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Infertility, defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy within one year despite regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, is a multidimensional health issue that deeply affects both the individual and the couple. In Turkey, roughly fifteen out of every hundred couples face this condition, and its prevalence increases with age. In centers specialized in infertility treatment in Antalya, up-to-date diagnostic and treatment methods are offered through individualized plans.
Contents 15
- What Is Infertility?
- Causes of Infertility
- What Are the Symptoms of Infertility?
- What Is Infertility Treatment?
- What Are the Methods of Infertility Treatment?
- What Should Be Done to Reduce the Risk of Infertility?
- What Are the Risk Factors That Cause Infertility?
- What Does the Infertility Clinic Handle?
- How Is Infertility Diagnosed?
- Female Infertility Treatment in Antalya
- Evaluation of the Infertile Couple
- The Importance of Choosing an Infertility Specialist in Antalya
- Contact Dr. Melek Büyükkınacı for Infertility Treatment in Antalya!
- Infertility Treatment Prices in Antalya
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Infertility?
In the medical literature, the failure to achieve pregnancy within one year despite regular, unprotected intercourse is termed infertility. Primary infertility refers to a situation in which pregnancy has never previously occurred, while secondary infertility describes the inability to conceive again after at least one prior pregnancy. Across Turkey, primary infertility is observed in 60-75% of cases, while secondary infertility occurs in 25-40%.
Infertility is not solely a reproductive system issue. Beyond its biological dimension, it can also have profound social, cultural, and psychological effects. The treatment process and waiting period can drain individuals' physical and emotional energy, and can pave the way for sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. These effects can be felt more intensely by women than by men. The question of how infertility is recognized often comes up during this process, and the answer becomes clear through a comprehensive clinical evaluation.
What Does Infertility Mean?
This concept, also commonly called “sterility” in everyday language, describes a reduction or loss in a couple's capacity to have children. The question of what infertility means is frequently searched, and the medical answer is “the failure to achieve pregnancy despite one year of regular, unprotected intercourse.” However, this definition does not mean absolute sterility. With the right treatment, pregnancy can be achieved in the vast majority of couples. Advances in reproductive medicine today give many couples the chance to become parents.
Causes of Infertility
Pregnancy occurs within one year in approximately 85% of couples who have regular, unprotected intercourse. In 10-15% of infertile couples, no cause can be identified despite thorough investigation, and this is referred to as “unexplained infertility.” The causes of infertility are attributed to female factors in about 40% of cases, male factors in about 40%, and factors involving both partners in about 20%. The main causes can be listed as follows:
- Ovulation disorders (polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency),
- Tubal blockage and pelvic (intra-abdominal) adhesions,
- Endometriosis (growth of the uterine lining outside the uterus),
- Low sperm count, motility, or abnormal morphology (shape),
- Hormonal imbalances (thyroid disorders, hyperprolactinemia),
- Genetic factors and structural anomalies,
- Advanced age and diminished ovarian reserve.
In women, fertility is at its highest between the ages of 20 and 32. A noticeable decline in fertility begins at age 38, and the loss of fertility accelerates in the 40s. In men, the effect of age is not as dramatic as in women, but a decline in sperm parameters can still be observed with aging. Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, obesity, excessive stress) are also significant factors that negatively affect fertility.
What Are the Symptoms of Infertility?
While the failure to conceive despite regular, unprotected intercourse is the main finding, certain clinical clues point to the need for early evaluation. Symptoms of infertility can appear differently in women and men. The main signs to watch for in women are:
- Menstrual irregularities or absence of menstruation (amenorrhea),
- Breast milk discharge unrelated to pregnancy (galactorrhea),
- Excessive weight gain, and hormone-related excess hair growth and acne,
- Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea) and chronic pelvic pain,
- Vaginismus (involuntary tightening and pain during intercourse).
In men, erection and ejaculation problems, testicular pain or swelling, very low semen volume, and reduced sexual desire are among the symptoms of infertility. Seeking a specialist evaluation without delay once these signs are noticed has a direct effect on treatment success. The answer to how infertility is recognized lies in evaluating these symptoms together with a clinical examination and laboratory tests.
What Is Infertility Treatment?
This process, which covers all medical interventions applied to help couples reach their goal of having a child, is planned with an individualized approach. The answer to what infertility treatment is depends on the underlying cause, the couple's age, and ovarian reserve. The range of treatment spans from simple ovulation monitoring to advanced assisted reproductive techniques. In the infertility treatment process, correct timing, appropriate method selection, and patient compliance are the key variables that determine the success rate.
Treatment planning begins after a detailed evaluation and is supported by regular monitoring throughout the process. Tests referred to as infertility testing are applied separately for women and men, and the most suitable treatment method is determined based on the results. Starting treatment early significantly increases the chance of success.
What Are the Methods of Infertility Treatment?
The treatment approach is planned in a stepwise manner according to the cause and duration of infertility and the couple's individual characteristics. Infertility treatment methods mainly include the following options:
- Ovulation induction (medication-based ovulation stimulation): follicle development is achieved with oral or injectable medication in women with ovulation disorders,
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): the chance of pregnancy is increased by placing prepared sperm into the uterus,
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): eggs are fertilized outside the body and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus,
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): fertilization is achieved by injecting a single sperm directly into the egg,
- Surgical treatments: applied for structural problems such as tubal blockage, endometriosis, or varicocele (enlarged veins in men).
When choosing among infertility treatment methods, the couple's age, duration of infertility, ovarian reserve, and sperm parameters are evaluated together. In cases where simple methods do not produce results, treatment is gradually escalated to more advanced techniques. At every step of treatment, the patient is kept informed and the process is carried out transparently.
What Should Be Done to Reduce the Risk of Infertility?
Certain lifestyle-related factors can negatively affect fertility, and correcting these factors plays an important role in reducing the risk of infertility. The main points to keep in mind are as follows:
- Adopt healthy and balanced eating habits,
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and substance use,
- Avoid being overweight or excessively underweight, and maintain an ideal body weight,
- Keep excessive stress under control and support emotional balance,
- Regular gynecological check-ups for women and urological follow-up for men should not be neglected.
These measures play a decisive role in preserving fertility potential before treatment begins. In particular, couples planning a pregnancy who undergo an early health evaluation ensure that possible problems are identified in time. Lifestyle recommendations are also presented as an integral part of the treatment plan during infertility testing and preliminary evaluation.
What Are the Risk Factors That Cause Infertility?
Risk factors, which can originate from either the man or the woman, may be congenital or related to lifestyle. The main risk factors are summarized below:
- Ovulation disorders, tubal blockage, and endometriosis in women,
- Low sperm count and quality in men,
- Genetic disorders or hormonal imbalances,
- Previous pelvic infections or sexually transmitted diseases,
- Indiscriminate drug use, radiation exposure, and exposure to environmental toxins,
- Gonadotoxic treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which damage reproductive cells.
Identifying these risk factors early allows the treatment strategy to be planned correctly. A detailed evaluation of the causes underlying female and male infertility is possible only through a comprehensive clinical examination carried out by an experienced physician. Clarifying the risk profile has a direct effect on treatment success.
What Does the Infertility Clinic Handle?
These units, specialized in reproductive health, manage the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up processes for couples who are unable to achieve pregnancy. The answer to what an infertility clinic is describes a multidisciplinary clinical structure in which female and male infertility are evaluated together. The main services offered within an infertility clinic can be summarized as follows:
- Ovulation monitoring and ovulation induction,
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures,
- IVF and ICSI treatments,
- Evaluation and treatment of male infertility,
- Investigation of recurrent pregnancy loss,
- Embryo freezing, egg freezing, and fertility preservation programs.
These services are provided through the collaboration of an obstetrics and gynecology specialist, a urology specialist, an embryologist, and, when necessary, a genetic counselor. Couples wondering what an infertility clinic is receive guidance at every stage, from diagnosis to treatment, within these units.
How Is Infertility Diagnosed?
The diagnostic process should be evaluated as a couple, because the problem may not originate from the woman or the man alone. A thorough medical examination and a detailed patient history form the basis of diagnosis. In women, ovarian function is assessed through hormone levels, the uterus and ovaries are imaged with ultrasonography, and tubal patency is checked with hysterosalpingography (HSG). In men, a semen analysis (spermiogram) is performed to examine sperm count, motility, and morphology.
When needed, advanced hormonal or genetic tests can also be carried out for both the woman and the man. Based on the results of all evaluations, the factors causing infertility are identified and the most suitable treatment is planned for the couple. Accurate and timely diagnosis is the key step that directly affects the treatment process's chance of success.
What Is Female Infertility?
This refers to the inability to achieve pregnancy due to causes related to the woman's reproductive system. Ovulation disorders, tubal blockage, previous pelvic infections, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and age-related decline in ovarian reserve are among the most common causes of infertility in women. The diagnostic process is clarified through a detailed gynecological examination, hormone tests, and imaging methods. Each patient's situation is evaluated individually, and a personalized treatment plan is created.
Female Infertility Treatment in Antalya
The treatment approach is shaped by the underlying cause. In ovulation disorders, medication or assisted reproductive techniques may be applied. Surgical intervention may be required for structural problems involving the uterus, tubes, or cervix. Op. Dr. Melek Büyükkınacı, an obstetrics, gynecology, and IVF specialist in Antalya, follows up-to-date approaches in infertility treatment and offers her patients individualized treatment plans.
Starting treatment early is one of the decisive factors that increase the success rate. In women over 35 in particular, it is recommended that the evaluation process be sped up in order to avoid losing time. The treatment process, carried out under the guidance of an infertility specialist, is supported by regular follow-up and clinical monitoring.
Evaluation of the Infertile Couple
The main goals of evaluation are to identify the factors that may be causing infertility, to inform the couple about the prognosis, to provide counseling, and to offer suitable treatment options. It is recommended that evaluation begin after one year in women under 35, after six months in women aged 35-40, and without delay in women over 40.
The first and most important step is taking a detailed history from the couple together. The history examines in detail the couple's age, duration of marriage and infertility, frequency of intercourse, previously used contraceptive methods, lifestyle characteristics (working conditions, smoking, alcohol, caffeine consumption, diet, stress), medications used, and occupational exposure to toxic agents. In the woman's history, the menstrual cycle, galactorrhea, hirsutism (excess hair growth), pregnancy history, and previous infections and surgeries are evaluated. In the man's history, systemic illnesses, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and previous surgeries are reviewed.
Tests for Women in the Evaluation of Infertility
The tests applied to the woman during the diagnostic process are planned to evaluate ovarian function, uterine structure, and tubal patency. The main tests can be listed as follows:
- Evaluation of the ovaries and uterus with ultrasonography,
- Measurement of ovarian reserve with hormone tests (FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH, TSH, prolactin),
- Evaluation of the tubes with hysterosalpingography (HSG),
- Confirmation of ovulation through progesterone levels.
Hormone tests are performed between days 2 and 5 of the menstrual cycle and provide important information about ovarian reserve. When deemed necessary, advanced examinations such as hysteroscopy (intrauterine camera) or laparoscopy (abdominal camera) can also be planned. The treatment strategy is determined by evaluating all test results together.
Tests for Men in the Evaluation of Infertility
The primary test for evaluating the male factor is semen analysis (spermiogram). This test examines semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. When sexual dysfunction (loss of libido, erection problems) is present, hormonal evaluation (FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin) is recommended. When needed, scrotal ultrasonography (testicular imaging), genetic tests, and advanced sperm analyses may also be requested.
Male infertility today accounts for the underlying problem in approximately 40% of infertile couples. Hormonal disorders can be corrected with medication, while surgical intervention may be required if there is a blockage in the sperm ducts. In cases where sperm count is very low or there is no sperm production in the testes, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the primary method that guides treatment.
The Importance of Choosing an Infertility Specialist in Antalya
The success of the treatment process largely depends on being managed by an experienced infertility specialist equipped with up-to-date knowledge. In assisted reproductive techniques, the physician's experience, how current the protocols applied are, and laboratory quality directly affect pregnancy success rates. Centers specialized in infertility treatment in Antalya provide services with modern infrastructure and a multidisciplinary team.
Choosing a specialist who informs the patient at every stage — from what infertility is to treatment planning — who manages the process transparently, and who creates individualized treatment protocols ensures that couples are supported both clinically and psychologically. The right choice of specialist shortens the treatment period and increases the chance of success.
Contact Dr. Melek Büyükkınacı for Infertility Treatment in Antalya!
Obstetrics, Gynecology and IVF Specialist Op. Dr. Melek Büyükkınacı has performed thousands of assisted reproduction treatments since 2008 and has built extensive clinical experience in reproductive medicine. She offers success-focused solutions by creating individualized treatment plans for every patient. You can request an appointment to receive detailed information about infertility treatment and a personalized evaluation.
Infertility Treatment Prices in Antalya
Prices vary depending on the treatment method applied, the patient's health condition, and the services offered by the center. Since different methods such as ovulation monitoring, IUI, IVF, or ICSI may be preferred, exact cost information can only be determined after an individual examination and evaluation. As with prices for menopause treatment in Antalya, costs in this area are also shaped individually according to the scope of treatment. To get up-to-date information about IUI and IVF prices, you can contact us at 0 546 2024487.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your doctor's training in infertility treatment?
Only physicians who have completed IVF certification are permitted to perform this procedure. Op. Dr. Melek Büyükkınacı has performed thousands of IVF treatments since 2008 and has specialized in assisted reproduction treatments. Clinical experience is an important factor that increases pregnancy success.
What tests are performed before starting treatment?
As part of the infertility evaluation, hormone tests, a spermiogram, and hysterosalpingography (HSG) are performed. In addition, infectious disease screening (HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV, VDRL) is also part of the standard pre-treatment protocol.
How much do the medications for egg development, IUI, and IVF cost?
You can contact us at 0 546 2024487 for up-to-date information about IUI and IVF prices. Cost is determined individually according to the treatment method and the medications used.
Does the center freeze sperm, embryos, or eggs when needed?
Under the laws in our country, egg freezing for single women and sperm freezing for single men can be performed when certain conditions are met. For married couples, embryo freezing can be applied within the framework of legal regulations.
Can my embryos be transferred from another center?
Frozen embryos can be transferred to another center within the same province in nitrogen tanks, provided the necessary conditions and legal regulations are met. The process is carried out through the coordination of both centers.
Is ICSI performed?
ICSI is a method routinely applied at partner centers. It is preferred in cases of low sperm count or when fertilization cannot be achieved with standard IVF.
Is there an age or FSH limit for starting treatment?
Treatment can be started in adult women within the necessary indications. Treatment is not recommended for women over 45, since the chance of pregnancy success with IVF is very low. When the FSH value is above 16, the success rate decreases, but the decision to start treatment is made together with a follicle count on ultrasonography.