Overview of IVF Journey
The information here is provided as a guide only and relates to a typical IVF cycle but because everybody is different, it may not match the IVF journey you may have with us. At all times, we will liaise with you to provide you with the best advice, treatment and counselling, based on your own unique requirements.
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1. Your ConsultationBefore any treatment can commence, you will need to have an initial consultation with our fertility specialist at which time we can review your medical history and ask you a few questions.
For further information visit Initial Consultation.
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2. InvestigationsThe consultant may recommend a number of tests and investigations to look at your ovarian function, sperm and hormone levels.
For further information please visit Investigations.
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3. DiagnosisYour consultant will discuss the results of any investigations, what this means and propose the best course of treatment for you, including any risks and side effects.
For further information please visit Treatments
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4. Starting StimulationYou will be provided with medication that aims to stimulate your ovaries into producing eggs for collection. Our Fertility nurse will show you how this is carried out and you will be required to self-inject over a period of 11-14 days.
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5. Progress MonitoringDuring your stimulation we will perform regular scans and blood tests to monitor your response to the treatment (typically every 2-3 days).
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6. Trigger InjectionWhen your follicles are ready, the stimulation period ends with a ‘trigger injection’ which will mature your eggs ready for collection. The egg collection procedure will follow after 35-37 hours.
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7. Egg Collection and Semen SampleWe will collect your eggs whilst you are under sedation. Your partner will also be required to produce a semen sample on the same day.
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8. FertilisationOur embryologist will inseminate your eggs with your partner’s sperm and place them in our incubator to fertilise. The developing embryos are closely monitored to check fertilisation has occurred and to make sure that the embryos are growing.
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9. Embryo TransferYour best quality embryos are transferred back into the uterus in a procedure that feels similar to a smear test. Any additional unused embryos of good quality can be frozen for future use. Typically one or two embryos will be transferred back into your uterus.
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10. Post-treatment – the ‘two week wait’After treatment, you will be asked to wait for 14-16 days before performing a pregnancy test.
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11. Pregnancy ScansWe normally carry out your first pregnancy scan 2 weeks after a confirmed pregnancy test and again after 4 weeks. If we are happy that everything looks okay, we will discharge you to your own GP to continue your antenatal care.
For further information please visit Pregnancy Care.
