What are the 5 stages of IVF?

Dr.Anjali Pathak
01 August 2025

Here are the 5 stages of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) in simple, easy-to-understand language, based on trusted clinical and government sources:

1. Ovarian stimulation – You take hormone injections for about 8‑14 days to help your ovaries produce multiple mature eggs. Doctors monitor your follicles with blood tests and ultrasounds 

2. Egg retrieval – Under light sedation, a needle is guided via the vagina into the ovaries to collect mature eggs (follicular aspiration) 

3. Fertilization – Eggs are combined with sperm in a lab dish, or a single sperm is injected directly (ICSI) if needed NewYork-Presbyterian.

4. Embryo culture – Fertilized eggs are grown for 3–7 days in the lab so embryos develop and are monitored Mayo Clinic+12MedlinePlus+12NewYork-Presbyterian+12.

5. Embryo transfer – One or more embryos are placed into your uterus using a thin tube (catheter) 3–5 days after retrieval. Extra embryos can be frozen for later use ConceiveAbilities+4NewYork-Presbyterian+4Planned Parenthood+4.

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Shubhangi
01 August 2025

1. Ovarian Stimulation

Women receive injectable hormones (e.g., FSH, LH, sometimes GnRH agonists) over ~10–14 days to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles and mature eggs. Ultrasound and blood tests are used to monitor follicle growth; final egg maturation is triggered ~36 hours before retrieval

2. Egg Retrieval

Performed under sedation, a thin needle guided by transvaginal ultrasound aspirates the follicular fluid containing eggs. The procedure takes about 20–40 minutes.

3. Sperm Collection and Fertilization

On the same day, a semen sample is collected and processed. Eggs are fertilized in the lab either by conventional insemination or via Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) when sperm quality requires.

4. Embryo Culture & Development

Fertilized eggs (zygotes) are cultured in the lab for 3–6 days. Embryologists assess embryo quality and growth to either the cleavage stage (day 3) or blastocyst stage (day 5–6) before deciding on transfer.

5. Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy Testing

One or more high-quality embryos are transferred to the uterus using a thin catheter, often under ultrasound guidance. A pregnancy test is taken about 10–14 days afterward. Excess embryos may be frozen for future use (https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/strong-fertility-center/services/infertility/infertility-treatment-options/ivf/ivf-step-by-step)

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Supriya Kumari
01 August 2025

The IVF process typically involves five key stages: (1) Ovarian Stimulation, where hormone medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries and produce multiple mature eggs; (2) Egg Retrieval, a minimally invasive procedure to collect the mature eggs from the ovaries; (3) Fertilization, in which the retrieved eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory—often through regular insemination or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection); (4) Embryo Culture, during which fertilized eggs are monitored and grown for several days (usually 3–5) to select viable embryos; and (5) Embryo Transfer, when the healthiest embryo is placed into the woman’s uterus for implantation and followed two weeks later by a pregnancy test artsurrogacy.gov.in+6medlineplus.gov+6artfertilityclinics.com+6. You can find recognition of these stages within official national guidelines on reproductive technology via India’s National ART & Surrogacy Portal:
 Government of India – National ART & Surrogacy Portal

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Aanya
01 August 2025

A standard IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) process involves five key stages:

1. Ovarian Stimulation (Superovulation)
   You receive fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs instead of the usual single egg.

2. Egg Retrieval
   A minor outpatient procedure is performed, using ultrasound guidance to collect eggs from ovarian follicles via needle aspiration.

3. Fertilization (Insemination)
   Retrieved eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory dish. If fertilization is difficult, a sperm may be directly injected into an egg (ICSI).

4. Embryo Culture & Selection
   The embryos are monitored and allowed to develop for typically 3–5 days. The healthiest embryos are selected for transfer, while extra embryos may be frozen.

5. Embryo Transfer
   One or more selected embryos are placed into the uterus via a catheter. If implantation is successful, pregnancy follows.
    

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shailesh pandey
01 August 2025

Okay, here are the 5 stages of IVF in simple words for real people in India:

1. Ovary Boost (10-14 days): Hormone shots help the woman grow multiple eggs. Ultrasounds check progress. Costs ~₹50,000-80,000. Might feel bloated.
2. Egg Pickup (1 day): Small surgery with a needle grabs the eggs under sedation. Takes 20-30 mins. Costs ~₹30,000-50,000.
3. Sperm + Egg Mix (Lab): Man gives sperm (or use donor). Lab combines sperm and eggs to make embryos. Costs ~₹20,000-40,000.
4. Embryo Growth (3-5 days): Embryos grow in the lab. Doctors pick the best 1-2 for transfer. Extra tests cost more (~₹50,000).
5. Embryo Transfer (Quick): Doctor puts embryos in the woman’s uterus with a thin tube. No pain, takes 10 mins. Costs ~₹20,000-30,000. Pregnancy test after 2 weeks.

Truth: IVF at AIIMS costs ~₹60,000-65,000 per cycle; private clinics charge ₹1.5-3 lakh. Success is 30-40%, depends on age. Call AIIMS (011-26588500) for details.

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