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How Long Does IVF Take? Understanding the Process

Writer's picture: Olga PysanaOlga Pysana
Lab technician at a microscope.

The IVF journey is often filled with hope, uncertainty, and a strong desire to have a family. Many ask, “How long does IVF take?” In vitro fertilisation (IVF) involves several steps tailored to each patient's fertility situation. What affects it most?


IVF methods vary greatly by individual. Age, fertility, and other factors affect the process's length. Conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and unexplained infertility can affect treatment speed and efficacy. Different fertility clinics have different protocols, which may include extra testing, preparation, or advanced methods like preimplantation genetic testing.


IVF requires resilience and flexibility from prospective parents to stay committed to parenthood. Individuals can approach IVF with confidence by working with fertility specialists, staying informed, and being pragmatic. At The Surrogacy Insider, we will go through each of the steps required for the success of IVF.


Steps of IVF process chart.

Step 1: Initial Consultations and Pre-Treatment Evaluations

When did IVF begin? Before entering the active phase of an IVF cycle, preparation is needed. First, fertility specialists evaluate both partners, identify any underlying conditions, and create a personalised treatment plan. This stage lasts one to two months before ovarian stimulation.

Medical History and Fertility Assessments

A medical history review is central to this step. Experts will review past pregnancies, menstrual cycle regularity, fertility treatments, and pre-existing conditions that may affect success. Several diagnostic tests follow:

  • Blood tests to look at general health markers, ovarian reserve, and hormone levels.

  • To check the ovaries and uterus and guarantee there are no structural defects, ultrasonic scans.

  • Male partners' semen analysis will assess sperm count, motility, and morphology.

Personalised Treatment Planning and Medication Discussion

Once the assessments are complete, doctors craft an individualised IVF calendar, detailing the medications and procedures needed for the cycle. Discussions will cover:

  • The choice of ovarian stimulation drugs and their dosages.

  • Whether preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is recommended.

  • The possibility of using frozen embryos instead of fresh transfers.

Preparing the Body for IVF: Lifestyle Recommendations

While medical interventions play a central role, optimising overall health can improve outcomes. Intended parents are encouraged to:

  • Adopt a fertility-friendly diet: A nutrient-rich diet with plenty of leafy greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports reproductive health.

  • Take supplements: Folic acid, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can help prepare the body for pregnancy.

  • Manage stress levels: Meditation, acupuncture, and light exercise can alleviate stress, which may positively influence fertility.

  • Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake: Both substances have been linked to reduced fertility and should be limited during treatment.


Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval

The next step in the IVF cycle is stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs and retrieving them for fertilization. This step is crucial because egg quality and quantity affect treatment success. The process takes 10–14 days, followed by egg retrieval.

Hormonal Medications for Egg Stimulation

Fertility specialists prescribe hormones to promote egg production. Injections stimulate the ovaries to mature more eggs than in a natural cycle. Popular drugs include:

  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH): These encourage follicle growth.

  • GnRH agonists or antagonists: These help control ovulation timing to prevent premature egg release.

  • hCG (trigger shot): Administered when the follicles reach the right size, it signals final egg maturation before retrieval.

Monitoring Follicle Growth and Hormonal Response

Throughout this stage, regular ultrasounds and blood tests track follicle growth and hormone levels.

  • Ultrasound scans check the size and number of follicles developing in the ovaries.

  • Blood tests measure estrogen levels, ensuring that the ovaries are responding appropriately to the medication.

Once follicles reach the optimal size (around 18-22mm), the trigger shot is administered, and egg retrieval is scheduled 36 hours later.

Possible Side Effects and Risks

While ovarian stimulation is generally well tolerated, some individuals experience side effects, including:

  • Bloating and mild pelvic discomfort.

  • Mood swings due to hormone fluctuations.

  • Fatigue or headaches.

  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): In rare cases, excessive stimulation can lead to swelling, severe bloating, and fluid retention, requiring medical attention.

The Egg Retrieval Procedure: What to Expect

Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure performed under sedation or light anaesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort.

  1. A thin needle is passed into the ovaries from the vaginal wall under ultrasonic direction.

  2. From every follicle, the fluid is aspirated, carrying the eggs.

  3. The obtained eggs are put right away in an embryology lab incubator.

The procedure typically takes 20-30 minutes, followed by a short recovery period at the clinic.

Step 3: Fertilization, Embryo Development, and Transfer

Once the eggs have been retrieved, the next crucial step in the IVF cycle timeline is fertilisation and embryo development. This stage determines which embryos are viable for transfer and, ultimately, implantation.

  • Fertilisation and embryo development: 3-5 days.

  • Fresh embryo transfer: Typically within 3-7 days after retrieval.

  • Frozen embryo transfer timeline: Several weeks to months after retrieval, depending on cycle preparation.

How Fertilisation Works: Conventional IVF vs. ICSI

Conventional IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection are the main methods. Fertilization occurs naturally as sperm swim toward eggs in a culture dish in conventional IVF. Normal-quality sperm are often used with this method.


Sperm injected into an egg.

If sperm motility or count is low or previous fertilisation attempts failed, ICSI is recommended. This process injects one high-quality sperm directly into an egg to ensure fertilization even in male factor infertility. After fertilization, embryos are monitored during early development to determine transfer viability.


Monitoring Embryo Development: Day 3 vs. Day 5 Blastocyst Stage

After fertilization, embryos are monitored to determine transfer timing. The average embryo has 6-8 cells on day 3. Some clinics transfer embryos at this stage, but most wait until day 5 for blastocysts. Now that the embryo is more developed, implantation is more likely. Selecting embryos at the blastocyst stage improves quality and viability assessment, increasing success rates.

Fresh vs. Frozen Embryo Transfer: How Timing is Affected

Choosing between a fresh or frozen embryo transfer timeline is crucial at this stage. Fresh transfers implant embryos 3-7 days after egg retrieval in the same cycle. A frozen embryo transfer gives the body time to recover from ovarian stimulation, creating a more natural uterine environment. Many clinics prefer frozen transfers because studies suggest they may be more successful.

Preparing the Uterus for Embryo Transfer

The uterus must be prepared for implantation, whether the transfer is fresh or frozen. To improve uterine lining, estrogen and progesterone, IVF injections are often prescribed. Managing stress and eating a nutritious diet can help a uterus become receptive, increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

What Happens During the Embryo Transfer Procedure?

An embryo transfer is quick and minimally invasive. A thin catheter is inserted through the cervix to carefully place the embryo in the uterus. Like a Pap smear, it takes 10-15 minutes and is painless. Many patients experience no pain, but mild cramping or bloating may occur. 

What to Expect After Transfer and the Waiting Period

Patients go into a critical waiting period following the transfer before undergoing a pregnancy test. Is IVF painful, some would ask? Although most of the steps in the process are well-tolerated, bloating and mild discomfort from hormonal changes are rather common. Furthermore, the hormonal changes brought on by stimulation drugs could cause delay or irregularity in the period following egg retrieval. Now entering the two-week wait, the IVF calendar forces patients to watch for early pregnancy symptoms while awaiting confirmation of implantation.

Step 4: The Two-Week Wait and Pregnancy Testing

Patients enter what is sometimes regarded as the most emotionally taxing phase of the IVF cycle following the embryo transfer: the two-week wait. This 10 to 14-day period is vital since it will decide whether implantation has happened successfully.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms vs. Side Effects

The body changes during this waiting period, causing symptoms that may indicate pregnancy or be side effects of IVF injections and hormonal fluctuations. Early pregnancy symptoms include mild cramping, breast tenderness, fatigue, and light spotting, which may indicate implantation. These symptoms can also be caused by progesterone supplementation, making early pregnancy and hormonal side effects difficult to distinguish.

Patients may also experience bloating, mood swings, and mild abdominal pain. These hormone treatment reactions are normal and do not indicate IVF success.

Managing Stress and Emotions During the Waiting Period

Anticipation and anxiety can make the two-week wait difficult. Patients are advised to meditate, light exercise, and journal to reduce stress. A daily routine and avoiding over-symptom-checking can reduce mental stress. A fertility support group or therapist may also help during this uncertain time.

When and How to Take a Pregnancy Test

Timing is crucial when testing for pregnancy after embryo transfer. Most clinics recommend a 10-14-day hCG blood test after transfer for the most accurate results. IVF injection hormones can cause false positives and negatives in home pregnancy tests that detect hCG earlier.


Positive pregnancy test.

The IVF calendar helps track pregnancy tests and follow-up appointments. Premature test results can cause stress, so patients should follow their clinic's advice.


Next Steps: Success or Unsuccessful Cycle

After confirming pregnancy, hCG levels are monitored to ensure proper rise, followed by early ultrasounds to track fetal development. Patients will receive hormonal support until pregnancy stability.

If the cycle fails, consult a fertility specialist to determine what happened. Some may try another frozen embryo transfer following the timeline, while others may wait for more testing. Moving forward requires time to process emotions, seek support, and consider options. 

What to Expect in the IVF Journey

IVF is a complicated, personal process that takes weeks or months. The initial consultation to the final pregnancy test all have their own challenges and emotional highs and lows. IVF cycles usually take four to six weeks, but multiple cycles may be needed for success.

Some people get pregnant on their first try, but others need more cycles. Age, health, and embryo quality affect fertility treatment outcomes. Perseverance is key to IVF success, and setbacks are part of the process.

IVF patients must be optimistic and resilient. Family support, mental health resources, and open communication with fertility specialists can help. Patients should feel comfortable asking questions, voicing concerns, and understanding all treatment options.

Despite uncertainties, reproductive medicine advances have increased IVF success rates, giving many couples hope. Patients can face IVF with confidence by staying informed, managing expectations, and seeking support. You can contact us to learn more about the procedure or see our helpful customised services and packages for the intended parents.


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