What Happens During an IVF Cycle? | Step-by-Step Guide from the Best IVF Clinic in Lucknow

What Happens During an IVF Cycle img

What Happens During an IVF Cycle?

Demystifying the Process, Step by Step

If you’re preparing for your first IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) cycle, it’s normal to feel both hopeful and nervous. Understanding what each step involves can ease anxiety and help you feel more in control of the journey ahead.

At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s fertility clinic in Lucknow, we believe that fertility treatment should be both medically guided and emotionally supported. This article will walk you through exactly what happens during an IVF cycle, from the first appointment to embryo transfer.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Fertility Workup

Before the cycle begins, you and your partner will have a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Richa Gangwar. This includes:

  • Reviewing your medical history

  • Hormonal blood tests (AMH, FSH, LH, TSH)

  • Transvaginal ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve

  • Semen analysis for your partner

Based on these results, Dr. Richa will personalize your treatment protocol and explain the IVF plan in detail. This is also when emotional readiness and expectations are discussed.

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation

Over 8–12 days, you’ll take hormone injections (FSH, HMG) to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs, rather than the single egg usually released each month. These injections are monitored closely.

You’ll have 2–4 ultrasounds during this time to track:

  • Number of follicles

  • Their size and growth

  • Estrogen levels in your blood

Adjustments are made to your medication if needed. The goal is to safely mature enough eggs for retrieval.

Step 3: Ovulation Trigger Shot

Once the follicles reach the ideal size (around 18–20 mm), you’ll receive an HCG trigger shot, which causes final maturation of the eggs. Egg retrieval is scheduled 34–36 hours later.

Timing is crucial here — so you’ll be guided closely by our team to stay on track.

Step 4: Egg Retrieval (Ovum Pick-Up)

This minor procedure is done under light sedation or anesthesia. A thin needle is inserted vaginally under ultrasound guidance to collect eggs from the ovaries.

  • The procedure takes 15–20 minutes

  • You can go home the same day

  • Mild cramping or spotting is normal afterward

Our embryologist immediately begins evaluating the eggs for quality and maturity.

Step 5: Sperm Collection and Fertilization

On the same day, your partner provides a semen sample, or in some cases, frozen or donor sperm may be used.

The best sperm are selected and used for either:

  • Standard IVF – sperm is added to the eggs in a lab dish

  • ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) – a single sperm is injected into each egg, ideal for male factor infertility

Fertilization is confirmed after 16–18 hours.

Step 6: Embryo Culture and Monitoring

The fertilized eggs (now called embryos) are grown in a lab for 3 to 5 days, depending on their development. Our embryologist monitors:

  • Cell division and growth patterns

  • Embryo quality (graded for future use)

  • Number of embryos available

We always keep you updated and answer questions at every step.

Step 7: Embryo Transfer

Usually on Day 3 or Day 5, one or more embryos are gently placed into your uterus using a soft catheter.

  • It’s a painless, 5–10 minute procedure

  • No anesthesia is required

  • You can resume normal activities within a day

Our clinic follows single-embryo transfer protocols where possible to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies, while maintaining success rates.

Step 8: Luteal Support and Two-Week Wait

You’ll be prescribed progesterone medications (oral or vaginal) to help thicken the uterine lining and support implantation.

This stage — often called the “two-week wait” — can feel emotionally intense. We support you through it with:

  • Gentle lifestyle advice

  • Emotional check-ins

  • Clear instructions on when to take your pregnancy test

Step 9: Pregnancy Test

Around 12–14 days after embryo transfer, a blood test (beta hCG) will confirm if implantation has occurred. If positive, we guide you into early pregnancy monitoring and antenatal care.

If the result is negative, we support you emotionally and medically to evaluate next steps — whether it’s another IVF cycle, a frozen embryo transfer (FET), or rest and reflection.

What Makes IVF at Dr. Richa Gangwar’s Clinic Different?

  • Individualized IVF protocols based on your body

  • Advanced lab support and embryology

  • Transparent communication at every step

  • Emotional care and stress support

  • Ethical, evidence-based practices

We’re committed to helping every couple feel cared for, informed, and never rushed.

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