How Long Does it Take for IVF Start to Finish?
In-vitro fertilization provides a successful path to fertility for many women, and having a realistic view of the total length of treatment should make the process less stressful for you as a prospective mom. NY Reproductive Wellness is here to de-mystify the IVF procedure and support your efforts to get pregnant, starting with describing the steps involved in in-vitro fertilization.
1. Diagnosing Infertility
To be sure in-vitro treatment is right for you, our fertility specialist will examine you and take your medical history, as well as that of your partner (if applicable). You could be a prime candidate if:
- Your fallopian tubes are damaged, blocked with scar tissue or absent. (IVF bypasses the tubes completely.)
- You have endometriosis, where uterine tissue is growing outside the uterus.
- You have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and/or irregular ovulation cycle. (Fertility medicines will induce egg production.)
- You have a low ovarian reserve due to your age. (Donor eggs may be used.)
- Your partner has male-factor infertility. (Donor sperm may be used.)
- The cause of your infertility is unknown.
2. Preparing Your Body for In-Vitro Fertilization
We often prescribe oral contraceptives to be taken for 10 days to 2 weeks before starting fertility injections. This can help stimulate/regulate your ovulation cycle and help avoid fragmented follicles. When follicles are divided, it limits development and lowers the number of eggs we can retrieve.
3. Fertility Injections
For the next 7 to 14 days, we typically administer fertility injections to stimulate ovulation (egg production). Dr. Zapantis will monitor your body’s reaction with ultrasound exams and blood testing to determine how quickly to proceed during this period. Monitoring visits are typically short, less than half-hour appointments, scheduled in early mornings.
4. Retrieving Your Eggs
When your follicles reach maturity, we conduct egg retrieval. At this longer appointment, we gather your eggs and sperm from your partner (or a donor) to fertilize and multiply in the lab for 3 to 5 days.
5. Transferring Your Embryo(s)
In consultation with our fertility doctor, you will decide how many lab embryos we transfer back into your uterus. It may take about 10 days to verify that the embryo(s) have successfully implanted inside your uterus.
Variables Affecting Your Personal IVF Schedule and Possible Additional Cycles
Although the above-described treatment steps add up to approximately 6 weeks, (or 4 weeks if you don't count prep steps 1 and 2) keep in mind that every woman is unique, as are her circumstances and needs. We carefully tailor the fertility treatment process to work optimally for you, giving you the best chance to get pregnant. We may recommend up to 3 cycles of IVF.
Get Expert Fertility Treatment in NYC
The sooner you get started, the sooner your IVF or other fertility treatment, such as IUI (intrauterine insemination), may result in pregnancy. Contact New York Reproductive Wellness, at 516-612-8466, today.
