There are six basic steps in the IVF and embryo transfer process. The typical timeline is one to two months per treatment cycle.

1. Ovulation induction: monitor and stimulate the development of healthy egg(s) in the ovaries.
2. Egg retrieval: collect the eggs.
3. Sperm collection: secure the sperm
4. Insemination, fertilization, and embryo culture: combine the eggs and sperm together in the laboratory and provide the appropriate environment for fertilization and early embryo growth.
5. Implantation: transfer embryos into the uterus.
6. Pregnancy testing

1. Ovulation induction. Fertility medications are prescribed to control the timing of the egg ripening and to increase the chance of collecting multiple eggs during one of the woman’s cycles. This is often referred to as ovulation induction. Multiple eggs are desired because some eggs will not develop or fertilize after retrieval. Egg development is monitored using ultrasound to examine the ovaries and urine or blood test samples to check hormone levels.
2. Egg retrieval. A woman’s eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure that uses ultrasound imaging to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity. Sedation and local anesthesia are provided to remove any discomfort that you might experience. The eggs are removed from the ovaries using the hollow needle, which is called follicular aspiration. Some women may experience cramping on the day of retrieval, which usually subsides the following day; however, a feeling of fullness or pressure may last for several weeks following the procedure.
3. Sperm collection. Sperm, usually obtained by ejaculation, is prepared for combining with the eggs.
4. Insemination, fertilization, and embryo culture. In the insemination process, the sperm and eggs are placed in incubators located in the laboratory, which enables fertilization to occur. In some cases where fertilization is suspected to be low, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used. Through this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg in an attempt to achieve fertilization. The eggs are monitored to confirm that fertilization and cell division are taking place. Once this occurs, the fertilized eggs are considered embryos.
5. Implantation. Embryos are usually transferred into the woman’s uterus anywhere from one to six days later, but most commonly it occurs between three to five days following egg retrieval. Transfers on day 5 or 6 are called Blastocyst Transfers. The transfer process involves a speculum that is inserted into the vagina to expose the cervix. A predetermined number of embryos are suspended in fluid and gently placed through a catheter into the womb. This process is often guided by ultrasound. The procedure is usually painless, but some women experience mild cramping.
6. Pregnancy Testing. These steps are followed by rest and watching for early pregnancy symptoms. A blood test and potentially an ultrasound will be used to determine if implantation and pregnancy has occurred.