What Is IVF?

One of the most common assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments, in vitro fertilization (IVF) allows people and couples to conceive when natural conception isn’t possible. “In vitro” is “outside the body,” and with IVF, a child is created in the lab. The steps include stimulating ovaries, extracting eggs, fertilizing eggs with sperm, and implanting the resulting embryo in the uterus.

If you are seeking fertility treatment in Tamil Nadu, we suggest you read our hub page for IVF Treatment in Chennai to get the whole idea of treatment process, success rate, and personalized care.

Step by Step IVF Procedure

The below is a step-by-step information regarding the IVF procedure, which usually takes 6 to 8 weeks:

1. Initial Consultation and Fertility Assessment

Your IVF cycle starts with a proper consultation from an infertility specialist. On this visit:

• Your medical and reproductive history is evaluated
• Blood and hormone levels are taken
• Ultrasound tests evaluate ovarian reserve and uterine function
• Semen tests are conducted for male patients

The evaluation assists in developing the foundation of infertility and if IVF is the appropriate treatment.

2. Ovarian Stimulation

After IVF has been suggested, the subsequent process is to stimulate the ovaries to develop more than one egg.

• Gonadotropins (fertility medications) are given for 8–14 days
• Hormones bring about growth of several follicles
• Daily ultrasound and blood work monitoring to achieve maximal response

The aim is to harvest some eggs for maturation so that maximal chance of successful fertilization and embryo development is achieved.

3. Trigger Injection and Egg Retrieval

When the follicles are the appropriate size, a trigger injection (the most used is hCG) is administered to trigger terminal egg maturation.

• Egg retrieval takes place 34–36 hours after trigger
• It is done with mild sedation
• A fine needle is passed through the vaginal wall to retrieve eggs from ovaries
• The procedure is least invasive and is generally 20–30 minutes long.

4. Sperm Collection and Preparation

During the day of egg retrieval, the sperm is supplied by the male partner in the form of a semen sample.

• Semen is processed to remove healthy, motile sperm
• In male infertility, sperm are retrieved surgically or donor sperm is used

5. Fertilization and Embryo Culture

Fertilization occurs in the lab employing either of two techniques

Traditional IVF: 

Sperm and eggs are put together in a dish and allowed to fertilize naturally

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): 

One sperm is injected into every egg, usually for male factor infertility

After fertilization:

• Embryos are cultured 3–5 days
• Embryologists check for cell division and quality
• Good-quality embryos are chosen for transfer
• Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) can be provided by some clinics to test embryos for chromosomal problems.

6. Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer is a brief, pain-free procedure done without anesthesia.

• An embryo is picked and placed in the uterus with a thin catheter
• The number of embryos transferred is determined by age, quality of the embryo, and clinical policy
• Other embryos can be frozen and utilized later
• You will lie still for a few minutes after the procedure and be able to return to normal in a day.

7. Luteal Phase Support

To support implantation, you’ll receive progesterone supplements via oral tablets, injections, or vaginal gels.

• These medications help maintain the uterine lining
• You’ll continue them until pregnancy is confirmed and beyond, if needed

8. Pregnancy Test and Follow-Up

Approximately 10–14 days after embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to check for pregnancy.

• If positive, an ultrasound is scheduled to confirm fetal heartbeat
• If unsuccessful, your physician will talk about what’s next, possibly another cycle or other treatments

IVF Timeline Overview

A complete IVF cycle usually takes 6–8 weeks:

• Consultation and testing: 1–2 weeks
• Ovarian stimulation: 2 weeks
• Egg retrieval and fertilization: 1–2 days
• Embryo transfer: 3–5 days after retrieval
• Pregnancy test: 2 weeks following transfer

Timing can change depending on response and clinic SOPs.

Why Choose Dr. Archana IVF?

At Dr. Archana IVF, we balance clinical excellence with human empathy. Here’s why patients entrust their care to us:

• Experienced team
• State-of-the-art technology for embryo culture, genetic testing, and cryopreservation
• Tailor-made Protocols
• Truthful communication
• Compassionate environment

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. Is IVF painful? 

The majority of steps are least invasive. Egg retrieval involves minimal sedation, and embryo transfer is painless.

2. How many embryos are replaced? 

One or two, typically depending on age, quality of embryo, and clinic policy.

3. Can I return to normal activities post-embryo transfer? 

Yes, light activity is permitted. Heavy exercise should be avoided and your doctor’s advice should be heeded.

4. What are IVF drug side effects? 

Bloating, mood swings, and discomfort are common side effects. Serious complications are not uncommon.

5. What if IVF fails the first time?

Most couples need more than one cycle. Your physician will re-evaluate and make changes to the protocol for higher success.