Creating an IVF Calendar

When you're building a family with the help of a surrogate, understanding the IVF (in vitro fertilization) calendar is essential. This calendar isn't just about dates—it's about planning, synchronizing cycles, monitoring medications, and making sure every single piece lines up for a successful embryo transfer.

This article breaks down the full IVF journey from the moment the intended parents are matched with a surrogate to the actual embryo transfer. We’ll walk through every critical step, explain what happens, and why it matters. If you're new to this process, this guide will help make it all clear, logical, and manageable.

What Is the IVF Calendar?
An IVF calendar is essentially a detailed medical timeline that guides the surrogate, intended parents, and fertility clinic through every stage of the IVF process. It includes medications, hormone injections, monitoring appointments, procedures, and the embryo transfer itself.

The calendar is customized for each surrogate and closely monitored by a reproductive endocrinologist. While no two IVF calendars are identical, most follow the same general structure, built around biological milestones and medical needs.

Steps From Match to Embryo Transfer
Once you’re matched with a surrogate, the IVF calendar starts to take shape. Here's how the journey unfolds, step-by-step.

Step-by-Step IVF Calendar

1. Legal Clearances and Medical Records

Before a calendar is even discussed, the surrogate must complete medical screening. That includes:

• Blood tests to check hormone levels and infectious diseases
• A saline ultrasound to assess the uterus
• A psychological evaluation

Meanwhile, both the surrogate and the intended parents will work with attorneys to finalize legal contracts. These documents outline rights, responsibilities, compensation, and contingencies.

2. Menstrual Cycle Synchronization

The fertility clinic may use oral contraceptives or other medications to regulate the surrogate’s menstrual cycle. The goal is to gain full control over when her body will be ready for implantation.

3. Start of the IVF Medication Protocol

After synchronization, the surrogate begins a regimen of IVF medications. These often include:

• Estrogen: To thicken the uterine lining
• Progesterone: To maintain the lining and prepare the body for embryo implantation
• Lupron (in some cases): To suppress natural hormones

Medications are usually administered via intramuscular injections and require strict daily compliance. The IVF calendar will include precise dosages and times.

4. Monitoring Appointments

These appointments involve blood work and transvaginal ultrasounds to measure hormone levels and track the thickness of the uterine lining. The clinic will adjust medications as needed.

5. Embryo Transfer Scheduling

Once the lining is deemed ideal (usually 8mm or more), the fertility team will schedule the embryo transfer (Day 0). The embryos are thawed and transferred in a simple outpatient procedure.

6. The Two-Week Wait

Ten to fourteen days after transfer, the surrogate returns for a blood pregnancy test (beta hCG). If positive, monitoring continues until a heartbeat is confirmed via ultrasound.

What Is the IVF Process Step by Step?

Step 1: Creation of Embryos

This involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization in a lab, and embryo culture. Embryos are then frozen for later transfer. Some intended parents use donor eggs or sperm.

Step 2: Selecting a Surrogate

Surrogates are vetted medically and psychologically. Once a match is made and clearances obtained, the IVF calendar can be built.

Step 3: Cycle Preparation and Medications

The surrogate follows a strict protocol to prepare the uterus. Medications typically last 3–6 weeks depending on the plan.

Step 4: Embryo Transfer Day

A painless outpatient procedure where the embryo is transferred using a thin catheter under ultrasound guidance.

Step 5: Post-Transfer Support

The surrogate continues taking progesterone and estrogen to support early pregnancy, even after implantation.

Step 6: Pregnancy Monitoring

hCG levels are tracked, and heartbeat is confirmed by week 6 or 7. Then, care transitions to the surrogate’s OB/GYN.

Government Resources for Families Pursuing IVF

For accurate, updated, and official information, explore these resources:

• FDA: Regulates assisted reproductive technologies and donor tissue standards
• CDC: Provides ART success rates and clinic data
• NIH: Offers reproductive health research and clinical trial info

Final Thoughts

Creating an IVF calendar is more than just blocking off a few weeks. It’s a deeply personal, carefully timed process with real medical, emotional, and legal stakes.

From the first legal clearance to embryo transfer, each step demands preparation, cooperation, and clear communication. The IVF calendar is your map—built on precision and trust.

For families growing through surrogacy, understanding the IVF calendar removes the mystery and helps you feel more confident every step of the way.