How Does IVF Work: A Step-by-Step Timeline

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a well-known fertility treatment that helps individuals and couples struggling with infertility. But while IVF is common, the process can feel overwhelming and confusing. What exactly happens during IVF? How long does it take, and what should you expect at each stage?

This article will walk you through the IVF timeline from start to finish, explaining each step clearly so you can feel informed and prepared for the journey ahead.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Preparation (Week 1-2)

Before starting IVF, you’ll need a consultation with a fertility specialist to discuss your medical history, previous fertility treatments, and any potential factors affecting your fertility. This is a key step in tailoring the IVF process to your specific needs.

What happens during this phase?
Your doctor will conduct several tests to assess your overall health and fertility. These may include blood tests, ultrasound scans, and semen analysis (for your partner, if applicable). Based on your results, your fertility specialist will outline a personalized treatment plan. During this time, you may also be given medications to prepare your body for the IVF cycle.

Dr. Amanda Johnson, a fertility expert, explains, “The first consultation is essential for identifying any underlying health issues that may affect fertility and ensuring that the IVF treatment plan is tailored specifically to you.”

What should you do?
You may be asked to make certain lifestyle changes before IVF, like quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, or improving your diet. These changes can improve your chances of IVF success.

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation (Week 2-4)

The next step is ovarian stimulation, where you’ll begin taking hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. In a natural cycle, one egg is typically released per month, but during IVF, the goal is to collect several eggs at once to increase the chances of successful fertilization.

What happens during this phase?
You’ll start taking fertility medications, usually a combination of injectable hormones like FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). These drugs stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple follicles (the sacs that contain eggs). Your doctor will monitor the growth of the follicles with frequent blood tests and ultrasounds to track progress.

Dr. Lee Stevens, a reproductive endocrinologist, adds, “During the stimulation phase, we closely monitor how the ovaries respond to the medication. The goal is to produce a healthy number of eggs while preventing complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).”

What should you do?
Be prepared for frequent visits to the fertility clinic for ultrasounds and blood tests. These visits are necessary to monitor your response to the medication and adjust dosages as needed.

Step 3: Egg Retrieval (Day 14-15)

Once your eggs have matured, it’s time for the egg retrieval procedure, also known as “aspiration.” This is a minimally invasive procedure that takes place in the clinic under sedation.

What happens during this phase?
The doctor will use a thin needle, guided by ultrasound, to remove the eggs from your ovaries. The procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes, and you’ll be sedated during it, so it’s painless. After the procedure, you may experience some cramping or spotting, but you should be able to go home the same day.

Dr. Stevens explains, “Egg retrieval is a critical step. It’s important to collect enough mature eggs for fertilization. The quality of the eggs is just as important as the quantity.”

What should you do?
Rest after the procedure and follow any post-procedure instructions from your clinic. Avoid strenuous activity for a few days to help your body recover.

Step 4: Fertilization and Embryo Culture (Day 15-18)

After the egg retrieval, the fertilization process begins. Your eggs will be combined with sperm (from a partner or donor) in the lab to create embryos. There are two main methods for fertilization: conventional insemination (sperm is added to the eggs and left to fertilize naturally) or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg.

What happens during this phase?
The fertilized eggs are monitored as they develop into embryos. Embryologists will assess their growth and quality, usually over a period of 3-5 days. They’ll look for factors like cell division and overall embryo health to determine which ones are most viable for transfer.

Dr. Johnson says, “In the lab, we closely monitor embryo development. Not all fertilized eggs will develop into high-quality embryos, so it’s crucial to choose the best ones for transfer.”

What should you do?
Try to stay calm and patient during this phase. It can be a nerve-wracking time as you wait to hear how many embryos are developing well.

Step 5: Embryo Transfer (Day 18-21)

The embryo transfer is the most exciting part of the IVF process, as it marks the point where the embryo is placed back into your uterus, in hopes of achieving pregnancy. The procedure is quick and usually done under ultrasound guidance.

What happens during this phase?
Your doctor will select the best embryo for transfer based on its quality and stage of development. Depending on your specific situation, they may choose a fresh or frozen embryo for transfer. The embryo is then gently placed into your uterus through the cervix using a thin catheter. The procedure is usually painless, though some women may experience mild cramping.

Dr. Johnson adds, “Embryo transfer is a simple, non-invasive procedure, but it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s advice on rest and aftercare to maximize your chances of success.”

What should you do?
After the transfer, you may be asked to rest for a short period before going home. Most women can resume normal activities within a day or two, but it’s important to avoid strenuous exercise and stress.

Step 6: Pregnancy Test and Follow-up (Day 21-28)

The final step in the IVF process is confirming whether implantation has occurred and you are pregnant. About 10-14 days after the embryo transfer, you will have a blood test to check for hCG levels, the hormone produced during pregnancy.

What happens during this phase?
Your doctor will schedule a blood test to check for hCG. If the test is positive, you will follow up with additional tests and ultrasounds to confirm the pregnancy and monitor its progress.

Dr. Stevens emphasizes, “It’s important to remember that IVF doesn’t always result in pregnancy, but there are many options for next steps. Don’t be discouraged if the first cycle doesn’t work—many patients have success with future cycles.”

What should you do?
While waiting for your results, try to stay positive and avoid unnecessary stress. It’s normal to feel anxious during this time, but remember that IVF success rates are higher than ever, and your clinic will guide you through the next steps.

Conclusion: The IVF Journey

IVF is a complex and emotional journey, but knowing what to expect at each stage can help ease anxiety and improve your chances of success. From ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer, each step plays an important role in the overall outcome. Trust in your healthcare team, stay informed, and take care of yourself during the process—every step you take brings you closer to your dream of having a child.