Nutrition and Dietetics Support for International Patients in Türkiye: Eating Well During Treatment

A Surge in International Patients Seeking Fertility Care in Türkiye

In 2026, Türkiye's IVF and fertility centres are experiencing a notable influx of international patients. According to the Turkish Ministry of Health, the number of foreign patients seeking fertility treatments has more than doubled since 2023, with over 25,000 international cycles performed in the first half of 2026 alone. This surge reflects growing global interest in Türkiye's medical expertise, well-equipped facilities, and patient-centred approach.

Couples and individuals from Europe, the Middle East, and North America are increasingly choosing Türkiye for treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), egg and sperm freezing, and preimplantation genetic testing. The country's strategic location, lower costs than many Western countries, and published outcome data have made it a widely chosen destination for reproductive tourism.

“We are witnessing a remarkable increase in international patients who trust our clinics for their most personal journey,” says Dr. Aylin Kaya, a reproductive endocrinologist at an Istanbul fertility centre. “They come not only for advanced technology but for the compassionate, individualised care that defines the Turkish medical experience.”

Advances in Embryo Screening and IVF Outcomes

Turkish clinics are adopting embryo screening technologies, with the aim of improving IVF outcomes. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is now routinely offered, allowing embryologists to identify chromosomally normal embryos. This may reduce the risk of miscarriage and increase live birth rates per transfer, although outcomes vary between patients and cannot be guaranteed.

Additionally, non-invasive chromosome screening (NICS) using spent embryo culture media is gaining traction, offering an alternative without embryo biopsy. These approaches are particularly relevant for older patients or those with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Fertility Preservation: A Growing Focus for International Patients

Fertility preservation is another area seeing rising demand. Turkish centres report a 40% annual increase in oocyte and sperm cryopreservation among international patients, driven by rising awareness and the desire to delay childbearing for personal or medical reasons. Cancer patients opting for fertility preservation before undergoing gonadotoxic treatments are also a significant group.

Vitrification techniques have made egg freezing more widely available, with published survival rates exceeding 90% and pregnancy rates comparable to fresh cycles. Turkish clinics offer comprehensive preservation packages that include counselling, stimulation, retrieval, and storage, often at lower costs than in many Western countries.

“Many patients come to us because they want to preserve their fertility without compromising on quality,” says Dr. Kaya. “We guide them through every step, ensuring they feel supported and informed.”

A Compassionate, Well-Coordinated Journey for International Patients

From the moment they inquire, international patients are assigned a dedicated coordinator who speaks their language and handles all logistics, from visa assistance to accommodation and airport transfers. Turkish clinics pride themselves on a holistic approach that addresses emotional and psychological needs alongside medical care. “Our job is to make the journey as smooth as possible, so patients can focus on their health and well-being.”

Many centres offer telemedicine consultations before travel, allowing patients to meet their doctors and discuss treatment plans remotely. Once in Türkiye, they benefit from personalised care plans, comfortable clinic environments, and the warmth of Turkish hospitality.

Patient Experiences

Individual experiences vary, and outcomes cannot be predicted or guaranteed for any patient.

Looking Ahead: Türkiye's Role in Global Fertility Tourism

As demand continues to rise, Turkish clinics are investing in expanding their capacity, training more multilingual staff, and adopting current technologies like artificial intelligence for embryo selection. The government is also streamlining regulations to facilitate medical tourism, ensuring patient safety and ethical standards.

“Türkiye is not just a destination for fertility treatment; it's a place where dreams are nurtured with compassion and expertise,” says Dr. Kaya. “We are committed to maintaining our leadership in this field and welcoming more international patients in the years to come.”

For those considering fertility care abroad, Türkiye in 2026 offers a blend of innovation, lower costs than many Western countries, and heartfelt care—making the journey to parenthood a supported one.

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