In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most advanced and effective fertility treatments available today. While the process may seem complex, understanding each stage can provide clarity and confidence. At Sensitive Fertility, we believe in empowering every hopeful parent with knowledge, compassion, and support.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the 5 key stages of IVF to help you prepare emotionally and medically for your fertility journey.
Stage 1: Ovarian Stimulation & Monitoring
Goal: Encourage your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.
What Happens:
- You’ll be prescribed hormone injections (like FSH and LH) for 8–12 days.
- These medications stimulate your ovaries to develop more eggs than they naturally would.
- During this phase, regular ultrasounds and blood tests will monitor how your follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing eggs) are growing.
Why It Matters:
The more healthy eggs retrieved, the higher the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development.
What to Expect:
- Mild bloating or mood swings
- Daily injections (self-administered or with help)
- Close monitoring by your fertility specialist
Stage 2: Egg Retrieval (Oocyte Aspiration)
Goal: Collect mature eggs from the ovaries.
What Happens:
- Once your follicles are ready, a “trigger shot” is given to finalise egg maturation.
- Around 34–36 hours later, a minor surgical procedure is performed under sedation.
- Using ultrasound guidance, a thin needle is passed through the vaginal wall to collect eggs from the ovaries.
Duration: About 20–30 minutes.
Recovery: Most patients return home within a few hours and experience mild cramps or spotting.
Stage 3: Sperm Collection and Fertilization
Goal: Combine healthy sperm with mature eggs to form embryos.
What Happens:
- A sperm sample is collected from your partner (or a donor, if applicable).
- The healthiest and most active sperm are selected in the lab.
- Fertilization is done either by standard mixing or through ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), where one sperm is directly injected into each egg.
Outcome: The fertilized eggs (now embryos) are closely monitored for growth and quality over the next few days.
Stage 4: Embryo Culture & Development
Goal: Nurture embryos in a lab environment until they are ready for transfer.
What Happens:
- Embryos are observed for 3 to 6 days to assess development.
- The best-quality embryos are selected for transfer.
- In some cases, embryos can be frozen for future use.
- Optional genetic testing (PGT) can be done to screen for chromosomal abnormalities.
Why It Matters:
Healthy, well-developed embryos have a higher chance of successful implantation and pregnancy.
Stage 5: Embryo Transfer
Goal: Place one or more healthy embryos into the uterus for implantation.
What Happens:
- The selected embryo is transferred using a thin, flexible catheter.
- This is a painless and quick procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia.
- After transfer, progesterone support (via tablets, injections, or vaginal gels) helps maintain the uterine lining.
When to Test:
A blood pregnancy test is done 10–14 days after transfer to confirm if implantation was successful.
IVF Is a Journey — Not Just a Procedure
Each IVF cycle is unique. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but you are not alone. Our expert team at Sensitive Fertility offers individualized care, emotional support, and honest guidance every step of the way.
How Long Does IVF Take?
- Entire process: 4–6 weeks per cycle
- May vary depending on your response to medications and treatment plan
Common Questions
Is IVF painful?
Most procedures are minimally invasive. You may feel mild discomfort during egg retrieval or hormonal changes.
Can multiple embryos be transferred?
Yes, but we follow a patient-first approach. Our experts guide you on whether single or multiple embryo transfer is safest.
Are IVF results guaranteed?
Success depends on various factors like age, egg quality, sperm health, and overall medical history.
Why Choose Sensitive Fertility for Your IVF Journey?
- Personalised treatment protocols
- Emotional and psychological support
- Transparency in every step
- Modern labs with high success rates
- Compassionate fertility experts
Final Thoughts
Understanding the IVF process helps you take control of your fertility journey. At Sensitive Fertility, we’re here to offer more than just treatment—we’re here to give you hope, healing, and the support you truly deserve.
Whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to begin, our team is just one conversation away.
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