What are the 5 stages of IVF: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re considering IVF, understanding its steps can help you feel more prepared and confident. Here, we explain the 5 main stages of IVF that are performed to help couples conceive a child.

What is IVF and Why Is It Performed?

As discussed, IVF is a simple process in which the sperm is met with an egg in a lab through the fertilisation process. After a few days, the mature embryo is then transferred to the woman’s uterus, where it grows into a baby.

Here are some reasons why it is performed:

• Fallopian tubes that are damaged or blocked
• Endometriosis
• Low sperm count or other problems with sperm
• Various ovarian disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Fibroids in the uterus
• Any hereditary illness or condition
• Infertility without a cause

What are the 5 Stages of the IVF Procedure?

The 5 stages of an IVF cycle involve:

1. Ovarian Stimulation

The first stage of IVF is about helping the woman’s body produce more eggs than usual. Normally, a woman’s body releases just one egg during her monthly cycle. But in IVF, doctors need more eggs to increase the chances of success.

At this stage:

• You’ll take hormone injections for about 8–14 days.
• These hormones stimulate your ovaries to develop multiple eggs.

During this time, you’ll have regular blood tests and ultrasound scans. These tests help the doctor check how your eggs are growing and adjust the medication if needed.

When the eggs are ready, the doctor schedules the next step.

2. Egg Retrieval

Once your eggs have matured, it’s time to collect them from your ovaries. This is called egg retrieval, and it is a minor procedure:

• You’ll be given a light sedative or anaesthesia so you don’t feel pain.
• Using a thin needle and ultrasound guidance, the doctor carefully collects the eggs from the ovaries.
• The whole procedure takes about 20–30 minutes.
• You can usually go home the same day after resting for a few hours.
3. At the same time, if you’re using your partner’s sperm, he will provide a semen sample. If donor sperm is being used, the clinic will prepare it in advance.
4. Fertilisation and Embryo Development

After the eggs and sperm are collected, the next stage happens in the lab. Here’s what happens:

• The eggs are placed in a dish with sperm so they can be fertilised.
• Sometimes, if sperm has trouble penetrating the egg, the doctor may inject a single sperm directly into the egg (a technique called ICSI).
• The fertilised eggs are monitored over the next few days as they divide and develop into embryos.
• Usually, this stage takes 3–5 days. During this time, the embryologists check which embryos are growing well and are healthy enough for transfer.
5. Embryo Transfer

Once the embryos are ready, one or sometimes more are placed into the woman’s uterus. This is called embryo transfer:

• It’s a simple, painless procedure that doesn’t require anaesthesia.
• A thin catheter is used to place the embryo(s) inside the uterus gently.
• It only takes a few minutes, and you can go home shortly after.

After the transfer, the embryo needs to attach itself to the lining of the uterus and continue to grow; this is called implantation.

6. Pregnancy Test and Follow-Up

The final stage of IVF is waiting to see if the treatment worked.

Around 10–14 days after the embryo transfer, you’ll have a blood test to check for pregnancy hormones. This test gives a clear result about whether the embryo has implanted successfully.

If the test is positive:

The clinic will guide you on the next steps and schedule an ultrasound after a few weeks to confirm the pregnancy and check the baby’s heartbeat.

If the test is negative:

• Your doctor will talk to you about the reasons it may not have worked and discuss whether to try another cycle.

How long does it take to complete the IVF process?

IVF is a multi-step and intricate procedure. The procedure should take four to six weeks on average to complete. This encompasses the time before egg retrieval, during which a person takes fertility drugs until they receive a pregnancy test.

If you visit the best IVF centre in Lucknow, you will get a comprehensive treatment with a personalised solution for your problem. The doctors at the Crysta IVF Lucknow centre are highly experienced and experts in the fertility field, providing patients with a personalised IVF treatment.




What to Expect During Pre-IVF Treatment?

Before undergoing IVF treatment, you will require fertility tests and a comprehensive medical examination. Additionally, your partner will also be evaluated and examined. Here are the diagnoses or tests that your doctor will perform before suggesting IVF treatment.

• Prepare yourself to meet with medical professionals to understand the IVF procedure.
• The doctor will suggest a mammography (if over 40), a current Pap test, and a uterine examination.
• Meanwhile, your partner will undergo semen analysis.
• Checking for infectious diseases and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Blood and urine tests, as well as ovarian reserve testing.
• Screening for genetic carriers.
• Assessment of the uterine cavity using hysteroscopy.



What to Expect After IVF Treatment?

Following embryo transfer, you may experience the following mild symptoms:

• Mild cramps and bloating
• Breast soreness due to elevated oestrogen levels
• Blood spotting
• Constipation

Following their egg retrieval process, many patients immediately resume their regular activities. However, after receiving anaesthesia, you should refrain from driving for 24 hours. You will return to the fertility centre for a pregnancy test using a blood sample approximately nine to fourteen days following the embryo transfer.




To Sum Up

IVF is a step-by-step process that combines medical science and careful care. From stimulating your ovaries to transferring the embryo and waiting for pregnancy, each stage plays an important role.

Understanding these 5 stages: ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, embryo transfer, and pregnancy test, can help reduce anxiety and make the journey easier to handle.

While IVF can feel overwhelming at first, remember that your medical team is there to guide and support you at every step. If you have questions or feel unsure about any stage, don’t hesitate to connect with Crysta IVF to get all the answers you have been looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is IVF done step by step?

IVF is done in 6 major steps, which include ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm collection, fertilisation, embryo culture, and Embryo transfer. After all these steps, the pregnancy test is performed.

What are the 12 steps of IVF?

The 12 steps of IVF include consultation & fertility tests, period synchronisation, ovarian stimulation, monitoring with ultrasound & blood tests, trigger injection for final egg maturation, egg retrieval, sperm collection, fertilisation (IVF or ICSI), embryo culture, embryo grading & selection, embryo transfer and at last pregnancy test after 12–14 days

How long is the IVF process from start to finish?

One full IVF cycle usually takes 4 - 6 weeks from the start of medications to the pregnancy test.

What is the most painful step in IVF?

The most painful step in IVF involved the daily injections and egg retrieval process, which is a bit uncomfortable. Egg retrieval is done under anaesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure, only mild cramps afterwards. However, the experience differs from person to person.

How many injections are given in IVF?

On average, 20 - 25 injections are given in IVF for over 10 -12 days for ovarian stimulation and to prepare your body for egg retrieval.

How successful is IVF the first time?

The IVF success depends on many factors, including age, health, type of procedure and the clinic. However, on average, the first IVF cycle has a 40 - 50% success rate for women under 35.

What is the hardest step in IVF?

For most women, the hardest step in IVF involves the emotional stress of waiting for results and taking daily injections. However, the medical steps are manageable with good support from the doctor.

Whose sperm is used in IVF?

Usually, the partner’s sperm is used in the IVF procedure. If there are severe male fertility issues, donor sperm may be recommended

On which day of the period is IVF done?

IVF usually starts on Day 2 or Day 3 of your period with hormone injections.

Is IVF done under anaesthesia?

Yes, the egg retrieval in IVF is done under anaesthesia, so you stay comfortable and don’t feel pain. Embryo transfer usually does not need anaesthesia.

Is IVF 100% successful?

No, IVF is not 100% successful. Success rates depend on age, fertility health, embryo quality and the type of clinic you choose. Your doctor will discuss your chances before starting.

Which injection is painful in IVF?

The trigger shot (last injection before egg retrieval) can cause mild pain, like a normal injection. However, not all women may experience this pain.

How many rounds of IVF are normal?

Many couples conceive within 1 - 3 IVF cycles. If it doesn’t work after 3 attempts, doctors may look for other reasons before continuing.

Can you pick a gender with IVF?

No, in India, you cannot choose or pick the gender of your baby with IVF. It is done only to help with pregnancy, not for gender selection.

What is the cost of an IVF injection?

IVF injection costs vary by brand and dosage, but they can cost anywhere from ₹50,000 to ₹80,000 per cycle, which is included in the IVF package at most clinics.

How to make IVF successful the first time?

To make IVF successful the first time, follow your doctor’s instructions, take medicines on time, eat a balanced diet, avoid stress, and go for all monitoring appointments.