In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a widely used fertility treatment that helps people achieve pregnancy when natural conception is challenging. Understanding the IVF process can help you feel more informed and empowered as you navigate your fertility journey. In this guide, we’ll break down each stage of IVF, explain what you can expect, and offer practical advice on preparing for each step.
While IVF offers hope to many, it’s important to understand that success rates can vary based on factors like age and overall health.
The IVF process involves several stages, each critical to the success of treatment. Here’s a breakdown of what happens during each phase:
The first step in the IVF process is an initial consultation with a fertility specialist. During this appointment, your doctor will:
Once you decide to proceed with IVF, the next phase is ovarian stimulation. The goal here is to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs, rather than the single egg that typically develops during a natural menstrual cycle.
Tip: It’s important to follow your medication schedule closely during this phase to ensure your eggs are ready for retrieval.
Approximately 36 hours after the trigger injection, your eggs will be collected in a minor surgical procedure known as egg retrieval.
The retrieved eggs are immediately taken to the lab for fertilisation.
Curious about your fertility treatment options? Book a free IVF consultation today to get personalised advice.
While the eggs are being retrieved, a sperm sample is also collected (or thawed if using donor or frozen sperm). The sperm is then processed and combined with the eggs to achieve fertilisation in one of two ways:
Once fertilisation occurs, the fertilised eggs (now embryos) are monitored for 3 to 5 days as they develop.
After the embryos have developed for a few days, one (or in rare cases more) will be selected for transfer into the uterus. This may be a fresh embryo transfer or a frozen embryo transfer.
The remaining viable embryos may be frozen for future use if desired.
After the embryo transfer, you’ll enter what’s known as the “two-week wait,” the period before you can take a pregnancy test to determine if the IVF process was successful.
Approximately 10–14 days after the embryo transfer, you’ll take a blood test to measure hCG levels (the pregnancy hormone) and confirm whether implantation has occurred.
The blood test will reveal if the IVF process resulted in pregnancy. If the test is positive, your fertility clinic will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the early stages of pregnancy. If the result is negative, your specialist will discuss your options for further cycles or alternative treatments.
If you’re ready to learn more or have specific questions, you can book a free IVF consultation.
IVF success rates vary depending on several factors, including:
According to recent data, the average IVF success rate is around 40% for women under 35, but this rate decreases as age increases. Your fertility specialist will provide you with personalised success rates based on your unique circumstances.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free IVF consultation today to explore your options and get personalised advice.
Disclaimer: IVF Options provides information for educational purposes only and does not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment services. While we strive to ensure that the content on this website is accurate, up-to-date, and reliable, it should not be considered professional or medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice. IVF Options is not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided on this site, nor for the outcomes of any treatments obtained through providers listed here.