The 5 Stages of IVF: From Ovarian Stimulation to Embryo Transfer

March 26, 2025
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Couples exploring IVF as a path to parenthood often have many questions about the process, timeline, and journey ahead. Each stage of IVF requires care and specific precautions to ensure a smooth and successful experience. This article aims to simplify and guide you through the five major stages of IVF, especially if you’re considering treatment at the best IVF hospital in Gurgaon or researching the IVF treatment cost in Gurgaon.

What is IVF?

IVF, or In-Vitro Fertilization, is an assisted reproductive technology that helps couples who face challenges conceiving naturally. In simple terms, it involves combining sperm and egg outside the woman’s body in a laboratory to create an embryo, which is then implanted into the uterus. Many couples choose the best IVF centre in Gurgaon for this procedure due to the advanced technology and high success rates available in the region.

Stages of IVF

The process begins with a visit to the doctor. After the initial consultation, basic tests like egg and semen analysis are conducted to assess fertility health. The IVF procedure, in simple terms, involves stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs, retrieving the matured eggs, collecting the partner’s semen sample, fertilizing the eggs in a lab, and then transferring the developed embryo back into the uterus. Let’s break down each step in detail:

1. Ovarian Stimulation

Women have immature eggs housed in protective sacs called ovarian follicles. During each menstrual cycle, a few follicles grow, but usually only one matures and releases an egg, a process known as ovulation. These follicles also produce estrogen, a key hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the body for pregnancy. Ovarian stimulation involves the administration of hormone injections or medications to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of just one. This increases the chances of obtaining a viable embryo for IVF. Throughout this stage, the patient will have several ultrasound appointments to monitor follicle growth. When the follicles reach the appropriate size, the next step—egg retrieval—is scheduled.

2. Egg Retrieval

Once the follicles reach an average diameter of 18-20 mm and estradiol levels are adequately elevated, it is the ideal time for egg retrieval. Patients are advised not to eat or drink anything after midnight the day before the procedure, and detailed pre-procedure instructions are given by the doctor. Egg retrieval is done under general anesthesia to ensure comfort. The process typically takes 10-15 minutes, and the patient wakes up shortly after. Depending on how the patient feels, they may stay for about an hour in recovery. Some discomfort is normal and can be managed with medication.

3. Semen Collection

This step involves the male partner providing a semen sample, typically through self-ejaculation in a private, hygienic space at the clinic. Doctors generally recommend 2 to 5 days of abstinence beforehand for optimal sperm quality. Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and certain medications during this period is also advised. If collecting the sample at home, it must be brought to the clinic within 30–60 minutes, kept at body temperature.

4. Fertilization and Embryo Development

The collected eggs and sperm are fertilized in the lab. This can be done either through conventional mixing in a petri dish or via ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg. Depending on the case, the doctor may recommend Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), which screens embryos for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. This helps ensure only healthy embryos are selected for implantation.

5. Embryo Transfer

Once the embryos are developed, the healthiest one(s) are selected for transfer. A thin, flexible tube is used to place the embryo into the uterus through the cervix under ultrasound guidance. This procedure is usually painless, and patients can resume daily activities afterward. Mild bloating or breast tenderness may occur. A blood test is done within two weeks to confirm pregnancy. If positive, the test is repeated after two days for confirmation.

What if it doesn’t work the first time?

It’s important to understand that not every IVF cycle results in pregnancy. Factors such as sperm and egg quality, age, and lifestyle can influence the outcome. Multiple cycles are sometimes needed. Knowing the IVF treatment cost in Gurgaon can help couples prepare for the journey ahead, especially if more than one cycle is needed.

What to Do Next?

IVF is a journey that requires patience, trust, and emotional resilience. Regardless of the outcome, it’s essential to give yourself time to process and heal. Emotional support, a healthy lifestyle, and open communication with your partner can make the experience more manageable. Remember, you are not alone on this path to parenthood. Choosing the best IVF centre in Gurgaon can provide the expertise and compassionate care you need during this life-changing process.

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Stress and Male Infertility: Common Signs and Causes

Have you ever noticed how stress disrupts your body’s rhythm regularly and creates distance from your partner? You are not alone; many men experience hormonal shifts due to physical and psychological stress, impacting sperm quality and making conception challenging. If conceiving feels harder than you expected, explore the surprising link between male infertility and stress with this blog of the IVF Centre in Gurgaon. With Yellow IVF, you can reclaim your hope of parenthood. How Does Stress Impact Male Infertility? Stress occurs when your body reacts to feelings of fear, worry, or excessive pressure due to family problems, work-related issues, or health concerns. Male infertility and stress are closely linked; when a man experiences excessive stress, his body produces cortisol. Increased stress hormone levels disrupt the balance of other essential hormones, such as testosterone, and directly impact sperm production. As a result, sperm movement, count, and quality decline. Apart from this, chronic stress also leads to unhealthy habits for men, like excessive drinking, smoking, poor eating habits, and inadequate sleep, all of which directly harm fertility. This can result in low sex drive, erectile problems, and difficulties conceiving. Therefore, managing stress is essential for every man trying to conceive. What are the Common Signs of Stress and Male Infertility? According to doctors of the Advanced IVF Centre in Gurgaon, men struggling with infertility issues due to excessive stress may experience: What are the Causes of Male Infertility? Abnormal morphology, poor motility, and low sperm count directly impact male infertility. Specialists of the IVF centre in Gurgaon researched that lifestyle factors like excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and substance abuse can contribute to these issues. Chronic stress can lead to feelings of sadness, fatigue, and irritability, disrupting sleep and energy levels. Moreover, excessive stress weakens the immune system and the ability to have a child. Hence, managing stress is crucial for overall health and conception. Hormonal imbalance involves high estrogen or low testosterone levels. It disrupts the hormonal balance, which is essential for optimal sperm production in males. Certain conditions, like pituitary disorders or hypogonadism, can contribute to infertility issues. Varicocele, a condition where veins in the scrotum become enlarged, is another cause of male infertility, affecting both sperm quality and production. Contact a leading fertility centre in Gurgaon and surgically treat varicocele to improve your fertility outcomes. Underlying medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or diabetes, can impact your sperm health. Sexually transmitted infections can block sperm pathways, cause inflammation, and potentially lead to permanent infertility. Who Can Be Affected by Male Infertility? Males with certain factors may have higher chances of infertility, including: How to Reduce Stress Naturally to Improve Male Fertility? Final Words For couples facing male infertility, IVF involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body and transferring the embryo to the uterus. On the contrary, IUI involves directly introducing sperm into the uterus to facilitate fertilisation. Contact the best IVF centre in Gurgaon, Yellow IVF, for expert guidance on infertility challenges and achieve parenthood.

Ovulation Problems in Women: How Anovulation Plays a Role

Have you missed your period for months? Is your unpredictable menstrual cycle leaving you concerned and confused? These could indicate ovulation problems. Specifically, anovulation could be a major culprit behind fertility struggles and irregular menstrual cycles. Anovulation can be a major roadblock for women hoping to start a family. Yellow IVF, a leading fertility clinic in Gurgaon, is here to shed light on why anovulation matters and provide actionable tips for overcoming it. What Causes Ovulation Problems in Women? Excessive body weight can significantly impact hormone levels and disrupt regular ovulation. An unhealthy BMI can lead to chemical imbalances and affect the pituitary gland in women. Additionally, hormonal imbalances such as excessive testosterone and low FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) can cause ovulation problems. Excessive stress can disrupt hormonal balance and interfere with communication between the brain and ovaries. Hormonal imbalances, including LH (Luteinizing Hormone), GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone), and FSH, can lead to ovulation problems. Prolactin hormone abnormalities can impact other hormones essential for ovulation. This can involve high androgen levels, underactive thyroid gland function (hypothyroidism), and reduced release of GnRH that can disrupt ovulation. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common health condition that causes anovulation in women of reproductive age. This accounts for approximately 70% of cases. PCOS leads to an excessive release of androgens, such as testosterone, in women. This hormonal imbalance prevents ovarian follicles from maturing and results in fertility issues. How Does Anovulation Impact Fertility? Infertility and anovulation are significantly linked, as anovulation is a key reason behind difficulties in conceiving. Ovulation is crucial for natural conception. However, without egg release in the woman’s body, fertilisation cannot occur. Anovulation directly impacts a woman’s fertility. However, with medical assistance, women with anovulation can achieve a healthy pregnancy through treatments like IVF or IUI. If you’ve been trying to conceive for over 6 months to a year, understanding your cycle and finding the best IVF clinic in Gurgaon is essential. Consider visiting Yellow IVF, a leading fertility clinic in Gurgaon, where expert guidance can make your pregnancy possible. What are the Symptoms of Anovulation? If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional at the best IVF clinic in Gurgaon for proper evaluation and guidance. Treatment Options: How to Treat Anovulation? To address ovulation issues, gynaecologists often recommend fertility medications like Letrozole or Clomiphene to stimulate egg release from the ovaries. Ovulation induction is a treatment that uses medication to regulate and stimulate regular egg release. Underlying conditions like thyroid issues, PCOS, or obesity need to be managed to track ovulation effectively. Additionally, hormonal supplements may be prescribed to balance hormonal imbalances. For couples planning to conceive, IVF is a viable option. IVF involves retrieving ovarian eggs, fertilising them outside the body, and implanting the embryo into the uterus Preventive Tips: What are the Solutions for Healthy Ovulation? According to gynaecologists at the best IVF clinic in Gurgaon, adopting healthy habits can help restore ovulation. Concluding Statement Understanding the impact of anovulation is the first step towards reclaiming your fertility and embarking on the journey of parenthood with confidence. Reach out to the best IVF clinic in Gurgaon and turn your dream of parenting into a reality. Yellow IVF offers compassionate care and expert guidance with fertility solutions, making IVF treatment in Gurgaon a viable option for you.

When Should You Visit a Doctor After IUI Treatment?

Are you wondering what is next after IUI treatment? Your journey does not end at the best IVF hospital in Gurgaon. Whether you are navigating mild side effects or eagerly awaiting pregnancy symptoms, knowing when to visit your IVF doctor after IUI (intrauterine insemination) is important. By understanding what to expect, you can empower yourself to take charge of your fertility results. Read on to discover valuable tips for better success and let Yellow IVF guide you towards parenthood. When to Visit a Doctor After IUI Treatment? You need to schedule a follow-up with your doctor within 2 weeks after IUI treatment for a pregnancy test and to discuss any complications. Monitor your body for natural signs, but if you experience severe symptoms, visit your IVF doctor in Gurgaon or your nearest location immediately. IUI treatment brings the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can cause swollen and painful ovaries. If you are experiencing side effects from fertility medications after IUI, such as infection, OHSS and vaginal bleeding, consult with your doctor promptly at the best IVF hospital in Gurgaon. Schedule a post-IUI follow-up consultation with Yellow IVF and receive expert care and personalised guidance for a successful fertility journey. How Effective is IUI in Achieving Pregnancy? IUI is a highly effective treatment, especially when combined with fertility drugs. It results in a success rate of around 20%. However, age remains a crucial factor in determining fertility results. After introducing the sperm directly into the uterus, it facilitates fertilisation. If IUI treatment is successful, the fertilised egg implants itself in the uterus over the next 6-12 days, marking the beginning of a pregnancy. Navigating the 2-Week Wait: What to Expect After IUI Treatment? The 2-week wait after the IUI procedure is emotionally and physically challenging for couples, especially for those who have tried for several cycles. You can experience abdominal pain due to progesterone, ovulation or implantation. You may experience swollen or tender breasts due to hormonal changes during this time. The potential sign is missing periods. Do a pregnancy test and consult your gynaecologist. The increasing hormonal level, such as progesterone levels, leads to tiredness and low energy. You may experience frequent urgency to urinate. Another surprising symptom is a heightened sense of smell. It can also trigger changes in appetite or food cravings. Some women may experience implantation bleeding 6-12 days post-IUI. What are the Potential tips for Smooth Recovery and Success after IUI Treatment? After IUI treatment, no complete bed rest is required. You can return to your regular activities, such as light housework, desk work, or walking, to support your emotional well-being and promote healthy circulation. Consume a fertility-friendly diet rich in nutrients to support better implantation. Prefer colourful and leafy green vegetables for antioxidants. Add brown rice, quinoa, oats, and lean proteins like low-fat dairy, fish, and eggs, along with iron-rich foods such as lentils and spinach. Healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, seeds and nuts, are also important. Hormonal balancing can increase the likelihood of implantation. You can consider gentle stretching exercises, yoga, deep breathing and reading books or engaging in different hobbies to reduce your stress and support proper hormonal function. Adequate hydration is necessary for being healthy during this time. Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water to regulate your uterine blood flow and balance hormones. Post-IUI Precautions: What to Avoid for a Smooth Recovery? Final Words Implement these simple lifestyle changes as advised by the clinical protocols of Yellow IVF, the best IVF hospital in Gurgaon. This affordable IVF centre in Gurgaon significantly improves recovery, comfort, and outcomes with timely visits after IUI treatment. Contact Yellow IVF today and enjoy unbeatable support at every stage of your parenthood journey.

The 5 Stages of IVF: From Ovarian Stimulation to Embryo Transfer

What is IVF?