What Is IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation)?
IVF is a common fertility treatment where a sperm and egg are fertilised together in a laboratory setting, and the formed embryo is placed into the uterus to help achieve pregnancy.IVF is an effective form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and is commonly recommended for individuals or couples experiencing:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Ovulation disorders or diminished ovarian reserve
- Male infertility factor(s) (low sperm count or poor motility)
- Endometriosis or unexplained infertility
- Couples of the same sex or single individuals who wish to build families
- Problems with the uterus
- Uterine fibroids
How to prepare for IVF Treatment?
Before IVF, both you and your partner will have health checks and fertility tests. This usually includes:- Meeting with your doctor to discuss the IVF process.
- Tests usually include a Pap smear, a mammogram (if over 40), and semen analysis.
- Blood, urine, and infection screening
- Checking your ovaries and uterus
- Genetic screening (if needed)
- Learning how to take fertility medicines
- Signing consent forms
In this article:
IVF Process Step by Step
The IVF process includes the following steps:1. Birth Control Pills or Estrogen
Before starting IVF, your doctor may give you birth control pills or estrogen. This helps prevent cysts, regulates your cycle, and makes it easier to collect more mature eggs at the right time.2. Ovarian Stimulation
Instead of just a single egg (like in a natural cycle), IVF uses hormone injections to help many eggs grow at once. Your doctor will adjust the medicines based on your body’s response.Monitoring: During this phase, you’ll undergo ultrasounds and blood tests to track the growth of your eggs.
Trigger Shot: When your eggs are ready, you’ll get a special injection (“trigger shot”) to prepare them for collection.
3. Egg Retrieval
About 36 hours after the trigger shot, your doctor collects your eggs from the ovaries using a thin needle. This is done through the vagina with mild sedation, so you feel little to no pain.4. Fertilisation
The eggs collected are mixed with sperm in the lab. In some instances, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg using ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). Not all eggs fertilise, but usually many do. These fertilised eggs become embryos.5. Embryo Development
The embryos grow in the lab for 5–6 days. Only the strongest embryos reach the blastocyst stage, which is best for transfer. The good embryos are either used immediately or frozen for later use.6. Embryo Transfer
A healthy embryo is placed in your uterus using a thin tube. This is quick, painless, and doesn’t need anaesthesia, similar to a Pap smear. You may have either a fresh transfer (immediately) or a frozen one (done later).7. Pregnancy Test
Around 9–14 days after transfer, a blood test will check if the embryo has implanted in your uterus. If successful, the pregnancy test results turn out positive.What to expect after IVF Treatment?
After embryo transfer, you may feel mild bloating, cramps, breast tenderness, spotting, or constipation. Most people can return to normal activities soon after, but avoid driving for 24 hours if you had anaesthesia. About 9–14 days later, you’ll have a blood test at the clinic to check for pregnancy.What are the side effects of IVF?
The side effects of IVF during ovulation stimulation (fertility medicines) include:- Feeling sick (nausea or vomiting)
- Sudden hot flashes
- Headaches
- Swollen ovaries
- Stomach pain
- Small bruises from injections
The side effects of IVF after embryo transfer include:
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Cramps in the belly
- Sore or tender breasts
- Light spotting
Risks of IVF
Various risks associated with IVF treatment include:- Stress: IVF can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining.
- Egg retrieval risks: Bleeding, infection, or damage to nearby organs may occur.
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Ovaries may become swollen and painful, causing bloating, nausea, or shortness of breath.
- Miscarriage: The risk is similar to natural conception and increases with age.
- Ectopic pregnancy: The embryo may implant outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.
- Multiple pregnancy: IVF increases the chance of twins or more, which raises pregnancy risks.
- Premature birth and low birth weight: Slightly higher chance compared to natural conception.
- Birth defects: Slightly increased risk, though age is the main factor.
IVF Cost and Options
The cost of IVF varies depending on the country, clinic, and specific needs of the patient. One IVF cycle may include:- Doctor consultations, scans, and blood tests
- Fertility medications (a major portion of the cost)
- Egg retrieval, fertilisation, and embryo culture
- Embryo transfer procedure
Additional costs may apply for:
- Donor sperm or donor eggs
- Embryo freezing and storage
- Genetic testing (PGT/PGS)
- ICSI (for male factor infertility)
Living Well During IVF
Going through IVF is often described as both hopeful and overwhelming. You can support your journey by:- Maintaining a balanced diet and exercising to improve overall health.
- Practising stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga.
- Building a support system with your partner, family, or professional counsellors.
- Staying informed about every stage of the treatment.
FAQs on IVF Treatment
- Does IVF always work the first time?
Not necessarily. It may take multiple treatment cycles to achieve pregnancy, depending on age and health factors. - Can IVF guarantee pregnancy?
No fertility treatment can guarantee pregnancy. However, IVF significantly increases the chances for infertile couples.