IVF is short for 'in vitro fertilisation'
IVF, short for in vitro fertilisation, is a form of fertility treatment. It involves several steps where eggs and sperm (or embryos) are handled outside the body (“in vitro”).
What is the IVF process and how does IVF treatment work?
The process typically involves retrieving eggs directly from the patient’s ovaries and fertilising them with sperm in a lab to create embryos (fertilised eggs). These embryos are then given time to develop for about 3-5 days in controlled culture conditions before being transferring back into the uterus. After this embryo transfer, patients typically wait for approximately two weeks before they can do a test to find out if the embryo has implanted into the uterus and pregnancy has been achieved, or not. Any remaining viable embryos can be cryopreserved (frozen) for future use. Sometimes all the embryos are frozen and no fresh transfer occurs. Sometimes there are no suitable embryos and no embryo transfer takes place.
Fertilisation can occur either through IVF (sometimes called standard IVF) or through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In standard IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together in a petri dish and sperm compete to fertilise the egg in a similar manner to natural fertilisation. In ICSI, a single sperm is selected by the embryologist and injected directly into the egg.
1. Ovarian stimulation
Medication injections are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The injections are usually given for about 1-2 weeks.
2. Monitoring
Blood test and ultrasound scans are used to monitor how the ovaries are responding to the stimulation medication. A trigger injection is given to mature the eggs before egg retrieval.
3. Egg retrieval
Eggs are collected by passing a needle through the wall of the vagina and into each ovary. This is performed under sedation or general anesthetic.
4. Fertilisation
Collected eggs are combined with sperm. The sperm and eggs are either mixed together to allow fertilization (standard IVF) or a single sperm is selected and injected into an egg (ICSI).
5. Embryo culture
When eggs are fertilised by sperm they become embryos. The embryos are grown in the IVF laboratory for about 3-5 days, during this time they are dividing into many cells and being monitored by the embryologists. One embryo is usually selected for a fresh embryo transfer, and any remaining embryos may be frozen for future use. Sometimes all embryos are frozen in what is called a “freeze all” cycle.
6. Embryo transfer
An embryo is transferred into the uterus in a simple procedure at the clinic.
7. Pregnancy test
A pregnancy test is usually performed about 10-14 days after the embryo transfer (either a urine test at home or a blood test).
How long does the IVF process take?
The IVF process typically takes around four weeks from start to finish. The stimulation phase lasts about 8 to 16 days, before the trigger injection is given, and egg retrieval takes place approximately 36 hours later. After retrieval, the eggs and sperm are combined in the lab, and any resulting embryos are cultured for about five days before the embryo transfer procedure. Following the transfer, patients wait around 10-14 days before taking a pregnancy test to determine if the cycle was successful.
Explore more evidence-based IVF information
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IVF optional extras
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Common IVF issues
Most IVF optional extras aim to address specific problems or issues that commonly arise during IVF.
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Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about IVF, IVF treatment options, and how evidence is assessed on the Evidence-based IVF website.
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IVF glossary
Simple descriptions of IVF related terms and jargon.
Disclaimer: Evidence-based IVF is a web-based resource that provides evidence-based information based on research and other data. Content on the Evidence-based IVF webpage is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. You should consult with qualified and appropriately experienced medical professionals when considering the information from this webpage. Scientific studies and clinical trial results are continually being published. While considerable care has been taken, The University of Melbourne cannot, and does not make any representations and gives no warranties that the information associated with the Evidence-based IVF webpage is in every respect correct, current, complete, reliable, or suitable for any purpose and use is entirely at your own risk.
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