Introduction

 

Understanding the IVF process step-by-step can empower you to feel more confident and prepared as you begin your fertility journey. While IVF can seem complex at first glance, breaking it down into medical stages helps clarify the path ahead.

In this article, I’ll break down each stage of IVF treatment—from stimulation to egg collection, fertilisation, and embryo transfer—so you know what to expect physically, medically, and logistically.  Keep an eye out for my tips 💡 at each stage.

 

💡 Note: This blog is general educational information only and does not constitute personalised medical advice. Please consult with a fertility specialist to discuss your individual situation.

 

Step 1: Ensure Pre-IVF Assessment, Planning and Preparation are complete

Before IVF can begin, we first need to gather information. This phase includes: – Reviewing your medical and fertility history – Performing investigations such as blood tests (including AMH), pelvic ultrasound and semen analysis if applicable.

This step ensures your treatment plan is tailored to your situation and your goals. If you are using donor sperm, this is also when screening and selection are arranged.

You will also need to complete pre treatment

Emotional check-in: Anticipation builds here, but clarity around next steps can ease nerves.

 

💡 Treatment tip: Take time to review all documentation and medication instructions. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.

 

Step 2: Treatment start- Ovarian Stimulation and Monitoring

Goal: Stimulate your ovaries to grow multiple eggs in a single cycle.

 

What happens: You will begin a daily series of hormone injections (usually for 8–12 days) to stimulate your ovaries. These injections encourage the growth of multiple follicles rather than just one, as in a natural cycle. You’ll administer the medication at home using a pen or needle with support and demonstration from our nurse team and the pharmacist.

 

Monitoring:

– Ultrasound scans every few days. The number of visits during this stage can vary, but most patients attend 1-3 monitoring appointments. It’s important to stay flexible with your schedule.

Adjustments to your dosage may be made based on how your body responds.

 Symptoms: Bloating, tenderness, mood changes—similar to PMS.

Emotional check-in: This can be physically demanding, with hormonal shifts causing emotional ups and downs.

 

💡  Note: Most patients continue working during this phase, though lighter schedules and some planning ahead is recommended. Symptoms can include bloating, fatigue, and mood fluctuations due to hormonal changes.

 

Step 3: Trigger Injection

Once your follicles are mature (typically 17–22mm), you’ll receive a final injection known as the trigger. This prepares the eggs for retrieval.

This injection is time-sensitive and will be scheduled usually 36 hours before egg collection.  Depending on the medication and your situation, it can vary between 35-37 hours.

💡 Treatment tip: Trigger injections are scheduled for night time, so remember to set an alarm to remind you. 

 

Step 4: Egg Collection (OPU)

 Where: Hospital or day procedure unit under light sedation.

 Duration: Around 15-20 minutes

 Procedure: Using ultrasound guidance, a fine needle is used to retrieve eggs from your ovaries. You’ll be asleep under light sedation and wake up shortly after in recovery.

Recovery: – You’ll need someone to drive you home – Rest for 24–48 hours is usually recommended – Mild cramping or bloating is common

Your eggs are immediately passed to the embryology lab.

Emotional check-in: A blend of relief, nervousness, and anticipation is common.

 

💡 Treatment tip: Arrange time off and a support person for transport and aftercare.

 

Step 5: Fertilisation

In the lab, your eggs are fertilised with sperm via IVF or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), depending on your treatment plan.

At Genea, your embryos are grown in advanced Geri incubators, which provide a stable, undisturbed culture environment for each embryo —greatly improving observation and care.

 Embryo development: – Embryos are monitored over 3–6 days

You’ll be updated on:

– Number of eggs successfully fertilised

– Embryo growth and grading

– Suitability for transfer or freezing.

You will also receive photos and videos through the Genea Grow app of your embryos.

On day 5 and 6, embryos are assessed for transfer or cryopreservation. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may also be performed at this stage in some cases.

Not every egg will fertilise, and not every embryo will continue developing—it’s a delicate biological process.

Emotional check-in: This is often an emotionally intense phase, excitement mixed with concern about embryo development.

 

💡 Treatment tip: Try to stay occupied and manage expectations day by day.

 

Step 6: Embryo Transfer

If a fresh embryo transfer is planned, the best quality embryo is transferred into your uterus under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is performed using a fine catheter and is usually painless.

• No anaesthetic required
• Takes around 10–15 minutes
• You can walk out of the clinic afterward and resume normal activities

 

If a fresh transfer is not appropriate due to your response to stimulation or endometrial lining preparation, your embryos will be frozen and transferred at a later date.

 

Emotional check-in: Hopeful and emotional. This is a major milestone.

 

💡 Treatment tip: Light activity is encouraged. No bed rest needed—keep calm and carry on as normal.

 

Optional Step: Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

If you’re opting for embryo screening such as Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A), cells are carefully biopsied from the embryo on Day 5 or 6, and the embryo is frozen while awaiting results.

Transfer will occur in a subsequent frozen cycle.

 

PGT-A can help:

– Identify embryos with normal chromosome patterns

– Reduce risk of miscarriage

– Aid selection for patients with recurrent miscarriage or advanced age

 

Step 7: Luteal Phase Support

Following the transfer, you’ll begin progesterone support to help your uterine lining support implantation.

This phase continues until your pregnancy test 10–11 days later.

This period of waiting for pregnancy test is often described as the most emotionally challenging phase of the cycle.

• You may experience mild cramping or spotting
• Emotional fluctuations are common due to progesterone support medications
• Try to limit Google searches and avoid testing early at home

 

We’ll arrange a pregnancy blood test around 10–11 days after your transfer. If the result is positive, we’ll schedule an early pregnancy ultrasound at 6–7 weeks gestation.

Emotional check-in: Anxiety and anticipation peak here. It’s completely normal to feel on edge.

 

💡 Treatment tip: Avoid taking home pregnancy tests early. Stay connected with friends or a counsellor.

 

Step 8: Pregnancy Testing

A pregnancy blood test (hCG) is scheduled about 10 days after embryo transfer.

 If positive: – We arrange an early pregnancy ultrasound around 6–7 weeks gestation

 If negative: – We provide support and discuss next steps – Many patients continue with a frozen embryo transfer in future cycles.

 

IVF Cycle Summary Table

Step	Timeline
Pre-IVF Work-Up, pre treatment preparation	2–5 weeks
Stimulation	10-14 days
Trigger	Day 10-14
Egg Collection	Day 12–16
Fertilisation	1 Day after egg collection
Embryo Transfer	5 Days after egg collection
Pregnancy Test	10–11 days after transfer

 

Final Notes

The IVF process is both structured and deeply personal. While the sequence is standard, your plan will be individualised based on your age, ovarian reserve, partner factors, and lifestyle.

By understanding the medical steps of IVF, you’re already taking an important step toward feeling empowered and informed. My team and I work closely with Genea to ensure your experience is clinically excellent and emotionally supported.

 

 

📍Dr Alice Huang – Fertility Specialist Melbourne
Book your consultation today to start your IVF journey with clarity and care.

Related reading:

– How Long Does IVF Take from Start to Finish?

Disclaimer: This blog is general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your fertility specialist to discuss your individual situation.