Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer for IVF: The most important step of your journey in Istanbul with Dr. Senai Aksoy

Introduction: The defining moment of your IVF journey

IVF is not just a medical treatment – it is a journey full of hope, patience, and emotion. After stimulation, egg retrieval, and embryo culture, comes the most anticipated step: embryo transfer – the moment when science meets your fondest dream of parenthood.

For over 30 years, , Dr. Senai Aksoy has been serving couples from all over the world in the heart of Istanbul. His mission is to make this crucial phase as smooth and reassuring as possible, by combining medical expertise with human understanding.

What is embryo transfer in IVF?

embryo transfer* is the final step of an IVF cycle. One or more embryos, that have grown to the blastocyst stage, in the laboratory are transferred into the woman’s uterus so that they can implant and pregnancy can occur.

The steps leading up to transfer include

• Ovarian stimulation – medication helps the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
• Oocyte retrieval – performed under light sedation.
• Fertilization in the laboratory – by natural means or by ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).
• Embryo culture – the embryos are developed up to the 5th to 6th day –(blastocyst), when the chances of implantation are higher.

Step by step: Embryo transfer procedure in Istanbul

Preparation of the uterus

• In a fresh transfer, the uterine lining is prepared naturally by your own hormones after stimulation.
• In a frozen embryo transfer (FET), the uterine lining is prepared by hormone treatment (estrogen and progesterone).

On the day of the transfer

• You come with a full bladder to achieve better visibility on ultrasound.
• Identity check and presentation of the photo of your embryo – often a very emotional moment.
• Dr. Aksoy carefully inserts the embryo into the uterus using a thin catheter, under ultrasound guidance.
• The procedure is quick, and painless, and usually only takes a few minutes.

After the transfer

• Rest for about 15 minutes before you go home.
• Then begins the famous two-week wait until the pregnancy test.

Fresh vs. frozen embryo transfer (FET): Which option is best?

• Fresh transfer: is performed 3–5 days after egg retrieval.
• Frozen transfer (FET): Embryos are vitrified and transferred in a later cycle.

Advantages of FET:

• Enables pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT).
• More stable hormonal environment.
• Reduces the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS).
• Greater flexibility in scheduling.

recent studies (2024) show that in certain patients – e.g. those with low ovarian reserve or advanced maternal age – early transfers can offer better outcomes. The decision must always be made on an individual basis and under the guidance of an experienced specialist such as Dr. Aksoy.

IVF success rates in Istanbul

The most common question remains: “What are my chances? ”

Success depends on several factors:

• Age of the mother (higher chances before 35).
• Quality of the embryo (a healthy blastocyst offers the best chances).
• Health of the uterus and preparation of the uterine lining.
• Quality of the sperm.
• Lifestyle factors: smoking, alcohol, stress, diet, weight.

👉 Statistics provide averages, but each IVF journey is unique. Dr. Aksoy’s personal approach helps to maximize the chances of success for each couple.

After Embryo Transfer: The two-week waiting period

This is often the most emotionally difficult part of IVF.

What happens in your body

• Days 1–3: The embryo begins to implant.
• Days 4–6: Implantation progresses.
• Days 6–7: The placenta begins to produce hCG.
• Days 8–14: The hCG level rises significantly.

Possible symptoms

• Tiredness, cramps, light spotting – or no symptoms at all.
• Many women who do not show any signs are nevertheless diagnosed as pregnant.

Tips for the waiting period

• Continue to take your prescribed medication.
• Stay active with light walks, avoid heavy physical exertion.
• Eat a balanced diet and keep your fluid balance in order.
• Keep yourself busy by reading, going for a walk or spending time with loved ones.

👉 Only a blood test (β-hCG), carried out 10–14 days after the transfer, can confirm the result.

Why choose Istanbul and Dr. Senai Aksoy?

More and more couples are choosing Istanbul for IVF because of:

• Advanced fertility treatments at significantly lower costs compared to Europe.
• Modern clinics equipped with the latest technologies.
• No waiting lists – treatment can start quickly.

Dr. Senai Aksoy’s expertise:

• A pioneer in the field of IVF in Turkey with over 30 years of experience.
• Fluent communication in French, English, and Turkish.
• Thousands of successful cases, even in complex situations.

Practical information for international patients

The process is simplified in 3 steps:

1. Online consultation with Dr. Aksoy.
2. Preliminary tests performed in your home country.
3. Stay in Istanbul for 15–20 days for stimulation, egg retrieval, and transfer.

⚖️ Legal aspects in Turkey:

• IVF is only allowed for married heterosexual couples using their own eggs and sperm.
• Egg donation, sperm donation, and surrogacy are not permitted.
• Frozen embryos cannot be exported – further transfers must be carried out in Turkey.

FAQ – Embryo transfer for IVF in Istanbul

**What is embryo transfer in IVF? This is the final step of IVF, where the embryo is transferred into the uterus to enable implantation and pregnancy.

**What is the difference between a fresh transfer and a frozen transfer? Fresh transfers are performed 3–5 days after retrieval, whereas frozen transfers use vitrified embryos in a hormonally prepared cycle.

**What are the IVF success rates in Istanbul? The rates depend on the age, quality, of the embryos and the health of the uterus, but are comparable, to or even higher than European standards.

**How long do I need to stay in Istanbul for IVF? About 15–20 days for a complete cycle.

Conclusion: Start your IVF journey in Istanbul

Embryo transfer is a crucial step – one that is filled with hope, anticipation, and emotion. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Senai Aksoy and his team in Istanbul offer expert care and a compassionate approach to help couples realize their dream of parenthood.

👉 Contact our international coordinator today to book your consultation with Dr. Senai Aksoy and take the next step towards your IVF journey in Istanbul