One IVF cycle takes about four to six weeks from the start of ovarian stimulation to the pregnancy test. Here is what happens, step by step, so you know what to expect.
Week 0 — Consultation and planning
Your physician reviews your history and tests and designs a protocol for you. Treatment is usually timed to your menstrual cycle. See our IVF treatment overview.
Days 1–14 — Ovarian stimulation
Injectable medication helps the ovaries mature several eggs over roughly 10–14 days, with ultrasound and hormone monitoring to track progress and timing.
Egg retrieval
When the eggs are ready, they are collected under sedation in a short ultrasound-guided procedure.
Fertilisation and embryo culture (5–6 days)
Eggs and sperm are combined in the laboratory, usually with ICSI. Embryos are cultured for five to six days, often monitored with time-lapse imaging.
Embryo transfer
One embryo is usually placed in the uterus; good-quality extra embryos can be frozen for a later frozen embryo transfer.
The two-week wait
A blood pregnancy test is performed about 12–14 days after transfer.
For the full picture, read our complete IVF guide, and see transparent IVF costs.
Sources: ESHRE, HFEA, WHO and accepted reproductive-medicine guidance. This article is for general education and does not replace a medical consultation. Reviewed by Assist. Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer (Obstetrics & Gynaecology · IVF and Reproductive Medicine), UCARER Women’s Health, Istanbul.
