The IVF Process Timeline: Step-by-Step
The IVF cycle is a series of carefully orchestrated steps. Here is your roadmap from start to finish.
⚡️ TL;DR
- •Local-First: Your data stays on your device.
- •Expert-Backed: Content reviewed by fertility specialists.
- •Actionable: Use the TrackMyIVF app to manage these steps.
Phase 1: Priming & Baseline (Weeks 1-3)
Before the real work begins, your clinic may put you on birth control or estrogen to "quiet" your ovaries. This ensures all follicles start the race at the same time.
Phase 2: Stimulation (Days 1-12)
This is the intense part. You will take daily injections (gonadotropins) to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Monitoring: You will visit the clinic every 1-3 days for bloodwork and ultrasounds.
- Trigger Shot: When follicles are ready, you take a final "trigger" shot to mature the eggs.
Phase 3: Retrieval & Fertilization (Day 14)
36 hours after the trigger, you undergo the egg retrieval. The embryologist fertilizes the eggs immediately (or via ICSI).
Phase 4: The Hunger Games (Days 15-20)
You wait for updates on how many eggs fertilized and made it to the blastocyst stage (Day 5/6). This attrition period is often called "The Hunger Games."
Stay on Top of Your Schedule
The timeline can change daily based on your monitoring. TrackMyIVF helps you adjust your schedule instantly.
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Common Questions
How long does a cycle take?
A typical IVF cycle takes about 4-6 weeks from the start of birth control (priming) to the pregnancy test.
Is the egg retrieval painful?
You are usually under 'twilight sedation' for the retrieval, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Mild cramping and bloating afterwards are common.
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