IVF Simplified: Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Parents

Dreaming of parenthood but lost in all those complicated medical terms. Do not worry, as we will walk you through every step from scary injections to the positive pregnancy tests. We know that IVF can be a very intimidating process, with all the tests, injections, procedures, and the words embryo grading and egg retrieval tossed around. Worry not, though, as we are here to make it all simple.

This is a step-by-step explanation of the IVF process, especially for first-time parents.

Step 1: Fertility Consultation & Initial Tests

The first step towards the journey is getting consulted. You and your partner will have a consultation with a fertility expert where you will be talking about your medical history, past undertakings at pregnancy, your lifestyle, as well as any known ailments. 

With this, you will be going for a check-up for some diagnostic tests that are done to evaluate your reproductive health:

• In the case of the female partner: The hormonal blood test, ultrasound (including assessment of ovaries, uterus), AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) test, to examine eggs in reserve.
• In the male partner: A semen analysis to determine sperm count, motility and morphology.

Pro Tip: It is important to note that there are no questions to be shy about during your consultation. It is as essential to have your lab results as it is to see that you are comfortable and comprehend.

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation

After reviewing your tests and determining that IVF is your best next step, you enter into ovarian stimulation. Here, the ovaries produce more than one mature egg, unlike in the natural cycle, where the case is different. 

• Female partners are injected with hormonal injections(gonadotropins) daily for about 8-14 days.
• You will go to the clinic every 3-7 days to check the follicles with ultrasounds and blood work.

These are fast visits but essential. Depending on how you respond, your doctor may change the dose of the medication.

Reminder: Bloating, mood swings, and slight cramping are par for the course at this phase. Don’t panic.

Step 3: The Trigger Shot

Once your eggs are ready (inside the follicles), they will administer you a trigger shot (usually hCG or Lupron).

The shot assists your eggs to go through the last step of maturation and prepare to be retrieved.

Timing is everything: The egg collection takes place at 34-36 hours after this shot, before the follicles rupture or ovulate spontaneously.

Suggest to Read :- Day 3 or Day 5? Making Sense of Embryo Transfer Timing in IVF

Step 4: Egg Retrieval (Ovum Pick-Up)

It is a minor surgery that is performed when the patient is subjected to light anaesthesia or sedation. 

This is what goes on:

• They will assist you to the procedure room and get you sedated.
• With the help of the needle, the doctor will gently retrieve the eggs from the follicle.
• The procedure lasts approximately 20-30 minutes, and you will be at home on the same day.

A minor cramping or spotting afterwards may be felt, but it is perfectly natural and well taken care of through rest and light medication.

Step 5: Sperm Collection & Fertilisation

As your eggs will be retrieved, your partner will give a semen sample (unless it is already frozen). 

Then the embryologist will fertilise the eggs in the lab with one of two methods:

• IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): Eggs and sperm are put into a dish where they become fertilised naturally.
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A sperm is injected singly into every egg and is frequently used when there is an issue with the quality of the sperm.

Positive fertilisation is keenly observed, and on Day 3 or Day 5, the fertilised eggs (which shall now be referred to as embryos) are frozen at -196 degrees.

Step 6: Embryo Transfer

This is the most anticipated time- the embryo transfer.

• 1-2  of the healthy embryos are transferred.
• It is inserted into your uterus using a flexible tube ( no anaesthesia required).
• The test procedure lasts only a few minutes, and it feels similar to a Pap smear.

You will sleep briefly and go home. Progesterone may be prescribed (to help implantation).

Step 7: The Two-Week Wait

For the following 12-14 days, you will have to be patient. Some women experience light spotting, bloating, or cramps. Do not put a lot of weight on symptoms (or the lack thereof).

Try to:

• Avoid stress
• Consume low-calorie foodstuffs
• Be lightly exercised (no extreme work)
• You need to distract yourself; books, hobbies or loved ones

Step 8: Pregnancy Test

After the transfer, a beta hCG blood test will be performed to prove pregnancy a fortnight after.

• In case positive: Congratulations! You will be booked for early pregnancy scans.
• In case it was negative: Do not blame yourself. Your physician will either give you information on what to do next, such as undergoing another IVF round or the use of frozen embryo transfer, or additional tests.

We know that in life, it does not matter whether you pass or not; at Maaeri, we are there to support you. Each body is individual, and success has to be achieved more than once.

Final Thoughts: You're Not Alone

The beginning of IVF feels like being in a world of hope, coupled with confusion. However, starting IVF is like entering a world of hope mixed with confusion. But understanding each step can ease your fears and give you back some control.

At Maaeri, we’re committed to making your fertility journey less intimidating and more empowering. We walk with you, every injection, every scan, every hopeful heartbeat.

Whether you're at Step 1 or Step 7, take it one moment at a time. You’ve got this.