In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. During IVF, mature eggs are retrieved from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. The fertilized egg (embryo) is then transferred to a uterus.
A single full cycle of IVF typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks, though the preparation phase can make the total process last several months.
The 5 Main Steps of IVF
Ovarian Stimulation: For 8–14 days, you take injectable hormone medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs (instead of the single egg usually produced each month).
Egg Retrieval: A minor surgical procedure performed under sedation. A doctor uses an ultrasound-guided needle to collect the eggs from your follicles.
Fertilization: In the lab, the eggs are combined with sperm. If there are concerns about sperm quality, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) may be used, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs are monitored for 5–6 days as they grow into “blastocysts.” Some patients choose PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) at this stage to screen for chromosomal abnormalities.
Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are placed into the uterus using a thin catheter. This is usually painless and feels similar to a Pap smear.
Success Rates (2025 Benchmarks)
Success depends heavily on age, as egg quality naturally declines over time. Average success rates per cycle in 2025 are approximately: