Revised 5/27/2026
Published 6/10/2026
In vitro fertilisation, or IVF treatment, is an effective infertility treatment that is considered when the probability of conception is reduced due to, for example, impaired semen quality, endometriosis, or tubal factor infertility. IVF treatment is also recommended when less intensive treatments have not produced the desired result. Depending on the duration of the pregnancy attempt and the woman's age, IVF treatment may be the primary option, even if no explanatory factor for infertility has been found in basic examinations. It is the most effective treatment for almost all infertility problems.
The preparation for IVF treatment begins with the infertility specialist's first appointment, where your situation is mapped out and necessary examinations are performed. Before starting the treatment, it is important to take care of your general well-being and follow the doctor's instructions.
The IVF treatment at Felicitas Mehiläinen progresses in stages, and you receive support at each stage. The treatment begins with individually planned ovarian stimulation, the goal of which is to grow several ovarian follicles.
Follicular fluid is collected under ultrasound guidance via the vagina. Oocytes are retrieved from the collected fluid under a microscope and prepared for fertilisation in the cell laboratory.
The retrieved oocytes are fertilised with washed sperm in the laboratory. If necessary, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be used, where a single sperm is injected directly into the oocyte.
Fertilised oocytes are cultured in the laboratory in cell culture incubators under strictly controlled conditions. The embryo with the best developmental stage is transferred to the uterus 2–5 days later. Other good quality embryos can be cryopreserved for later use. For a long time, mainly one embryo at a time has been transferred to the uterus. Single embryo transfers have not reduced the success of treatments, but the number of twin pregnancies has effectively decreased, and the associated risks have significantly reduced. Finland has been a pioneer in the treatment principle of single embryo transfer, thus significantly contributing to the health of children born through IVF treatment.
The possibility of pregnancy is supported by progesterone medication, and a pregnancy test is performed approximately two weeks after the transfer.
After embryo transfer, it is advisable to avoid heavy physical exertion. You will receive precise instructions on after-care and possible supportive medication. Approximately one in three embryo transfers results in the birth of a child, and frozen embryos offer new possibilities. Felicitas Mehiläinen nurses are there to support you and answer your questions even after the treatment.
In IVF treatment, embryos can also be cryopreserved. These frozen embryos can then be used in later cycles if the first transfer does not result in pregnancy or if the couple wishes to have more children in the future. Modern cryopreservation methods, such as vitrification of embryos at the blastocyst stage, ensure that over 98 percent of embryos survive the cryopreservation and thawing process.
Frozen embryo transfer is planned individually. It can be performed in a natural cycle, with ovulation support, or using hormone therapy.
In frozen embryo transfer, the cycle is monitored, and the endometrial lining is prepared optimally for embryo implantation.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is an infertility treatment in which oocytes are fertilised with sperm outside the body in a laboratory. After fertilisation, the developing embryo is transferred back to the uterus. This method helps many couples achieve a desired pregnancy.
The success rate of in vitro fertilisation varies individually, but approximately one in three embryo transfers results in a live birth. For women under 35, only one egg retrieval is needed to have a child in 50 per cent of cases.
The cost of IVF treatment consists of several parts, such as physician appointments, medications, and laboratory tests. An exact price estimate is always given based on an individual treatment plan. At Felicitas Mehiläinen, you receive transparent information about the costs before starting treatment.
Yes, in vitro fertilisation is also possible after sterilisation. Sterilisation naturally prevents the egg and sperm from meeting, but in IVF treatment, fertilisation takes place outside the body. This offers a new opportunity for pregnancy if family expansion is desired after sterilisation.
There is no strict upper age limit for IVF treatment, but the probability of success decreases significantly with the woman's age. At Felicitas Mehiläinen, we always assess individually whether the treatment is suitable and realistic for you. Discuss with a physician the best time to seek treatment.
Yes, you can, HIV or hepatitis infection does not in principle prevent fertility treatment. The prerequisite for treatment is that the infection is in good control and the health condition allows for a safe pregnancy. If necessary, the treatment is planned in collaboration with an infectious disease specialist or an internist.
