Anevivo IVF in Turkey: what the programme is and how IVF works
Anevivo IVF is the name this catalogue gives to a standard in vitro fertilisation programme offered by fertility centres in Turkey. Programme names differ from one centre to the next, so the label tells you less than the detail of what is included. In every case the core method is the same. Hormone injections stimulate the ovaries to produce several eggs, the eggs are collected under sedation, they are fertilised with sperm in the laboratory, the embryos are grown for three to five days and one is placed in the uterus through a thin catheter. Any further good embryos can be frozen.
This guide explains each step, what the evidence says about success, what Turkish law allows, what the programme costs compared with the UK, US and Germany and what to ask a centre before you travel. For the wider range of fertility care see our IVF treatments in Turkey.
What happens in an IVF cycle, from stimulation to the pregnancy test?
A cycle has five stages. First, baseline tests: blood hormones, an ultrasound count of resting follicles, a semen analysis and screening for infections. Second, ovarian stimulation with daily injections for about 8 to 12 days, with scans and blood tests every few days to adjust the dose; this is described in our guide to pharmacological stimulation for IVF. Third, a trigger injection and egg collection about 36 hours later, a 15 to 20 minute procedure under sedation, through the vagina with an ultrasound-guided needle. Fourth, fertilisation in the laboratory, either by mixing eggs and sperm or by ICSI, where one sperm is injected into each egg, followed by embryo culture. Fifth, embryo transfer, a short procedure without anaesthesia, and a blood pregnancy test about 10 to 14 days later.
Does Anevivo IVF work? What success rates really mean
IVF works for many couples, but success depends mostly on the woman's age and the cause of infertility, not on the programme name. UK regulator figures (HFEA) show that live-birth rates per embryo transfer fall steadily with age: they are highest in women under 35 and fall sharply after 40. Success also depends on sperm quality, embryo quality, uterine conditions and the laboratory's methods. Add-ons such as time-lapse imaging, embryo glue or endometrial scratching are promoted widely, but the HFEA rates most of them as having little or no evidence of benefit for most patients.
When comparing centres, ask for success rates by age group and by outcome, ideally live births per embryo transfer, not only pregnancy tests or "per egg collection" figures. Treat a promise of high success with caution.
What does Anevivo IVF cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany?
The figures below are approximate ranges for one fresh IVF or ICSI cycle, not hospital quotes. Medication is often priced separately and can add a significant amount. Each centre confirms its own price in a written quote.
| Country | Approximate cost range per cycle (excluding medication) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €2,000 – €5,000 |
| United Kingdom | €4,500 – €8,500 |
| United States | €10,000 – €20,000 |
| Germany | €3,500 – €7,500 |
What changes the price: ICSI or standard IVF, the number of monitoring visits, embryo freezing and storage, genetic testing of embryos, the length of the programme and the cost of medication, which depends on your response and dose. A package usually covers the consultations, scans, egg collection, laboratory work and transfer; ask in writing whether medicines, freezing, storage and a second transfer are included, and what happens if the cycle is cancelled.
Standard IVF, ICSI or IUI: which treatment fits which situation?
| Treatment | Suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| IUI (insemination) | Mild male factor, unexplained infertility, open tubes | Lower success per cycle; needs normal tubes |
| Standard IVF | Blocked tubes, endometriosis, unexplained infertility | Needs enough normal sperm; injections and egg collection |
| ICSI | Low sperm count or motility, failed fertilisation before | No higher success rate than IVF when sperm is normal |
Many centres use ICSI for most cases, but the HFEA notes that it brings no extra benefit when sperm is normal. Ask why ICSI is recommended for you.
Who is a good candidate for IVF in Turkey, and what does Turkish law allow?
IVF is advised for blocked or damaged tubes, endometriosis, ovulation disorders, male factor infertility and unexplained infertility after other options have been tried. Age matters: the earlier you start, the higher the odds, and many centres set an upper age limit. Under Turkish law, treatment is limited to married couples using their own eggs and sperm; donor eggs, donor sperm, embryo donation and surrogacy are not permitted, and choosing the sex of the baby for non-medical reasons is prohibited. Single women and unmarried couples are not treated. Medical conditions such as untreated thyroid disease, uterine abnormalities or heavy smoking should be reviewed before starting.
Before a cycle the centre will usually ask for a recent hormone profile (including AMH, which reflects ovarian reserve), a pelvic ultrasound, a check of the fallopian tubes and uterus where indicated, and a semen analysis for the male partner. These results decide the type of stimulation, the starting dose and whether ICSI is advised. If you already have results from your own doctor, send them with your enquiry so that the centre can give a realistic plan before you book travel.
How many days do you need to stay in Turkey for an IVF cycle?
Many couples have the first consultations, tests and the early part of stimulation at home, and travel for the final monitoring. A typical stay is 10 to 14 days: scans during the last days of stimulation, egg collection, then embryo transfer three to five days later. Some programmes freeze all embryos and transfer later in a separate trip, which needs two journeys. The male partner needs to be present for a sperm sample around the egg collection day, unless frozen sperm is used. The pregnancy test is done at home about two weeks after transfer, and the centre should explain how it will be followed up.
Anevivo IVF recovery: what to expect after egg collection and transfer
After egg collection most women have cramps, bloating and light spotting for a day or two and can walk the same day; you need someone to accompany you because of the sedation. Embryo transfer needs no recovery, and you can walk and travel, though heavy exercise and lifting are usually avoided. Progesterone support, by vaginal gel, tablets or injection, continues until the pregnancy test and beyond if positive. Emotional strain is common during the two-week wait, so plan support and avoid over-analysing early symptoms.
Risks of IVF: OHSS, multiple pregnancy and the emotional side
The NHS and the HFEA list the main risks. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurs when the ovaries respond too strongly, causing bloating, pain and rarely serious fluid build-up that needs hospital care. Egg collection can cause bleeding or infection, uncommonly. Multiple pregnancy is the most important avoidable risk of IVF, as twins and triplets carry greater risk for mother and babies; transferring a single embryo lowers it. Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage occur, as in natural conception. IVF can be emotionally and financially demanding, and a cycle may not lead to a pregnancy. Ask about counselling and what the centre does if you feel unwell after returning home.
How to choose a fertility centre, red flags and questions to ask
Choose a centre licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health with an embryologist-led laboratory, clear reporting of live-birth rates by age, and an itemised written plan. Red flags include guaranteed pregnancy, very high success claims without age breakdown, pressure to add paid extras, no named doctor and no plan for follow-up. Read how our process works and send your test results through our free quote page.
- What are your live-birth rates per transfer for my age group?
- Is medication included, and what is the likely extra cost?
- Do you recommend ICSI for me, and why?
- How many embryos will be transferred, and how are spare embryos frozen and stored?
- How many days will I need to stay, and what happens if the cycle is cancelled?
Hospitals with IVF & Fertility in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
It is the name this catalogue gives to a standard IVF programme offered by fertility centres in Turkey: ovarian stimulation, egg collection, laboratory fertilisation, embryo culture and transfer. What is included varies, so ask for the details in writing.
It depends mainly on age. Live-birth rates per transfer are highest in women under 35 and fall sharply after 40. Ask any centre for live births per embryo transfer by age group, not only pregnancy tests.
Approximate ranges are €2,000 to €5,000 per cycle in Turkey, against about €4,500 to €8,500 in the UK, usually excluding medication. The centre confirms its price in a written quote.
Usually 10 to 14 days: final monitoring scans, egg collection and embryo transfer three to five days later. Programmes that freeze embryos first may need a second trip for the transfer.
Injections can sting, and egg collection is done under sedation. Afterwards cramps, bloating and light spotting for a day or two are common. Embryo transfer is usually quick and needs no anaesthesia.
No. Turkish law limits IVF to married couples using their own eggs and sperm. Donor eggs, donor sperm and surrogacy are not allowed.
In IVF eggs and sperm are mixed in a dish; in ICSI one sperm is injected into each egg. ICSI helps with low sperm count or past fertilisation failure and has no extra benefit when sperm is normal.
Ovarian hyperstimulation, bleeding or infection after egg collection, multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage can occur. Single embryo transfer and careful dose monitoring lower the main avoidable risks.
The HFEA rates most add-ons, such as endometrial scratching or time-lapse imaging, as having little or no evidence of benefit for most patients. Ask what evidence supports any extra you are offered.
No. A cycle may not lead to a pregnancy, and several cycles are sometimes needed. Age, egg and sperm quality and the cause of infertility all affect the chances, so ask for an honest estimate for your case.