Starting IVF can feel overwhelming.
When many people first begin researching fertility treatments, they quickly realize there is a lot of new information to process. Medical terms, medications, and unfamiliar procedures can make the experience feel intimidating at first.
One of the most common questions people ask when exploring fertility treatments is:
“What actually happens during an IVF cycle?”
An IVF cycle typically includes ovarian stimulation medications, egg retrieval, fertilization in the laboratory, embryo development, embryo transfer, and a pregnancy test.
If you are preparing for your first IVF cycle and looking for more guidance, you may also find my IVF Navigator guide helpful.
This guide explains the IVF process step-by-step for beginners so you can better understand what happens during treatment and feel more confident as you move forward in your fertility journey.
What You'll Learn in This Guide
The IVF process includes several key stages:
• IVF consultation and fertility testing
• Ovarian stimulation medications
• The trigger shot
• Egg retrieval procedure
• Fertilization and embryo development
• Embryo transfer
• The two week wait
While every fertility clinic and treatment plan may vary slightly, most IVF cycles follow a similar timeline.
Understanding the IVF process ahead of time can help reduce anxiety and make each stage of treatment feel more manageable.
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IVF Process Overview
Below is a step-by-step explanation of how a typical IVF cycle unfolds, from the initial consultation through the pregnancy test.
Each stage plays an important role in helping eggs develop, embryos grow, and the uterus prepare for implantation.
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Step 1: The IVF Consultation and Fertility Testing
Before beginning an IVF cycle, fertility clinics perform several tests and evaluations to understand your reproductive health and design the best treatment plan for your situation.
This stage helps your fertility specialist create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your body and fertility goals.
Your first IVF appointment is usually a consultation with a fertility specialist. During this visit, your doctor will review your medical history and discuss factors that may affect fertility.
This conversation may include:
• previous pregnancies or fertility treatments
• menstrual cycle history
• underlying health conditions
• lifestyle factors that could impact fertility
After the consultation, your doctor will typically recommend several fertility tests.
These tests help fertility specialists determine how your body may respond to IVF medications and treatment.
Common Fertility Tests Before IVF
Blood Tests and Hormone Testing
Blood tests measure important reproductive hormones that influence egg development and ovulation.
Some of the most common hormones tested include:
• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
• FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
• LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
• Estradiol
These hormone levels help doctors estimate ovarian reserve and determine how the ovaries might respond to fertility medications.
Ultrasound Evaluations
A transvaginal ultrasound allows doctors to examine the ovaries and uterus.
During this ultrasound, your doctor may perform an antral follicle count, which measures the number of small follicles inside the ovaries that could potentially develop into mature eggs during stimulation.
Semen Analysis
If sperm is involved in the IVF process, a semen analysis is usually performed to evaluate sperm count, movement, and morphology.
Understanding sperm health helps fertility specialists determine the best fertilization approach for your cycle.
What Doctors Are Looking for During Fertility Testing
These tests help fertility specialists answer important questions before starting treatment.
Doctors evaluate factors such as:
• ovarian reserve and egg supply
• hormone balance
• uterine health
• sperm quality
Once this information is gathered, your doctor will design a personalized IVF protocol tailored to your fertility needs.
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Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation and IVF Medications
After testing is complete and your IVF cycle begins, the next stage is ovarian stimulation.
During a natural menstrual cycle, the body usually releases only one egg.
During IVF, fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs at the same time, which increases the chances of developing healthy embryos.
This stage typically lasts 8 to 12 days.
Most IVF stimulation medications are administered as daily hormone injections.
While the idea of injections may feel intimidating at first, many patients quickly become comfortable with the process after the first few days.
The goal of stimulation is to help several follicles grow and mature within the ovaries.
Each follicle has the potential to contain an egg.
Monitoring Appointments During Stimulation
Throughout ovarian stimulation, your fertility clinic will closely monitor how your body responds to the medications.
You will usually visit the clinic several times for monitoring appointments that include:
• blood tests to measure hormone levels
• ultrasound scans to track follicle growth
These monitoring appointments help your doctor adjust medication doses if necessary and ensure the follicles develop safely and effectively.
Common IVF Medications Used During Stimulation
Each IVF protocol is slightly different, but common stimulation medications may include:
• Gonal-F or Follistim to stimulate follicle growth
• Menopur to support egg maturation
• Cetrotide or Ganirelix to prevent early ovulation
These medications work together to carefully control ovulation so eggs can be retrieved at the optimal time.
Want a Complete IVF Beginner Guide to Your First IVF Cycle?
If you are preparing for your first IVF cycle and want a clear step-by-step breakdown of the entire process, the IVF Navigator Guide was created to help you feel more informed and supported.
Inside the guide you will find:
• a detailed explanation of the IVF process
• preparation guidance before treatment begins
• clear explanations of medications and appointments
• emotional support for navigating the IVF journey
Preparing for IVF can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating medications and monitoring appointments for the first time.
Explore the guide here:
Explore the IVF Navigator Guide
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Step 3: The Trigger Shot
Once your follicles reach the ideal size, your doctor will schedule the trigger shot.
The trigger shot is often a medication called hCG or Lupron, which helps the eggs complete their final stage of maturation before retrieval.
Timing during this step is extremely important.
Egg retrieval is usually scheduled about 34 to 36 hours after the trigger shot.
Because this timing window is precise, your fertility clinic will give you very specific instructions about when to take the injection.
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Step 4: Egg Retrieval Procedure
Egg retrieval is the procedure where mature eggs are collected from the ovaries.
Many people feel nervous about this step, but it is typically a short outpatient procedure performed under light sedation.
During egg retrieval:
• a doctor uses ultrasound guidance
• a thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall
• eggs are collected from the follicles in the ovaries
The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Because sedation is used, patients typically do not feel pain during the procedure itself.
Egg Retrieval Recovery
After egg retrieval, patients rest in a recovery area before going home the same day.
Some mild symptoms afterward are common, including:
• bloating
• mild cramping
• fatigue
Most people feel back to normal within one to two days.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a potential side effect of ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.
OHSS occurs when the ovaries respond very strongly to fertility medications and become swollen and painful.
Mild cases are relatively common and may cause symptoms such as:
• bloating
• abdominal discomfort
• nausea
• rapid weight gain
In more severe cases, fluid can build up in the abdomen and cause significant pain or swelling.
Women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) may have a higher risk of developing OHSS during IVF stimulation, because their ovaries often produce a larger number of follicles during stimulation.
During my own IVF journey, I experienced severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which made recovery extremely painful and difficult for a short period of time. It was one of the most challenging parts of the process.
Most fertility clinics monitor patients very closely during stimulation to reduce the risk of OHSS and adjust medication doses if necessary.
If symptoms of OHSS occur, doctors may recommend additional monitoring, medications, or delaying embryo transfer to allow the body time to recover.
Although OHSS can be uncomfortable, most cases improve within several days to a couple of weeks as hormone levels return to normal.
Patients should always contact their fertility clinic if symptoms worsen or become severe.
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Step 5: Fertilization and Embryo Development
After egg retrieval, the eggs are taken to an embryology laboratory where fertilization takes place.
During this stage:
• sperm is introduced to the eggs
• fertilization occurs in controlled conditions
• embryos begin developing
In some cases, a technique called ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is used, where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to assist fertilization.
Embryologists carefully monitor embryo growth over several days.
Embryos typically develop in the lab for three to five days before transfer or freezing.
Some fertility clinics also offer preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer.
How Many Embryos Usually Develop?
The number of embryos that develop during IVF varies from person to person.
Several factors influence embryo development, including:
• age
• egg quality
• sperm quality
• overall reproductive health
It is important to remember that not every egg becomes an embryo, and this is completely normal during IVF.
Your fertility clinic will keep you updated on embryo development throughout this stage.
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Step 6: Embryo Transfer
The embryo transfer is the final procedural step of the IVF cycle, when a selected embryo is placed inside the uterus.
The doctor uses a thin catheter to carefully guide the embryo into the uterine cavity.
The transfer procedure is usually:
• quick
• painless
• completed without anesthesia
The entire embryo transfer procedure usually takes only a few minutes.
Many clinics allow patients to see the embryo before transfer, which can be a meaningful moment during the IVF journey.
Fresh vs Frozen Embryo Transfer
There are two types of embryo transfer.
Fresh Transfer
The embryo is transferred a few days after egg retrieval.
Frozen Transfer
Embryos are frozen and transferred during a later cycle once the uterus is prepared.
Many clinics now prefer frozen embryo transfers because they allow hormone levels to stabilize before implantation.
What to Expect After Embryo Transfer
After the transfer, patients typically begin progesterone medications to support the uterine lining.
Some clinics recommend light activity while others allow patients to continue normal routines.
Your fertility clinic will provide specific instructions during this stage.
After the embryo transfer, patients enter what is often called the “two week wait,” the time between transfer and the pregnancy test.
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Step 7: The Two Week Wait
The time between embryo transfer and the pregnancy test is commonly known as the two week wait.
For many people, this period can feel like the longest and most emotionally challenging part of the entire IVF process.
During this time, the body may be beginning the earliest stages of pregnancy while patients wait for the official pregnancy test.
During this stage:
• progesterone medications continue to support the uterine lining
• implantation may occur if the embryo successfully attaches to the uterus
• symptoms may or may not appear
One of the most difficult parts of the two week wait is the uncertainty. Some people notice symptoms early, while others feel completely normal. Both experiences are very common.
During my own IVF journey, the two week wait felt like one of the longest emotional stretches of the entire process. It can be incredibly hard to sit with the unknown while hoping everything is working behind the scenes.
It is also normal to feel hopeful one moment and anxious the next. Many patients describe the two week wait as an emotional rollercoaster.
During this time, many people find it helpful to focus on gentle self-care, staying busy with normal daily activities, and leaning on supportive partners, friends, or fertility communities.
While waiting can feel incredibly difficult, this stage is simply part of the process as the body does the quiet work of early implantation.
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IVF Timeline Overview
IVF includes several carefully timed stages that guide eggs, embryos, and the uterus through the fertility process.
While every treatment plan may vary slightly, most IVF cycles follow a similar sequence from consultation through pregnancy testing.
Understanding the IVF timeline can make the process feel more manageable and less overwhelming for first-time patients.
The visual overview below shows how a typical IVF cycle unfolds step by step.
Typical IVF timeline from consultation to pregnancy testing.
This simplified timeline is included inside the IVF Navigator Guide, where each stage of the IVF process is explained in greater detail to help you feel informed, supported, and prepared for treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions About IVF
How long does one IVF cycle take?
A typical IVF cycle takes about four to six weeks, starting from ovarian stimulation and ending with the pregnancy test. Additional preparation and fertility testing before the cycle may extend the overall timeline.
Is IVF painful?
Most steps of the IVF process are not painful. Fertility injections may cause mild discomfort, and egg retrieval can lead to temporary bloating or cramping. Because egg retrieval is performed under sedation, patients typically do not feel pain during the procedure.
What are the stages of IVF?
The main stages of IVF typically include:
• consultation and fertility testing
• ovarian stimulation medications
• the trigger shot
• egg retrieval
• fertilization and embryo development
• embryo transfer
• the pregnancy test
How successful is IVF on the first try?
IVF success rates vary depending on age, fertility diagnosis, and embryo quality. On average, success rates for one IVF cycle typically range between 30 percent and 50 percent, though results vary depending on individual factors.
What medications are used during IVF?
IVF medications are used to stimulate the ovaries, control ovulation, and support the uterine lining. Common medications include follicle stimulating hormones such as Gonal-F or Follistim, medications like Menopur to support egg development, and progesterone after embryo transfer to help maintain the uterine lining.
How many eggs are retrieved during IVF?
The number of eggs retrieved during IVF varies widely. Many IVF cycles retrieve around 8 to 15 mature eggs, though some patients may produce fewer or significantly more depending on ovarian reserve and response to medications.
During my own IVF cycle, I had 54 eggs retrieved. Because I have PCOS, my ovaries responded very strongly to stimulation medications, which can sometimes lead to a higher number of eggs being collected. That strong response is also what caused me to develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during my cycle.
Why is the two week wait so difficult during IVF?
The two week wait is the period between embryo transfer and the pregnancy test. During this time, patients wait to learn whether implantation has occurred. Because there are often few clear symptoms and the outcome is unknown, many people find this stage emotionally challenging. Support, self-care, and staying connected with trusted resources can help make this time feel more manageable.
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Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone in This Process
Beginning IVF can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. There are medications, procedures, and emotions that many people never expected to navigate.
But understanding the IVF process step by step can make the journey feel less overwhelming.
Preparation and knowledge can help you feel more confident as you move through each stage of treatment.
Most importantly, remember that you are not alone. Many individuals and couples walk this path every year, each hoping for the same outcome and searching for clarity along the way.
Support, information, and guidance can make a meaningful difference along the way.
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Want a Step-by-Step Guide to Your First IVF Cycle?
If you want a supportive, easy-to-understand breakdown of the IVF process from start to finish, the IVF Navigator guide was created to help you feel prepared for every stage of treatment.
Inside the guide you will find:
• clear, easy-to-understand explanations of the IVF process
• guidance to help you prepare before your cycle begins
• support for IVF medications and monitoring appointments
• encouragement through the emotional side of IVF
If you are starting IVF and want to feel more confident about what lies ahead, this guide was designed for you.
Explore the IVF Navigator Guide