How is IVF Done? A Step-by-Step Guide to the IVF Process

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a life-changing fertility treatment that has enabled countless individuals and couples to achieve their dream of parenthood. If you're considering IVF, understanding the process can help you feel more confident and prepared. This guide provides a detailed IVF process step by step, along with insights into what happens after the procedure and factors affecting its success.

At Arva Health, we specialize in offering personalized fertility solutions, including fertility tests, consultations, and advanced preservation techniques like egg and embryo freezing. Let’s walk you through the IVF journey.

What is IVF and How Does It Work?

IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) where eggs are fertilized with sperm outside the body in a controlled laboratory environment. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus to establish a pregnancy.

This treatment is often recommended for individuals or couples facing challenges such as:

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes

• Ovulation disorders

• Male infertility issues like low sperm count or motility

• Unexplained infertility

The in vitro fertilization procedure consists of several carefully monitored steps, from stimulating the ovaries to transferring embryos.

Step-by-Step IVF Procedure

Here’s how the IVF treatment process unfolds:

1. Initial Consultation and Fertility Testing

Before starting IVF, a thorough evaluation of reproductive health is essential. This includes blood tests, ultrasounds, and semen analysis for male partners. At Arva Health, we offer comprehensive options like the Complete Fertility Test for Women and the Starter Fertility Test to assess ovarian reserve, hormone levels, and other critical factors.

2. Ovarian Stimulation

The process begins with medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the usual single egg per cycle. This phase lasts 8-14 days, during which regular ultrasounds and blood tests monitor follicle growth.

3. Trigger Shot and Egg Retrieval

Once follicles reach maturity, an hCG trigger shot is administered to prepare eggs for retrieval. Approximately 36 hours later, eggs are collected via a minimally invasive procedure under sedation.

4. Fertilization in the Lab

The retrieved eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory setting using either conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), depending on the quality of sperm. ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg and is often recommended for male infertility cases.

5. Embryo Culture

Fertilized eggs develop into embryos over 3-5 days in a controlled environment. The healthiest embryos are selected for transfer based on their quality and growth rate.

6. Embryo Transfer

The final step involves transferring one or more embryos into the uterus using a thin catheter. This procedure is painless and does not require sedation.

What Happens After IVF?

After embryo transfer, patients enter the critical two-week waiting period known as the luteal phase. During this time:

• Hormonal supplements like progesterone may be prescribed to support implantation.

• A pregnancy test is conducted approximately two weeks after embryo transfer to confirm success.

If you're considering preserving your fertility for future cycles, Arva Health offers advanced Egg Freezing services tailored to your needs.

IVF Success Rates & Factors That Affect It

The success of IVF depends on various factors:

1. Age: Women under 35 typically have higher success rates (up to 55%) compared to women over 40 (10%-20%).

2. Egg and Embryo Quality: High-quality eggs and embryos improve implantation chances.

3. Underlying Fertility Issues: Conditions like PCOS or endometriosis may affect outcomes.

4. Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity can negatively impact success rates.

Arva’s Take: At Arva Health, we recommend starting with a personalized Fertility Health Consultation to understand your unique circumstances better. Our experts will guide you on lifestyle changes and treatment options that can enhance your chances of success.

Why Choose Arva Health?

Navigating fertility treatments can be overwhelming, but at Arva Health, we simplify the journey by offering:

• Non-invasive at-home fertility testing options like our Complete Fertility Test.

• Expert consultations tailored to your reproductive goals.

• Advanced preservation techniques such as Egg Freezing for those planning parenthood later in life.

• Compassionate care from top non-judgmental gynecologists available at our Whitefield Clinic in Bangalore.

Conclusion

IVF offers hope for individuals and couples struggling with infertility by providing a structured path toward parenthood. By understanding each step of the process and factors influencing success rates, you can make informed decisions about your fertility journey.

At Arva Health, we’re here to support you every step of the way—from fertility testing to advanced treatments like egg freezing or embryo preservation—ensuring compassionate care tailored just for you.

For more information or personalized guidance, schedule your consultation today!