There’s a moment in every family building journey when you realize you’re ready to take the next step. You’ve weathered the waiting, the wondering, and the ache of uncertainty—and now you’re standing on the edge of hope.
That’s what makes in vitro fertilization (IVF) so extraordinary. It’s not just a scientific or medical process; it’s a pathway toward possibility, one built on both courage and compassion.
At MCRM Fertility, we understand that fertility care is as much about the heart as it is about science. Every stage of IVF represents progress—and with each one, your dream of growing your family comes closer to reality.
What Is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most effective fertility treatments available. It works by combining an egg and specially prepared sperm outside the body—in a carefully controlled laboratory environment—and then transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus.
In official guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), IVF is often recommended for individuals or couples experiencing blocked fallopian tubes, recurrent miscarriages or recurrent pregnancy loss, male factor infertility, ovulation disorders, or unexplained infertility.* It’s also a useful tool for same-sex couples who want to build a family together.
But beyond the medicine and the science, IVF represents something far more personal: a chance to rebuild hope when it feels like it’s been lost, and to reconnect with the possibility of new beginnings.
Step 1: Consultation and Preparation
Your IVF journey begins with a conversation. During your consultation, one of our board-certified fertility specialists listens to your story, reviews your medical history, and walks through every step of the process with care and transparency.
This first meeting is about more than planning—it’s about partnership. You’ll talk about fertility testing, types of fertility treatment, and your personal goals. Together, you and your care team will map out a plan that fits your unique needs and timeline.
For many, the consultation marks a turning point—when uncertainty begins to transform into direction.
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation
The IVF cycle begins with ovarian stimulation—a phase that helps your body produce multiple mature eggs in one cycle. Normally, only one egg grows each month, but through medication, your fertility specialist encourages several follicles (eggs) to develop at once.
During this time, you’ll visit the clinic for regular ultrasounds and blood tests. These visits help your team track your progress and adjust medications as needed. When the follicles are ready, a carefully timed “trigger shot” helps the eggs mature for retrieval.
This step is often described as both exciting and emotional—it’s where possibility starts to take shape.
Step 3: Egg Retrieval
Egg retrieval is a quick, outpatient procedure performed under light sedation. Using ultrasound guidance, your fertility specialist gently collects the mature eggs from your ovaries.
Many people find this step surprisingly easy to recover from—most return home the same day and rest comfortably afterward. While the procedure itself is brief, its meaning is enormous: those eggs represent hope, strength, and the beginning of what could become new life.
Step 4: Fertilization
Once retrieved, the eggs are placed in the laboratory, where they are combined with specially prepared sperm—either from a partner or a donor. Fertilization can happen naturally or through a specialized method called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
The embryology team then monitors fertilization carefully, watching as the cells begin to divide and develop over several days. Each embryo represents a unique blend of possibility and science, nurtured with precision and care.
Step 5: Embryo Culture and Selection
Over the next three to five days, embryos are cultured and observed closely. Specialists evaluate them based on developmental milestones, appearance, and cellular activity.
Sometimes, additional genetic testing may be used to help identify embryos with the best potential for implantation. This process allows your care team to select the healthiest embryo for transfer.
Step 6: Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is a gentle procedure that places the embryo into the uterus. You’ll likely be awake and comfortable, watching on an ultrasound screen as the embryo is guided into place.
This is often one of the most emotional moments of the entire IVF process. After all the science, the medications, and the waiting—it’s the moment hope feels tangible again. If the embryo implants successfully into the uterine lining, pregnancy begins.
Step 7: The Two-Week Wait and Beyond
After transfer, you’ll begin what many call “the two-week wait.” It’s a time filled with anticipation and vulnerability—hope balanced with the need for patience. You might find it helpful to lean on your support network, practice gentle self-care, and stay connected with your care team. We highly recommend against taking a pregnancy test on your own during the two-week wait period to avoid potential incorrect results that can cause additional emotions during an already vulnerable time.
About two weeks after transfer, a pregnancy test completed at our offices will confirm whether implantation occurred. Regardless of the result, your fertility journey continues—with guidance, compassion, and unwavering support from your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the IVF process take?
From ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer, one IVF cycle usually takes about four to eight weeks. Additional preparation or recovery time may vary for each person.
Does IVF guarantee pregnancy?
While IVF has high success rates, no treatment can guarantee pregnancy. Success depends on factors like age, egg and sperm quality, and overall health. One thing we can guarantee is that your MCRM Fertility care team will be with you every step of the way.
How soon can I try again if IVF doesn’t work?
Many people pursue multiple IVF cycles. Your fertility specialist will help you plan the right timing for your next steps, emotionally and medically.
Start the IVF Journey Here
Understanding how IVF works means understanding what it represents: courage, science, and the unwavering belief in what’s possible. Each injection, scan, and appointment reflects a quiet act of hope—a declaration that your story isn’t finished yet.
At MCRM Fertility, we walk beside you through every phase of the IVF journey. Our compassionate specialists, advanced laboratories, and personalized approach exist to remind you that you are never alone in this process. Schedule your initial consultation today.
*Source: ASRM