Starting IVF for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure about what happens at each stage. The IVF process involves several steps, from your initial fertility assessment and ovarian stimulation to egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo development, embryo transfer, and pregnancy testing.
In this guide, we explain the IVF process step by step, how long an IVF cycle may take, what you may experience during treatment, and what to expect after embryo transfer. If you are considering IVF treatment in Dubai, your fertility specialist can also explain which protocol is appropriate for your individual needs.
What Is IVF and How Does It Work?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment in which eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are monitored as they develop, and a suitable embryo may then be transferred into the uterus.
IVF Process at a Glance
| IVF Stage | What Happens |
| 1. Initial consultation | Medical history, fertility assessment, and testing |
| 2. Ovarian stimulation | Medication helps the ovaries develop multiple follicles |
| 3. Monitoring | Ultrasound and blood tests track follicle development |
| 4. Trigger injection | Helps prepare mature eggs for retrieval |
| 5. Egg retrieval | Mature eggs are collected from the ovaries |
| 6. Fertilization | Eggs are fertilized with sperm, sometimes using ICSI |
| 7. Embryo development | Embryos are monitored in the laboratory |
| 8. Embryo transfer | A selected embryo is transferred to the uterus |
| 9. Pregnancy test | A blood test checks for pregnancy after transfer |
Step 1 — Initial Consultation and Fertility Assessment
Every IVF journey begins with an initial fertility consultation. Your fertility specialist will review your medical and fertility history, discuss any previous treatments, and assess factors that may affect your treatment plan.
Depending on your individual circumstances, your fertility assessment may include:
- Blood tests and hormonal evaluation
- AMH testing to help assess ovarian reserve
- Pelvic ultrasound to evaluate the ovaries and uterus
- Semen analysis to assess male fertility factors
- Review of previous fertility treatments or pregnancy history
- Additional tests when medically appropriate
Based on these findings, your fertility specialist will discuss your options and develop an IVF treatment plan suited to your individual needs.
Step 2 — Ovarian Stimulation
During ovarian stimulation, fertility medications are used to encourage the ovaries to develop multiple follicles. Each follicle may contain an egg, which increases the number of eggs that may be available for retrieval.
You may need daily fertility injections during this stage. Your response to the medication is monitored through ultrasound scans and, when appropriate, blood tests.
Ovarian stimulation commonly takes around 8–14 days, although the exact duration varies from person to person depending on ovarian response and the treatment protocol.
Your fertility specialist will adjust your medications if needed and advise you throughout this stage of the IVF process.
Step 3 — Monitoring and Trigger Injection
Regular monitoring is an important part of the IVF process. Ultrasound scans allow your fertility team to track follicle growth and assess how your ovaries are responding to stimulation. Blood tests may also be used to monitor hormone levels when appropriate.
Once the follicles have developed sufficiently, your fertility specialist will determine when you are ready for the next stage.
You will then receive a trigger injection, which helps prepare the mature eggs for retrieval. Egg retrieval is usually scheduled approximately 34–36 hours after the trigger injection, according to your treatment plan.
Your fertility team will give you specific instructions about the timing of the trigger injection and your egg retrieval appointment.
Step 4 — Egg Retrieval
Egg retrieval is the procedure used to collect mature eggs from the ovaries. It is performed using ultrasound guidance, allowing the fertility specialist to carefully access the ovarian follicles.
The procedure is generally scheduled around 34–36 hours after the trigger injection. The type of sedation or anesthesia used depends on the clinic’s protocol and your individual circumstances.
During the procedure, a fine needle is guided through the vagina to the ovaries to collect fluid containing the eggs from the follicles. The collected eggs are then transferred to the embryology laboratory for assessment and fertilization.
After egg retrieval, you may experience temporary symptoms such as mild cramping, bloating, pelvic discomfort, or light spotting. Your fertility team will provide instructions about recovery and when to contact the clinic if you experience concerning symptoms.
The number of eggs retrieved varies from person to person and does not by itself determine the outcome of an IVF cycle.
Step 5 — Fertilization: IVF or ICSI
After egg retrieval, the collected eggs are assessed by the embryology team and prepared for fertilization.
Conventional IVF
With conventional IVF, the eggs and sperm are placed together in the laboratory so that fertilization can occur naturally.
ICSI
With intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a single sperm is injected directly into an egg using a specialized laboratory technique.
Your fertility specialist and embryology team will determine whether conventional IVF or ICSI is appropriate based on factors such as sperm quality, previous fertilization results, the number and quality of available eggs, and your individual treatment plan.
The fertilized eggs are then monitored as they develop into embryos.
Step 6 — Embryo Development
After fertilization, the embryos are monitored carefully in the embryology laboratory as they develop.
The embryology team assesses embryo development at different stages. Some embryos may continue developing over several days and may reach the blastocyst stage around Day 5 or Day 6.
Not every fertilized egg develops into a blastocyst. This is a normal part of embryo development, and the number of embryos available for transfer can vary between patients and treatment cycles.
Your fertility team will discuss the embryo development results with you and explain the next steps based on your treatment plan.
Step 7 — Embryo Transfer
Once an embryo has been selected for transfer, your fertility specialist will place it into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter.
Embryo transfer is generally a short procedure and usually does not require general anesthesia. Depending on your treatment plan and medical circumstances, the transfer may take place during the same IVF cycle or during a later frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle.
During the procedure, the catheter is gently passed through the cervix into the uterus. Ultrasound guidance may be used to help position the catheter appropriately.
After the transfer, your fertility team will provide specific instructions about medications, activity, and follow-up.
The decision between a fresh and frozen embryo transfer depends on individual factors, including your medical circumstances, embryo development, and treatment plan.
How Long Does the IVF Process Take?
| Stage | Approximate timeframe |
| Initial assessment | Before treatment begins |
| Ovarian stimulation | Around 8–14 days |
| Trigger to egg retrieval | About 34–36 hours |
| Embryo development | Usually 3–6 days |
| Embryo transfer | Depending on fresh/frozen plan |
| Pregnancy test | Usually around 10–14 days after transfer |
The total IVF timeline varies because some patients need additional testing or preparation before starting stimulation, while frozen embryo transfer takes place in a later cycle. Your fertility specialist can provide a timeline based on your treatment plan.
Is IVF Painful?
IVF can involve some physical discomfort, but the experience varies from person to person. Injections may cause temporary soreness or bruising, ovarian stimulation can cause bloating or pelvic discomfort, and egg retrieval may involve short-term cramping afterward. Your fertility team will explain what to expect and how to manage discomfort during treatment.
What to Expect During Your First IVF Cycle
Physically
- injections
- monitoring appointments
- bloating
- fatigue
- recovery after retrieval
Emotionally
- uncertainty
- anxiety
- anticipation
- emotional stress
Practically
- appointments
- medication schedules
- time off around retrieval if needed
Conventional IVF vs. ICSI: Which Is Better?
Once your eggs are retrieved, the embryologist will fertilize them using one of two methods:
Conventional IVF
- Eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish
- Fertilization happens naturally
- Best for couples with no sperm concerns
- Slightly less invasive to the egg
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
- A single sperm is injected directly into the egg
- Recommended for low sperm count or motility
- Required for surgically retrieved sperm
- Higher fertilization rates in many cases
Neither method is universally “better”; the right choice depends entirely on your individual diagnosis. Your embryologist will recommend one based on your sperm analysis results and prior cycle history.
Understanding Embryo Attrition: The “Hunger Games” of IVF
Here’s a number that catches nearly every first-timer off guard: not all eggs become embryos. The drop-off at each stage is significant and completely expected.
This is perhaps the most emotionally challenging part of IVF for first-time patients: watching numbers drop daily. Understanding that attrition is natural selection at the cellular level, not failure, helps reframe it. The embryos that arrest on their own would not have resulted in a healthy pregnancy anyway.
Emotional Support During IVF:
IVF can be emotionally demanding as well as physically intensive. Some people experience anxiety, uncertainty, or relationship stress during treatment. At Almond Blossoms, our wellbeing team can provide psychological support for individuals and couples navigating fertility challenges and the emotional demands of IVF.
If you feel that emotional support could help during your fertility journey, you can speak with our wellbeing team alongside your medical care.
Considering IVF in Dubai?
Every IVF journey is different. At Almond Blossoms Fertility & Wellbeing Center in Dubai, our fertility team can assess your individual needs, explain your treatment options, and guide you through each stage of the IVF process.
Book a consultation to discuss your fertility journey and understand which treatment approach may be appropriate for you.
Last updated: October 2026
How long does the IVF process take?
A complete IVF timeline varies, but stimulation commonly takes around 8–14 days, followed by egg retrieval, embryo development, transfer and pregnancy testing.
Is IVF painful?
IVF can cause some discomfort. Injections may cause soreness or bruising, while stimulation and egg retrieval can cause temporary bloating or cramping.
What is the first step in IVF?
IVF usually begins with a fertility consultation and assessment. Your doctor may recommend blood tests, an ultrasound, and a semen analysis before creating a treatment plan.
When do you take a pregnancy test after IVF?
A blood pregnancy test is usually performed around 10–14 days after embryo transfer, according to your fertility clinic’s instructions.
What happens after egg retrieval?
Retrieved eggs are assessed and fertilized in the laboratory. The resulting embryos are monitored for development before an appropriate embryo transfer is planned.
