In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a multi-step fertility treatment that includes hormonal medication to stimulate the ovaries, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. And if you’ve been exploring IVF as a treatment option, you may be wondering how long this whole process takes.
Of course, everyone’s fertility journey is different—but understanding the typical IVF timeline can help you feel more informed and prepared to navigate the process. Here’s what you need to know.
Step 1: Fertility Assessment
The first step in any fertility treatment is to schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist. After an initial assessment from your OB/GYN, you may meet with a reproductive endocrinologist who can help to pinpoint why you haven’t been able to get pregnant yet. Male partners may also meet with a urologist to evaluate sperm health.
Your fertility specialist will assess your medical history and recommend testing. This may include:
- Blood tests to check hormone levels
- An ultrasound to evaluate ovarian reserve and check for any abnormalities of the uterus or ovaries
- Thyroid function testing
You may also be asked to track your basal body temperature with an at-home test kit to see if ovulation is occurring. If needed, your specialist may recommend further imaging procedures, such as a laparoscopy or a hysteroscopy.
Fertility testing may take a few months to complete, depending on scheduling and whether any further testing is required.1 During this time, you may want to take a Conception Support supplement to promote fertility and egg health.
If your fertility specialist determines that IVF is your best option for a healthy conception, they’ll help you create a treatment plan.
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Step 2: First IVF Round
Each round of IVF takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Here’s how the timing typically works.2
Ovarian stimulation (10 to 14 days)
On day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle, you’ll start daily hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries. Your doctor may perform blood tests or ultrasounds to monitor how well your ovaries are responding.
Egg retrieval (36 hours after final injection)
Around 36 hours after your final shot — and before ovulation occurs — eggs are collected from the ovaries. Your doctor will use an ultrasound to locate the follicles, and the eggs will be removed through a needle. This is an outpatient procedure, and the retrieval itself takes about 20 minutes.
Semen collection
If you’re using your partner’s sperm, a semen sample will typically be collected the same day as your egg retrieval. If donor sperm is being used, or your partner has a medical condition that affects fertility, this sample may be collected and frozen ahead of time. Male partners can optimize their chances of donating healthy sperm with a supplement such as the Men’s Multi Support Pack that supports overall health, energy and immune function.
Embryo development and transfer (3 to 5 days)
After retrieval, eggs are mixed with healthy sperm in a lab, and any fertilized eggs are placed in a liquid that mimics the fluid found in the fallopian tubes. Embryos are monitored for healthy cell division.
Up to five days after egg retrieval, viable embryos will be transferred to your uterus using a syringe and catheter. Your doctor will consult with you and your partner to discuss how many viable embryos are available, and how many you’d like to transfer.
Step 3: The Two-Week Wait
When you’re trying to conceive, the “two-week wait” (TWW) is the window of time between ovulation and the day you expect your next period to start. It takes around two weeks before pregnancy hormones can be detected on a home pregnancy test, and this waiting period can be emotionally charged—even when you’re not navigating infertility.
When you’re undergoing IVF treatments, the two-week wait starts on the day of the embryo transfer. Your fertility specialist will likely schedule a pregnancy test near the end of this window to see if implantation was successful.
Step 4: Next Steps
If your IVF treatment was successful, it’s time to shift your focus tosupporting a healthy pregnancy. If treatment is unsuccessful, you’ll connect with your fertility specialist to discuss any further testing, adjust your treatment plan if needed and decide if and when you’d like to restart the process.
Next up: How to support your mind and body during a loss, plus "normal" fertility by the numbers.
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This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.
References:
1. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Evaluating Infertility
