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Often when someone begins to research and explore their upcoming IVF journey, it can sometimes be confusing in regard to what a potential timeline may look like. This article will act as a general guideline for what to expect through an IVF journey with us at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles - PFCLA.
The IVF process is unique to each individual and can vary depending on factors such as health conditions, fertility diagnosis, age, and the specific protocols used. On average, a complete IVF cycle takes about 4 to 6 weeks from the start of ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer, but this is an approximation. Every journey is personal, and timelines may differ.
While every cycle follows a general structure, no two experiences are exactly alike. To help provide a clearer picture of what to expect, here’s a breakdown of the main steps involved in a typical IVF cycle, along with an estimated timeline for each phase.
The first step is to have a consultation scheduled with a fertility specialists to discuss the IVF process and treatment plan for an individual case. This would be when more specific questions about your unique experience would be raised. Typically initial testing and awaiting results will expand over the course of one month. The more communicative you are with your physician will help determine what is needed for your journey to be as successful as possible.
At PFCLA, our physicians typically order blood tests to check female patients’ ovarian reserve and look for any abnormalities. Male patients will also go through blood tests, and a semen evaluation is usually required prior to starting the IVF treatment. These pre-cycle tests can be done at our clinic or at your local facility to reduce your travel if you do not live in the Los Angeles area.
Possible tests needed for female patients are:
Possible tests needed for male patients are:
After your IVF physician reviews all your pre-cycle lab results and orders your fertility medications, you are now ready to start the egg retrieval stimulation cycle. Ovulation induction is a process to stimulate the release of one or more eggs from your ovaries. Injections usually start from day 2 or day 3 of your menstrual cycle.
The average time for the stimulation cycle ranges from 10-14 days, but each case can vary depending on how the patient’s body reacts to the medications. This timeframe starts when the patient begins medication used for ovarian stimulation for the egg retrieval procedure.
Your fertility team should provide you with procedure guidelines. The egg retrieval procedure is performed under “general anesthesia” but without intubation. The patient will not feel any discomfort during the procedure and will wake up within 10 to 15 minutes of the end of the procedure. Depending on the number of follicles present, the procedure will usually last 10 to 30 minutes.
The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance similar to the vaginal ultrasound examination that the patient has during the stimulation cycle. A needle guide is attached to the ultrasound probe, a long needle is introduced through the guide, and under direct visualization, each follicle is punctured and the fluid (along with the egg floating in it) is aspirated. The fluid is then immediately sent to our IVF lab where the embryologists search for the eggs, isolate them, and place them in incubators. At the completion of the egg retrieval, the patient is taken to the recovery area where she will stay for about an hour. Pain medications might be administered at this time as needed. Some discomfort is expected for a few hours following the procedure and Tylenol can be taken by the patient at home as needed every 4 hours. Occasionally, some nausea might also occur which usually dissipates within a few hours.
In conventional IVF, after eggs are collected from the ovaries, they are placed in a laboratory dish with sperm. The sperm swim around the eggs, and one eventually penetrates an egg, leading to fertilization. This process takes place over a few hours to ensure that the eggs have the best chance of being fertilized naturally.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is particularly useful for couples facing male infertility issues. In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg using a fine needle. This method enhances the likelihood of fertilization, even with low sperm count or motility.
During the 5-6 days in the lab before embryo transfer or freezing, the embryos are monitored for their development. Here's a quick breakdown:
Parents can opt for preimplantation genetic testing during this period. *Note that this may add a few weeks to the timeline to get results! This testing can be crucial for several reasons:
Genetic testing provides peace of mind and ensures a healthier pregnancy and baby, but it does extend the overall timeline a bit.
The embryo transfer is a straightforward procedure that typically takes about 10-15 minutes. During the procedure, a fertility specialist places the embryo into the uterus using a thin catheter. It’s usually painless, though some may experience mild discomfort.
Fresh Embryo Transfers happens shortly after egg retrieval and fertilization, usually around day 3 or day 5 of embryo development.
A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) involves thawing a previously frozen embryo and transferring it into the uterus. FET allows for flexibility in timing and can be scheduled based on the recipient’s natural cycle or a hormone-prepared cycle.
The two-week wait follows the embryo transfer and can be one of the most challenging parts of the fertility process. It's an emotional period filled with hope and anxiety as you await confirmation of pregnancy. During these two weeks, it’s normal to experience a range of emotions. After 14 days, you’ll undergo blood tests to get an accurate reading of the outcome. Regardless of the results, your fertility clinic will continue to monitor your progress and provide support throughout your journey.
IVF success rates can vary widely based on several factors such as the age of the person undergoing treatment, the quality of the clinic, and whether additional testing (like genetic screening) is performed. The expertise and protocols of the fertility clinic also play a significant role. Thorough testing and personalized treatment plans can optimize the chances of a successful pregnancy, making it essential to consider all these factors when evaluating your clinic's IVF success rates.
Not all the cycles are successful for the first attempt. Lots of patients achieve success within a few attempts. If your first cycle outcome is not ideal, you can try again after speaking to the IVF physician.
You will expect a period to start 1-2 weeks after the egg retrieval procedure, your ovaries will need to rest for that period. The soonest time to try again will be starting with the next following period.
Successful embryo transfer outcome depends on many factors such as endometrium lining thickness and embryo grading. If the first attempt fails, don’t be discouraged as you can try again. You will expect a period to start about a week after a negative HCG test. After you speak to your IVF physician, the soonest you can try again will be within that period; no additional wait is required. Of course, if you feel like you need more time before trying again, you can always discuss with your IVF physician to figure out the best timeline for your specific case.
Understanding the IVF timeline is crucial before starting your journey. Knowing this timeline helps you prepare emotionally and logistically. At PFCLA, we offer top-tier IVF treatments backed by decades of experience and expertise. Our exceptional fertility doctors and personalized care ensure a smooth journey. Plus, we offer IVF financing options to make your dream of parenthood more accessible. Start your IVF journey with PFCLA, where experience, compassion, and cutting-edge technology converge to support your path to parenthood.
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