From your first consultation to the embryo transfer — a clear walk-through of how IVF actually works, and what to expect at each stage.
In Vitro Fertilisation, or IVF, is a fertility treatment in which eggs and sperm are combined outside the body in a controlled laboratory environment. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus, where it can implant and grow into a pregnancy.
Step 1 — Ovarian Stimulation
Most natural cycles produce only a single mature egg. In IVF, hormonal injections are used over 8–14 days to encourage the ovaries to develop multiple mature follicles at once. Frequent ultrasounds and blood tests monitor your response and let your doctor fine-tune the dose.
Step 2 — Egg Retrieval
When the follicles are ready, a short procedure under light sedation collects the eggs using a fine needle guided by ultrasound. The procedure takes 15–20 minutes; most women rest for a few hours and return home the same day.
Step 3 — Fertilisation in the Lab
Eggs are combined with the partner's or donor's sperm. In conventional IVF, sperm and eggs are placed together in a dish. In ICSI (recommended for male-factor cases), a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. Fertilisation is checked the next morning.
Step 4 — Embryo Culture
Embryos are grown in the lab for 3–5 days. Growing them to the blastocyst stage (day 5) helps identify the strongest embryos and improves implantation rates.
Step 5 — Embryo Transfer
One healthy embryo is gently placed into the uterus using a thin catheter — a quick, painless procedure that needs no anaesthesia. Remaining good-quality embryos can be frozen for future cycles.
Step 6 — The Pregnancy Test
About 10–14 days after transfer, a blood test (beta hCG) confirms whether the embryo has implanted. The waiting period can feel long; gentle activity, supportive company, and your clinic's helpline are your best companions.
Every IVF journey is unique. Success depends on age, egg and sperm quality, uterine health and the cause of infertility. A personalised plan — not a one-size-fits-all protocol — is what makes the difference.
Have questions about your own journey?
A relaxed first conversation with Dr. Maheshwari can give you clarity, options and a plan tailored to you.
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