What Is the Procedure of IVF?

Explained by Dr. Shilpi Khare – Gynecologist, Obstetrician & Infertility Specialist, Lucknow

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is one of the most advanced and effective treatments to help couples conceive when natural conception isn’t possible. IVF means fertilization outside the body, where the egg and sperm are combined in a lab and the resulting embryo is placed back into the uterus.

At drshilpikhare.com, we follow a step-by-step, personalized IVF protocol to give every couple the best chance of success.

🩺 Step-by-Step IVF Procedure

1. Ovarian Stimulation (Hormonal Injections)

The process starts on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle.

You’ll receive gentle hormonal injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs instead of just one.

During this phase:

1. Follicular monitoring is done through ultrasound scans.

2. Blood tests may be performed to track hormone levels.

Once the eggs are ready, your doctor schedules the next step — egg retrieval.

2. Egg Retrieval (Ovum Pick-Up)

Under mild sedation, the eggs are carefully collected from the ovaries using a fine needle guided by ultrasound.

This is a short, painless procedure that takes about 15–20 minutes.

You can usually go home the same day.

3. Fertilization in the Laboratory

The collected eggs are then combined with your partner’s sperm in a controlled lab environment.

There are two methods:

* Conventional IVF: Eggs and sperm are placed together to allow natural fertilization.

* ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg — often used when sperm quality or count is low.

After fertilization, the embryos are cultured and closely monitored for 3–5 days.

4. Embryo Transfer

Once the embryos develop, the best-quality one (or two) is selected for transfer into the uterus.

This is a simple and painless procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia.

The embryo is gently placed into the uterus using a soft catheter, marking the most emotional and hopeful step of the IVF journey. 🌼

5. Luteal Phase & Pregnancy Test

After transfer, medications are given to support implantation.

A blood test (β-hCG) is performed about 14 days later to confirm pregnancy.

If positive — congratulations, the next phase of your journey begins!

If not, your doctor will review the cycle and suggest next steps, as IVF success often improves in subsequent attempts.

How Long Does IVF Take?

One full IVF cycle generally takes 4–6 weeks, depending on your response and embryo development.

Why Choose Dr. Shilpi Khare for IVF in Lucknow

At drshilpikhare.com, every IVF plan is tailored to your body, needs, and goals.

You’ll receive:

* Expert guidance at every stage of treatment.

* Advanced lab support and embryo monitoring.

* Emotional care and transparency throughout your journey.

Remember:

IVF is not just a medical procedure — it’s a journey of science, patience, and hope.

With the right guidance and support, your dream of parenthood can come true.