IVF step by step

 

IVF treatment involves 6 main stages:

1. suppressing your natural cycle – the menstrual cycle is suppressed with medication
2. boosting your egg supply – medication is used to encourage the ovaries to produce more eggs than usual
3. monitoring your progress and maturing your eggs – an ultrasound scan is carried out to check the development of the eggs, and medication is used to help them mature
4. collecting the eggs – a needle is inserted into the ovaries, via the vagina, to remove the eggs
5. fertilizing the eggs – the eggs are mixed with the sperm for a few days to allow them to be fertilized
6. transferring the embryo(s) – 1 or 2 fertilized eggs (embryos) are placed into the womb

Once the embryo(s) has been transferred into your womb, you'll need to wait 2 weeks before taking a pregnancy test to see if the treatment has worked.

What happens during IVF