In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment

What Is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an advanced fertility treatment where eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory to create embryos.
A selected healthy embryo is then transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
IVF offers the highest success rates for many fertility challenges and is performed with precision and individualized care at Saga Clinic Tirana under the expertise of Dr. Eser Agar.
Who Is IVF Suitable For?
IVF is recommended for couples with:
- Tubal blockage or damage
- Severe male factor infertility
- Advanced maternal age
- Low ovarian reserve
- Endometriosis
- Failed IUI cycles
- Unexplained infertility
- Genetic disease risk requiring PGT
- Recurrent pregnancy loss (in selected cases)
IVF may also be used with donor eggs, donor sperm, or frozen embryos.
IVF Process at Saga Clinic
1. Initial Consultation & Evaluation
A complete fertility workup is performed for both partners:
- Hormonal panel
- Semen analysis
- Ovarian reserve testing (AMH, AFC)
- Ultrasound
- Evaluation of uterus and tubes
This ensures we select the safest and most effective protocol.
2. Ovarian Stimulation
Medications are used to help multiple eggs grow within the ovaries.
Common protocols include:
- Antagonist protocol
- Agonist protocol
- Mild stimulation cycles
Medication doses are carefully personalized based on AMH, AFC, age, and previous treatment response.
3. Monitoring During Stimulation
Throughout the stimulation period, Dr. Eser Agar monitors:
- Follicle growth via ultrasound
- Estradiol and hormone levels
- Endometrial thickness
Monitoring ensures safety and prevents overstimulation.
4. Trigger Shot
When the follicles reach maturity, an hCG or GnRH agonist trigger is administered to prepare the eggs for retrieval.
Egg collection occurs approximately 34–36 hours later.
5. Egg Retrieval (OPU)
A minimally invasive procedure performed under sedation anesthesia.
Key points:
- Takes 10–15 minutes
- Ultrasound-guided
- No incision
- Same-day discharge
Collected eggs are immediately transferred to the embryology lab.
6. Fertilization
Depending on the semen quality, fertilization is performed by:
Conventional IVF
Eggs and sperm are combined in a culture dish.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
A single sperm is directly injected into each mature egg — ideal for male factor infertility.
7. Embryo Culture
Embryos are grown in controlled laboratory conditions for:
- Day 3 cleavage stage, or
- Day 5 blastocyst stage (preferred for higher success rates)
Embryos are monitored with advanced laboratory systems.
8. PGT (Optional Genetic Testing)
If indicated, embryos can undergo:
- PGT-A (chromosomal screening)
- PGT-M (single gene disorders)
This increases the likelihood of healthy pregnancy, especially in women over 35 or couples with genetic risk.
9. Embryo Transfer
A soft catheter is used to gently place a selected embryo into the uterus.
- No anesthesia needed
- Quick and painless
- High success with blastocyst transfer
Excess healthy embryos can be frozen for future use.
10. Luteal Support & Pregnancy Test
Progesterone support is recommended after transfer.
A pregnancy test is performed 10–12 days later.
IVF Success Rates
Success depends on age, egg quality, sperm quality, and embryo development stage.
Approximate pregnancy rates:
- Under 35: 50–60% per transfer
- 35–39: 35–45%
- 40+: 15–25% (higher with donor eggs)
Using blastocysts or PGT-tested embryos improves outcomes.
Risks and Safety
IVF is very safe, but may include:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS)
- Multiple pregnancy (if more than one embryo is transferred)
- Procedure-related discomfort
Close monitoring at Saga Clinic minimizes all risks.
Why Choose Saga Clinic for IVF?
- Personalized stimulation protocols
- Advanced ultrasound and laboratory collaboration
- High-quality embryology support
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Clear communication at every step
- Comfortable, supportive patient experience
- Direct medical oversight by Dr. Eser Agar
Your treatment is designed around your body, your goals, and your fertility journey.
Appointments and Contact
If you are considering IVF or want to explore your options, we are here to support you.
Contact Saga Clinic Tirana to begin your IVF journey.
Contact & Appointments
For appointment requests or medical inquiries, please contact us using the options below.
📞 Clinic Phone (Office Hours)
+355 69 836 1565
Available Monday–Saturday, 09:00–16:00.💬 WhatsApp (Outside Office Hours)
+355 69 456 4467
Available outside office hours via WhatsApp Message only.
Author: Asst. Prof. Eser Ağar, MD — Obstetrician and Gynecologist
This page is for informational purposes and does not replace examination and physician evaluation.
Medically reviewed: Asst. Prof. Eser Ağar, MD —