IVF Timeline: How Long is the IVF Process from Start to Finish?

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a remarkable advancement in reproductive medicine. For many individuals and couples struggling with infertility, it's a path to parenthood that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. But it’s not an overnight process. IVF is a journey—and like any journey, it has a clear timeline with several critical stages.

In this article, we’ll break down the IVF timeline step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect. From the initial consultation to the long-awaited pregnancy test, we’ll go over the process from start to finish. We’ll also cover IVF success rates, what happens when a cycle fails, and how IVF with PFCLA can help intended parents from all over the world.

Let’s dive into the timeline.

IVF Process Timeline

Consultation & Testing With Fertility Specialist: ~1 Month

The journey begins with an initial consultation. During this stage, the intended parent(s) meet with a fertility specialist to review medical history, perform fertility assessments, and develop a treatment plan.

This typically includes:

1. Blood tests for hormone levels
2. Transvaginal ultrasound to check ovarian reserve
3. Semen analysis (if applicable)
4. Infectious disease screening
5. Uterine cavity evaluation

All of this generally takes about 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly results come back and follow-up appointments are scheduled.

Ovarian Stimulation: 10–14 Days

Injectable fertility medications are used to encourage the ovaries to mature multiple eggs at once.

1. Blood hormone levels are monitored
2. Ultrasound imaging tracks follicle development

Once the follicles are mature (typically in 10–14 days), a trigger shot is given to prepare the eggs for retrieval.

Egg Retrieval: 1 Day

34–36 hours after the trigger shot, a quick outpatient procedure under mild sedation retrieves the eggs. Most patients recover by the next day. Eggs go immediately to the lab.

Fertilization: 1 Day

Eggs are fertilized via IVF or ICSI. Lab monitoring continues over the next 16–20 hours. Successfully fertilized eggs become embryos and are cultured for 5–6 days.

Embryo Freezing & Genetic Testing: 5–6 Days

Embryos reaching blastocyst stage may be frozen and tested genetically.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) helps reduce miscarriage risk and increase implantation chances. This may extend the process by a few days.

Embryo Transfer: 1 Day

In frozen transfer, hormones prep the uterus before transferring a thawed embryo. In fresh transfer, it happens shortly after fertilization. The procedure is painless and takes under 10 minutes.

Pregnancy Test & Beyond: 2 Weeks

9–14 days post-transfer, a blood test checks for hCG to confirm pregnancy. If positive, ultrasounds follow. If negative, your doctor will suggest next steps.

IVF Success Rates

Success depends on:

1. Age of egg provider
2. Embryo quality
3. Uterine health
4. Treatment protocol
5. Lifestyle factors (BMI, smoking, etc.)

CDC reports a ~51% success rate for women under 35 using their own eggs. Rates decline with age, but donor eggs improve odds. See CDC IVF statistics.

Failed Egg Retrieval Cycle? When to Try Again

No eggs? Common causes include:

1. Poor response to stimulation
2. Premature ovulation
3. Ovarian or technical issues

Most clinics allow retrying after 1–2 months. Doctors may revise the protocol or run more tests. Explore reproductive rights.

Failed Embryo Transfer? When to Try Again

Implantation may fail even with healthy embryos. Most doctors advise waiting one full cycle before retrying. Your team may:

1. Examine uterine lining
2. Test for immune/clotting issues
3. Consider using a different embryo

Emotional support helps—counseling or support groups can be transformative. More info on family planning.

IVF Treatment With PFCLA

At PFCLA, we support global IVF journeys, including surrogacy. We offer:

1. Experienced physicians
2. Top-tier embryology labs
3. High success rates with fresh/frozen embryos
4. Concierge support for international patients
5. Work with leading surrogacy agencies

Every treatment plan is fully personalized. We get that IVF is more than a procedure—it’s a leap of hope. Healthcare coverage info.

Conclusion

IVF is a deeply personal process. While timelines vary, being informed helps reduce stress. At PFCLA, we’re here for every milestone—from your first consultation to the birth of your child.

Let’s make parenthood possible—together.