For couples facing infertility, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can feel like a beacon of hope. But if you’re new to the process, it’s natural to have questions. How does it work? What happens week by week? Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect during an IVF cycle.
The first phase of an IVF cycle is ovarian stimulation, which usually begins on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle. You’ll take medications to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs, rather than the single egg your body typically releases each month. During this time, your doctor will monitor your progress through blood tests and ultrasounds.
Once your eggs are mature, it’s time for egg retrieval. This minor surgical procedure is performed under light sedation, so you won’t feel any pain. Using ultrasound guidance, your doctor will collect the eggs from your ovaries with a thin needle. On the same day, your partner will provide a semen sample (or donor sperm will be prepared).
In the lab, the collected eggs are combined with sperm to create embryos. Over the next few days, embryologists carefully monitor the embryos to ensure proper growth and development. By day 3 or 5, the healthiest embryo is selected for transfer into your uterus.
The embryo transfer itself is quick and painless. Your doctor will use a thin catheter to place the embryo in your uterus under ultrasound guidance. Now comes the hardest part: waiting. You’ll take a pregnancy test about two weeks after the transfer to determine if the cycle was successful.
Conclusion: IVF can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect at each step can make the process less intimidating. With the right support, IVF can bring you closer to your dream of starting or growing your family.
