IVF Explained: What Happens During a Treatment Cycle?

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a treatment in which eggs are collected and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. If an embryo develops and is suitable for transfer, it may be placed in the uterus. The steps are broadly similar across clinics, but medicines, timing, and decisions are tailored to each person.

1. Planning and baseline checks

Before a cycle, the fertility team reviews medical history and test results, explains the proposed plan, and discusses medication, costs, benefits, and risks. Blood tests or ultrasound scans may be used to help plan treatment. If IVF is being considered, the clinician can explain whether conventional IVF, ICSI, or another approach is appropriate for the situation.

2. Ovarian stimulation and monitoring

Hormone medicines are used to help several follicles develop in the ovaries during one cycle. The team monitors response with scans and, when needed, blood tests. The dose or timing may be adjusted based on those results. Some people experience temporary symptoms such as bloating or discomfort; the clinic should explain which symptoms need prompt medical attention.

3. Egg collection and fertilisation

When follicles are ready, a final medicine is timed to support egg maturation. Eggs are collected in a planned procedure, usually with sedation or anaesthesia. A sperm sample is prepared around the same time. In conventional IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together in the laboratory. With ICSI, an embryologist injects a single sperm into an egg when that method is clinically recommended.

4. Embryo development and transfer

The laboratory checks whether fertilisation has occurred and observes embryo development over the following days. The number and quality of embryos vary, and not every egg will fertilise or continue developing. The team discusses whether an embryo transfer is suitable in that cycle, whether embryos can be frozen for possible future use, and how many embryos to transfer. The plan should consider safety and the goal of avoiding multiple pregnancy where possible.

For a transfer, an embryo is placed into the uterus through a thin catheter. Some cycles use a fresh transfer; others freeze embryos and plan a later transfer. The choice depends on medical and laboratory factors and the clinic’s discussion with you.

5. Follow-up

The clinic will tell you when to take a pregnancy test and how to receive the result. It is important to follow the timing advised by your team, even if you have symptoms or bleeding earlier. If a cycle does not result in pregnancy, the clinician can review what happened and discuss whether another approach makes sense.

IVF can help some people build a family, but it is not guaranteed to work. Age, diagnosis, egg and sperm factors, embryo development, and medical history all matter. Ask your care team to explain the expected benefits, risks, alternatives, and likely costs for your own plan.

Further reading: HFEA: In vitro fertilisation (IVF). To speak with ATG’s fertility team, request a consultation.