Starting IVF for the first time can feel overwhelming. There is so much information, so many medical terms, and so many emotions — hope, anxiety, uncertainty. At Ganesh Test Tube Baby Centre, we believe that knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we can give you. When you understand what is happening at each stage, you feel more in control, more confident, and more prepared.
In this guide, Dr. Archana Sharma walks you through every single step of a typical IVF cycle — from the very first injection to the moment you take your pregnancy test.
What Is IVF?
IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation. "In vitro" means "in glass" — it refers to fertilisation happening outside the body, in our laboratory. Eggs are retrieved from your ovaries, fertilised with your partner's sperm, and the resulting embryo is transferred back into your uterus.
IVF is recommended for couples with blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, severe male factor infertility, or those who have had multiple failed IUI cycles.
The 7 Stages of Your IVF Cycle
Initial Consultation & Testing
Before your cycle begins, both partners undergo a full fertility assessment. This includes blood tests to check hormone levels (FSH, LH, AMH, Estradiol), an ultrasound to count your antral follicles (resting eggs), and a semen analysis for your partner. These results allow us to design your personalised protocol — the exact medications and doses that will work best for your body.
Ovarian Stimulation (Days 1–12)
Normally, your body produces one egg per month. During IVF, we use injectable hormones (gonadotrophins) to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs — typically 8 to 15. You will self-inject these medications daily, usually in the evening. Do not worry — our nurse will show you exactly how to do this, and most patients find it much easier than expected. During this phase, you will come in for monitoring ultrasounds every 2–3 days so we can track follicle growth and adjust your doses if needed.
The Trigger Injection
When your follicles reach the right size (usually around 18–20mm), we give you a "trigger injection" — typically hCG or a GnRH agonist. This final injection causes your eggs to mature fully and prepares them for retrieval exactly 36 hours later. The timing of this injection is very precise — please follow our instructions carefully.
Egg Retrieval (Ovum Pick-Up)
Egg retrieval is a minor procedure done under light sedation — you will be comfortable and relaxed throughout. Using a thin needle guided by ultrasound, our doctor gently collects the fluid from your follicles. The procedure takes about 20–30 minutes. You may feel mild cramping afterwards, similar to period pain, which settles quickly. You will rest with us for a couple of hours before going home. On the same day, your partner provides a sperm sample.
Fertilisation in the Laboratory
Our embryologist identifies the mature eggs from the follicular fluid and fertilises them with your partner's prepared sperm — either by conventional IVF (placing eggs and sperm together) or ICSI (injecting a single sperm directly into each egg). The next morning, we check which eggs have fertilised successfully. We will call you with this update — it is often an emotional moment.
Embryo Development (Days 3–5)
Your fertilised eggs (now called embryos) are kept in our state-of-the-art incubators and monitored closely. We observe their development daily. By Day 3, a healthy embryo should have 6–8 cells. By Day 5–6, it reaches the blastocyst stage — the ideal point for transfer, as blastocysts have a significantly higher chance of implanting successfully.
Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is a simple, painless procedure — no sedation required. Using a thin, flexible catheter passed through the cervix, our doctor places one (or sometimes two) embryo(s) into your uterus under ultrasound guidance. The procedure takes about 10 minutes. Afterwards, you rest briefly and then go home. You will begin progesterone support (pessaries or injections) to help the uterine lining support implantation.
The Two-Week Wait
After transfer, you wait approximately 10–14 days before taking a pregnancy blood test. This is often the hardest part of IVF emotionally. Every twinge, every symptom — or lack of it — can feel significant. Here is our honest advice: try to continue your normal daily routine, be kind to yourself, lean on your support system, and avoid taking home pregnancy tests too early as they can be misleading.
A message from Dr. Archana: "Whatever the result of your first cycle, it gives us invaluable information. We learn how your body responds, how your embryos develop, and we use all of that to give you the best possible chance in subsequent cycles. Every step forward is progress."
Common Questions
Does IVF hurt?
The injections may cause mild discomfort at the injection site. Egg retrieval is done under sedation. The embryo transfer is generally painless. Most patients find the process much more manageable than they expected.
How long does one IVF cycle take?
A full cycle from the start of injections to the pregnancy test takes approximately 4–6 weeks.
What are the success rates?
At Ganesh Test Tube Baby Centre, our success rates are 70–72%, which is among the highest in the region. Success depends on factors including age, cause of infertility, and embryo quality. We will give you an honest, personalised assessment during your consultation.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Book a free consultation with Dr. Archana Sharma and get a personalised assessment for your situation.