Emphasizing that the age of the woman is an important factor in achieving successful results in IVF treatment, Gynecology, Obstetrics and IVF Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut ATTAR said, "Pregnancy success decreases significantly in women over the age of 35. At this point, genetic tests and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) in consanguineous marriages are important in achieving successful results."
Emphasizing that it is critical to perform chromosome analysis of the patient before starting IVF treatment, Prof. Dr. Erkut ATTAR, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yeditepe University Hospitals, said that a good genetic unit is the key to preparing the patient correctly. Prof. ATTAR continued his words as follows:
"Genetic tests should be performed even before pregnancy begins, especially in couples who have had consanguineous marriages, which are still high in our country. SMA screening in couples considering pregnancy has also become important today. Genetic interrogation after the embryo is formed is technologically possible, but ideally this process should be carried out before the pregnancy begins. Genetic tests performed on the embryo during pregnancy also guide us and enable us to increase success in appropriate cases."

Reasons for Failure in IVF Treatment

Underlining that the success rates in IVF treatment are approximately 50-60 percent on average all over the world, our expert said, "Therefore, when an IVF treatment fails, it should be known that this situation can occur within the given rate. However, it is important that patients do not immediately fall into despair in this result." Pointing out that unsuccessful results may be due to insufficient examination of the patients, Prof. Dr. ATTAR continued his words as follows: "For example, in diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis (chocolate cyst), preliminary research should be done. These diseases are serious problems that lead to infertility. If such problems are not detected and treated beforehand, IVF treatment may fail. Hormonal conditions should also be evaluated in IVF cases; the degree of the disease should be determined in endometriosis patients and these issues should be meticulously studied before proceeding with IVF treatment. If IVF is started as soon as the patient arrives, the risk of failure may increase. Timing is also very important for the embryo to implant in the uterus. Even if everything is fine, this can lead to failure. For this reason, one or two failures should not be seen as a big failure and should not be demoralized."

Preliminary Evaluation is Essential for Success in IVF

Stating that the two main factors affecting the result in IVF treatment are the readiness of the uterus for pregnancy and embryo quality, our specialist continued his words as follows: "The quality of the embryo is usually at the forefront when evaluating failures. Problems arising from the quality of the embryo account for 80-90 percent of the failure. The rate of the uterus not being ready is around 10-20 percent. Therefore, preliminary evaluation and genetic research are of great importance when the patient arrives. If these steps are not taken, the chances of success may decrease. For example, genetic problems are found in about half of the 10 embryos obtained during IVF in a healthy woman. This problem can only be detected by genetic tests."
“These tests should not be performed routinely in every patient, but should be used in appropriate cases,” said our specialist and continued his words as follows: "We carry out these practices and the state attaches importance to this. Some genetic tests are covered by the SSI. Thus, it is possible to increase the chances of success before starting IVF treatment."

Genetic Screening is a Must in Consanguineous Marriages

Our IVF specialist, who draws special attention to this issue by stating that the risk of genetic diseases increases in consanguineous marriages, says "Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) should be applied directly in consanguineous marriages. Patients are now more conscious about this issue. In consanguineous marriages, methods such as karyotype analysis should be started. In this way, IVF treatment is progressed consciously and recurrent failures and problem pregnancies are largely prevented."

Age Factor in IVF Treatment

Emphasizing that the age factor seriously affects the success of IVF, Yeditepe University Hospitals Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Specialist said, "The chance of pregnancy decreases in women over the age of 35. Postponing pregnancy for career or social reasons can make success difficult. The risk of recurrent miscarriages, Down syndrome or other genetic anomalies increases in this group. Genetic testing is particularly useful in these patients. Preliminary genetic studies are very useful in this group. Age, environmental factors and stress seriously affect success. I advise patients not to stress. One or two attempts may fail, this is the nature of the treatment. However, if there is an additional disease and the physician has diagnosed or suspected it, good preparation of the patient in terms of hormonal, genetic and other aspects increases the chance of success."

“Factors such as embryo quality and the readiness of the uterus for pregnancy are important”

Our specialist also mentioned the importance of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus): "Structural problems in the uterus can be detected by film, ultrasound or hysteroscopy. Transferring the embryo at the right time is critical for success. If failure is experienced despite the transfer of quality embryos, the problem may originate from the uterus. In this case, we evaluate the uterus with biopsy or more specialized methods."

"Patient-Physician Communication: An Indispensable Part of Treatment"

Prof. Dr. ATTAR stated that patient-physician communication increases success and concluded his words as follows: "Patients should be patient and speak the same language with their physicians. Although the age factor is important, the success rate can be significantly increased with the right preparation and genetic tests. Quality laboratories and experienced embryologists play a major role in this process."