For any number of reasons, you may feel that IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is the right route for you to have a baby. It can be a complicated process to grasp from start to finish, so we’ve put together this quick guide so you can see a general IVF timeline.
We’ll assume you’ve already consulted with your doctors and arrived at this decision together, having been prescribed the correct medications. We’re smart enough to leave that part to the trained physicians!
The process begins alongside the start of your period.
Step 1 of Your IVF Timeline
When starting your period, you begin taking birth control to help regulate the levels of your hormones. You will continue taking the birth control for several weeks. Continue following your doctor’s orders, taking other medications when instructed. After about a month, you’ll be ready to move on to the next part of the process.
Step 2 of Your IVF Timeline
After your first month on medication, you’ll be given a shot 40 hours before your eggs are scheduled to be retrieved. This will ensure that they are released and are able to be retrieved.
Step 3 of Your IVF Timeline
After receiving your HCG shot 40 hours prior, you’ll have your egg retrieval appointment. Through the artificial insemination process, your eggs will be stored and fertilized, and you’ll wait for up to a week to hear back. In the meantime, you’ll be given injections of progesterone to prepare your uterus for the egg to be put back in.
Step 4 of Your IVF Timeline
The process of moving the embryo to your uterus is quick and painless, and can be done in your doctor’s office. From there, you’ll have to wait up to two weeks to take a pregnancy test to ensure the procedure was a success.
Step 5 of Your IVF Timeline
From here, you’ll experience a regular pregnancy, complete with its joys and its issues. Make sure to stay in touch with your doctor regularly.
Did this help clear up the IVF timeline for you? Do you have any questions, thoughts or tips to share? Let us know down in the comments!
