The IVF Process – A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

March 25 12:46 2025 Print This Article

Summary 

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an advanced fertility treatment designed to help couples struggling with infertility conceive a biological child. The process begins with an initial consultation, where doctors assess the couple’s medical history and conduct fertility tests. Ovarian stimulation follows, using hormone medications to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved through a minimally invasive procedure. Simultaneously, a sperm sample is collected from the male partner. The eggs and sperm are combined in a lab through either conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The resulting embryos develop over 5–6 days, and the healthiest ones are selected for implantation. A fertilized embryo is then transferred into the uterus, where natural implantation occurs. Pregnancy is confirmed after two weeks through an hCG blood test. IVF offers hope to couples facing infertility and is a carefully monitored, personalized process aimed at increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

What is IVF? 

In-Vitro Fertilization, commonly referred to as IVF, is a widely known type of assisted reproductive technology. The technique is particularly useful in helping couples who struggle with infertility have biological children of their own. The technique employs a mix of fertility medication and surgical interventions. IVF is also sometimes used to prevent passing on certain genetic conditions from the parents to the child.

If you’re considering in-vitro fertilization (IVF), you’re not alone. At Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, we understand that this journey can be an emotional rollercoaster, filled with excitement, hope, and sometimes anxiety. Our goal is to guide you every step of the way, making sure you feel informed, supported, and reassured throughout the process.

Step One – The First Consultation 

The IVF journey begins with a consultation with one of our fertility experts. Our fertility specialists will take the time to understand you and your partner’s medical history, conduct the necessary fertility tests, and address any questions you may have. This is an opportunity to discuss any sensitive concerns you may have, without any reservations, and explore how you can achieve your goals. This is a safe space, and our experienced and empathetic doctors are here to support you on your fertility journey.

The doctors will usually conduct the following tests:

– Hormone Tests: Blood tests measure hormone levels like FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) to assess ovarian reserve.

– Ultrasound Scan: A transvaginal ultrasound helps visualize the ovaries and uterus to check for any abnormalities.

– Semen Analysis: For male partners, a sperm test evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology.

– Other Assessments: Additional tests, like genetic screening or hysteroscopy, may be recommended based on your medical history.

Step Two – Ovarian Stimulation 

To help your body produce multiple healthy eggs, you will be prescribed hormonal medication. These medicines may be in the form of pills or injections. Your doctor will tailor the frequency, dosage and type of hormonal medication to suit your body, based on your medical history, age and AMH (Anti-mullerian Hormone) levels. Take note of your doctor’s instructions about how and when to administer your hormonal medication. The medications amplify your body’s signals to the ovaries to produce more mature eggs in a single cycle. We are trying to induce super-ovulation. We want more eggs to mature simultaneously so that when egg retrieval is performed, there is a higher chance of harvesting a sufficient number of them. More eggs harvested increases your chances of fertilization and pregnancy.

During the ovarian stimulation, your doctor will monitor your ovaries regularly through ultrasound scans and hormone level tests to make sure the ovaries are responding as expected. If you experience any discomfort, abdominal pain, nausea or difficulty breathing, please inform your doctor immediately so they can adjust your medication if required. When the eggs are almost fully mature, your doctor will instruct you to take the “trigger shot” which is a high dose of hormones to prepare the egg cells for retrieval. This is typically administered exactly 36 hours before retrieval. It is important to note that the timing is key, and your doctor will give you precise instructions to be followed.

Step Three – Egg Retrieval & Sperm Collection 

Once your eggs are mature, a quick, minimally invasive egg retrieval procedure will be scheduled by your doctor. You’ll be under light sedation, so you won’t feel any discomfort. The process is over in about 20 minutes, and you’ll be able to go home the same day. During the egg retrieval procedure, a thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall to extract the mature eggs from the follicles of the ovaries. This is performed under an ultrasound scan for better precision and safety. Although this process can sound scary, it is a routine and safe procedure with a high success rate.

A semen sample is also collected from the male partner, usually on the day of the egg retrieval. Semen collection can also be done ahead of time, and frozen for preservation. Our specialists analyze the semen sample, and choose the healthiest sperm cells, so you can have the highest chance of successful fertilization. In case the male partner is unable to ejaculate, or have a very low sperm count, the doctor may perform a procedure called testicular aspiration, where a needle is used to extract sperm cells directly from the testes. Your doctor will explain this process in detail, if required.

Step Four – Fertilization 

The egg cell and sperm cells harvested from both parents combine to form an embryo. This process is called fertilization. This can be achieved through:

Conventional Insemination – The mature egg cells and sperm cells are mixed together and incubated in a temperature-controlled environment. Fertilization will naturally occur as the sperm and egg cells encounter each other in the petri dish.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection – This is a procedure in which a single, healthy sperm cell is injected directly into a mature egg cell to form an embryo. This procedure is recommended when the couple is diagnosed with male infertility or low sperm motility.

Step Five – Embryo Development 

Once the blastocysts are inside the uterus, they attach themselves to the uterine lining. At this stage, the mother’s body takes over. The doctors, nurses and other medical staff have done their best, but now the embryo must implant into the uterine lining on its own. This is often the most nerve-wracking part of the whole procedure. We know this waiting period can be stressful, but we encourage our patients to stay calm and have faith. We advise our patients to take good care of themselves at this time and relax.

Step Six- Embryo Transfer 

The mother will be prescribed oral or injectable hormonal medications to prepare the uterine lining to accept the embryo. The doctor will monitor the mother through regular check-ups and ensure the uterine lining is ready before performing the embryo transfer. The blastocysts are placed in the uterus using a soft, thin catheter. The doctor places a speculum in the cervix and threads the catheter through the vagina into the uterus. This is a quick, painless procedure. It just feels like a routine pelvic exam or pap smear, and requires no anaesthesia. The patient can go home immediately after the embryo transfer. The whole procedure takes less than 10 minutes.

Step Seven- Letting Nature take its Course

Once the blastocysts are inside the uterus, they attach themselves to the uterine lining. At this stage, the mother’s body takes over. The doctors, nurses and other medical staff have done their best, but now the embryo must implant into the uterine lining on its own. This is often the most nerve-wracking part of the whole procedure. We know this waiting period can be stressful, but we encourage our patients to stay calm and have faith. We advise our patients to take good care of themselves at this time, and relax.

Step Eight- Confirming the Pregnancy

After embryo transfer, we wait for 2 weeks before we can confirm the pregnancy. This is done by taking a beta-hCG test, that measure the level of human chorionic gonadotropin in the mother’s blood. A rising hCG level indicates that the embryo has implanted successfully. This means the pregnancy is confirmed, and doctors will the proceed with pregnancy monitoring. If the test is negative, we can regroup and discuss further possibilities. This can be an emotionally stressful time for potential parents, and our IVF team is here to support you.

IVF – A Journey Worth Taking 

IVF is more than a medical process—it’s a journey filled with hope, resilience, and love. At Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, we are committed to making this experience as comfortable and supportive as possible. Our expert team and advanced fertility center are here to give you the best chance of success. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to us today. We’re here for you, every step of the way.

Embarking on a fertility journey? Join hands with Kauvery Hospital, the trusted choice with branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy. Our advanced fertility center and dedicated team are committed in providing you with personalized care, supporting you at every step of your IVF journey. Reach out to us today to take the first steps towards parenthood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IVF?
IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) is a fertility treatment that helps couples conceive by fertilizing an egg with sperm in a lab and transferring the embryo to the uterus.

How long does the IVF process take?
The IVF cycle typically takes about 4–6 weeks, from ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer.

Is the egg retrieval procedure painful?
Egg retrieval is a minimally invasive procedure performed under light sedation, so you won’t feel pain.

How many embryos are transferred during IVF?
Usually, one or two embryos are transferred based on your health and fertility specialist’s recommendation.

How soon can I take a pregnancy test after IVF?
A pregnancy test is done about 2 weeks after the embryo transfer to check for successful implantation.

Can IVF help with male infertility?
Yes, IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) can help overcome male infertility by injecting a single sperm directly into an egg.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 •  Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801