Couples from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and other African countries often look at Turkey for IVF. Before anything else, it is important to know the Turkish rules, because they decide who can be treated and how. This New City Clinic guide explains the rules, the documents and tests to prepare at home, how a cycle is planned around travel and what happens in Istanbul.
IVF Treatment (IVF / ICSI) in Istanbul, Turkey: price, package and planningThe rules in Turkey
IVF in Turkey is available only to married couples using their own eggs and sperm. Egg, sperm or embryo donation and surrogacy are not permitted, and sex selection is allowed only for medical reasons. A couple who needs donor eggs or sperm therefore cannot be treated in Turkey. Knowing this before you plan saves time and money.
The documents you need
A marriage certificate is required. Bring your passports and the marriage certificate, and ask us in advance whether the clinic needs a translation or certification of your certificate; the requirements are given to you in writing. Both partners need to be present for the treatment.
Tests to send before you travel
For the woman: the AMH level, a pelvic ultrasound with an antral follicle count where possible, and any previous IVF reports. For the man: a recent semen analysis. Add any operations, fibroid or tubal surgery, and long-term conditions. These results help the doctor plan the protocol and give you a realistic view before you book.
When fibroids or blocked tubes are found
Fibroids that distort the womb cavity can lower the chance of an embryo implanting, so the doctor may recommend removing them first. Tubes filled with fluid may also need treatment before transfer. Each step is explained to you in writing, so you can decide calmly whether to do it in Istanbul or at home.
How a cycle is planned around travel
Stimulation with injections lasts about 10–12 days and can start at home, with the first scans done by your local doctor and shared with the Istanbul team. You then complete the monitoring in Istanbul. The eggs are collected under brief sedation and fertilised with your husband’s sperm by microinjection (ICSI). Embryos are grown for three to five days and one is transferred, fresh or after freezing.
How long to stay in Istanbul
One cycle usually means 10–14 days in Istanbul. The pregnancy test is done about 10–12 days after the transfer and can be done at home. If embryos are frozen, a frozen transfer is planned on a later, shorter trip.
Male infertility
When the semen analysis shows no sperm or very few, a urologist assesses whether sperm can be retrieved surgically. Because Turkish law allows only the husband’s own sperm, this assessment comes before the IVF plan.
Genetic testing of embryos
Where there is a known genetic condition in the family – such as sickle cell disease when both partners carry the trait – or repeated miscarriage, embryos can be tested before transfer (PGT). The doctor explains whether this is appropriate for you.
Success, cost and honest expectations
The chance of success depends mostly on the woman’s age and ovarian reserve, and no result can be guaranteed. The doctor explains your chances openly after your tests. IVF has no listed package price: you receive a written quote after the assessment. Flights are not included.
IVF in Turkey from Nigeria and Ghana with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about IVF in Turkey from Nigeria and Ghana, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
Can we use donor eggs or sperm in Turkey?
No. Turkish law allows IVF only with the couple’s own eggs and sperm; donation and surrogacy are not permitted.
Can unmarried couples have IVF in Turkey?
No. A marriage certificate is required.
Can we start the injections in Nigeria or Ghana?
Often yes. Stimulation can start at home with local scans shared with the Istanbul team, and the cycle is completed in Istanbul.
How long do we need to stay?
Usually 10–14 days for one cycle. Both partners should be present.
Can embryos be tested for sickle cell disease?
Where both partners carry the trait, testing embryos before transfer (PGT) can be discussed with the doctor.
Which tests should we send first?
AMH and an ultrasound for the woman, a semen analysis for the man, and any previous IVF reports.
Is success guaranteed?
No. Success depends mainly on the woman’s age and ovarian reserve; the doctor explains your chances after the tests.
Deciding on IVF in Turkey from Nigeria and Ghana is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
