Undergoing IVF can feel overwhelming – the process is filled with appointments, procedures, medications, and a whole host of waiting and uncertainty.

At The IVFN, we’re here to help demystify the process and support you every step of the way. Whether you’re just beginning to explore IVF or are already in treatment, knowing what to expect and what timeline you might be looking at can help you feel less anxious and better manage expectations.

This article will walk you through the typical IVF process, from consultation to embryo transfer, and outline the little ways The IVFN can support you along the way.

First, let’s take a look at exactly what IVF is.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body, in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred back into the uterus in the hope of achieving pregnancy.

IVF can be used in a variety of situations, including unexplained infertility, endometriosis, male factor infertility (such as azoospermia), same-sex couples, and individuals using donor sperm or eggs.

Check out our essential IVF guide for answers to many other frequently asked questions about IVF.

How long does the IVF process take?

The cycle of IVF typically takes around 6 to 8 weeks from the start of medication to embryo transfer, though timing can vary depending on your clinic, individual medical needs and whether it’s a fresh or frozen cycle.

Preparing for IVF

Preparing for IVF treatment involves several crucial steps to ensure the best possible outcome. Before embarking on your IVF journey, it’s essential to understand the process and the potential risks and benefits. A thorough medical exam for both partners is necessary to identify any underlying fertility problems. These tests might include blood tests to check hormone levels, ultrasound scans to assess ovarian reserve, and semen analysis to evaluate sperm quality.

Your fertility specialist will play a pivotal role in this phase. They will review your medical history, discuss the IVF process, and outline a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan will include the type and dosage of fertility medicine you’ll need and the expected outcomes. Understanding these details can help you feel more in control and prepared for the journey ahead.

The IVF process step-by-step

Step 1. Initial consultation and fertility testing (Weeks 0–4)

This is your starting point. After a referral from an NHS or private doctor, you’ll attend an initial consultation appointment with a fertility specialist to review your medical history, discuss the IVF process and treatment options and book in initial tests, which will take place over the course of the coming weeks. These early tests could include:

Blood tests

Blood tests will check your levels of reproductive hormones, including:

  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone is produced by the ovaries, the levels of which help signify a woman’s ovarian egg reserve
  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in both male and female reproductive systems. In females, FSH stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles, while in males, it is essential for sperm production.
  • Luteinizing Hormone also plays a vital role in male and female reproductive systems and in women, triggers ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary. In men, Luteinizing Hormone stimulates the testes to produce testosterone.
  • Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone measured to confirm pregnancy and is also used as a trigger injection to mature eggs before retrieval.

Ultrasound scans

A pelvic ultrasound is another way of assessing ovarian reserve (antral follicle count) in women and is sometimes also used to identify the cause of azoospermia (no sperm count) in men.

Semen analysis

A primary test for the man to assess sperm quality, including sperm count, motility, and morphology.

Should these preliminary investigations not generate enough information to guide the IVF treatment process, you might be sent for other tests such as:

Hysterosalpingogram

A specialised X-ray that uses a dye to visualise the fallopian tubes and uterus, looking for blockages. 

Hysteroscopy or Laparoscopy: 

These procedures allow for a visual examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes, often used to identify structural abnormalities. 

A membership to The IVFN provides educational resources to help you prepare for these appointments, understand the jargon, and ask the right questions.

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation (Week 3–5)

Ovarian stimulation is a crucial part of the IVF process and involves the use of daily hormone treatment, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

This increases the chances of successful fertilisation and embryo transfer. However, ovarian stimulation can also increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a potentially life-threatening condition.

To minimise this risk, fertility nurses closely monitor the patient’s response to the medication and adjust the dosage as needed. This careful monitoring ensures that the ovaries are stimulated effectively while keeping the patient’s safety a top priority.

This phase typically lasts 10 to 14 days, and once your follicles are mature, you’ll be given a trigger injection to prepare for egg collection.

Step 3: Egg Collection/Retrieval (Week 5)

About 36 hours after your trigger injection, you’ll undergo a short procedure to collect your eggs.

The egg retrieval procedure is performed under anaesthesia or sedation to collect mature eggs, ensuring you do not feel any discomfort during the procedure.

Depending on the number of follicles present, the procedure will usually last between 20 and 30 minutes.

Afterwards, you’ll be taken to a recovery area to rest for an hour or two. Some discomfort is expected for a few hours following the procedure, and, if required, pain medications might be administered. You’ll return home the same day.

For male partners or sperm donors, a semen sample is collected on the same day, unless frozen sperm is being used.

Step 4: Fertilisation and Embryo Development (Week 5–6)

In the lab, the collected eggs are fertilized with sperm, resulting in a fertilised egg that will develop into an embryo. This can be done in two ways:

Conventional IVF

After eggs are collected from the ovaries, they are placed in a laboratory dish with sperm, which swim around the eggs until one penetrates an egg, leading to fertilisation. This process takes place over a few hours to ensure that the eggs have the best chance of being fertilised naturally.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) 

This method of IVF is often used when couples are facing male infertility issues. In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg using a fine needle and enhances the likelihood of fertilisation, even with low sperm count or motility.

Read more about ICSI.

Embryo monitoring

During the five to six days in the lab before embryo transfer or freezing, the fertilised eggs, now called embryos, are monitored for their development.

Fertilisation check: 

The day after the eggs and sperm are combined, embryologists check to see if fertilisation has occurred.

Early development: 

Over the next few days, embryos begin to divide and grow. They are observed and graded based on their growth and quality.

Blastocyst formation: 

By day five or six, the embryos ideally reach the blastocyst stage, which is when they are ready for transfer or freezing.

At this point, embryos are then ready to either be transferred in a fresh cycle, frozen for future transfer or biopsied for genetic testing, if planned.

What is genetic testing?

Those undergoing IVF treatment can opt to have preimplantation genetic testing which can reduce the risk or chromosomal abnormalities, implantation failure and miscarriage. This might include checks for

Genetic Disorders: 

Preimplantation genetic testing can identify specific genetic disorders, allowing parents to select embryos free of those conditions.

Chromosomal Normalcy: 

It checks for the correct number of chromosomes, reducing the risk of conditions like Down syndrome.

Sex Selection: 

In some cases, parents may choose to know the sex of the embryo.

Embryo Freezing

Embryo freezing, also known as cryopreservation, is a process where embryos are frozen and stored for future use. This technique is commonly used in IVF treatment, especially when there are excess embryos after a successful transfer. Embryo freezing allows individuals or couples to preserve their embryos for future use, reducing the need for repeated egg retrieval procedures.

The freezing and thawing process is complex and requires precision. After the embryos reach the blastocyst stage, they are carefully frozen using advanced techniques to ensure their viability for future use. When you’re ready for a frozen embryo transfer, the fertility clinic will guide you through the thawing process and prepare your body for the transfer. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial, allowing you to plan the timing based on your natural cycle or a hormone-prepared cycle.

Step 5: Embryo Transfer (Week 6)

This is a relatively simple and painless procedure, similar to a smear test, and takes about 10-15 minutes.

During the procedure, a selected embryo is placed into the uterus using a thin catheter – it’s usually painless, though some may experience mild discomfort.

For fresh embryo transfers, this happens shortly after egg retrieval and fertilisation, at the Blastocyst formation stage, which usually takes place around day 5/6 of embryo development.

A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) will occur in a later cycle, typically four to six weeks after egg collection.

The process involves thawing a previously frozen embryo and transferring it into the uterus. This allows for flexibility in timing based on the recipient’s natural cycle or a hormone-prepared cycle.

Step 6: The two-week wait and pregnancy test (Week 6 – 8)

After embryo transfer, you’ll continue taking progesterone to support the uterine lining. Around 10–14 days later, you’ll take a blood test to confirm pregnancy.

The two-week wait is an emotionally intense time and the hardest part of the fertility process for many who are going through it.

Be kind to yourself and your partner during this period, try to get as much rest as possible and do light exercise like walking or yoga and mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing to help keep your wellbeing in check.

Pregnancy and Birth

After a successful embryo transfer, the next step is to confirm the pregnancy with a pregnancy test. This test is typically done around 10-14 days after the transfer. If the test is positive, you’ll be closely monitored to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth. The fertility clinic will provide guidance on prenatal care and refer you to an obstetrician for further care.

It’s important to note that an IVF pregnancy carries the same risks as a natural pregnancy, including the potential for ectopic pregnancy and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. However, with proper care and monitoring, these risks can be minimised. Regular check-ups and blood tests will help track the progress of your pregnancy and address any concerns promptly.

IVF Timeline Overview

Stage

Timeframe

Initial Consultation & Testing

Week 0–2

Ovarian Stimulation

Week 3–5

Egg Collection/Retrieval

Week 5

Embryo Development

Week 5–6

Embryo Transfer

Week 6

Pregnancy Test

Week 8

Note: Frozen cycles or additional preparation (e.g., immune protocols, ERA testing) can add 4–8 weeks.

Navigating your IVF timeline

IVF is as much an emotional process as it is a medical one. From the first scan to the final test result, you’re not alone.

Whether you’re researching your first round or preparing for your fifth, The IVFN is here to inform, support and empower you with live expert Q&As and webinars on every aspect of treatment, a private members community offering peer support and an information hub of educational content explaining procedures and outcomes, as well as mental health and wellbeing resources.