performed two weeks after embryo transfer to confirm pregnancy.

IVF Treatment Protocols

IVF treatment is tailored to individual needs. The two main protocols are:

Long Down Regulation Protocol

Natural hormones are suppressed before stimulation begins, followed by controlled ovarian stimulation.

Antagonist Protocol

Injectable antagonists prevent early ovulation. This shorter cycle is more convenient and reduces the risk of hyperstimulation.

After egg retrieval, progesterone support is provided until the pregnancy test.

IVF treatment in Cyprus offers advanced technologies, experienced specialists, and high success rates, providing couples with a reliable option for overcoming infertility.