The Ultimate Guide to IVF What to Expect at a Fertility Clinic

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In-vitro fertilization (IVF) has opened doors for countless couples and individuals struggling with infertility. While the thought of starting IVF can be overwhelming, knowing what to expect at a fertility clinic can ease anxiety and help you feel more prepared.

1. Initial Consultation: Understanding Your Fertility Health

Your IVF journey begins with a detailed consultation at the fertility clinic. This includes:

  • Medical history review (for both partners)

  • Physical exams

  • Blood hormone tests

  • Semen analysis for the male partner

  • Ultrasound scans to evaluate ovarian reserve and uterine health

Your fertility specialist will discuss any prior treatments and explain whether IVF is the best next step.

2. Diagnostic Testing and Personalized Planning

Before starting IVF, your doctor will run comprehensive tests to assess your reproductive health. These may include:

  • Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) testing

  • Antral follicle count via ultrasound

  • Hysterosalpingography (HSG) to check fallopian tubes

  • Genetic screening if needed

Using this information, the clinic creates a custom IVF plan tailored to your medical profile and fertility goals.

3. Ovarian Stimulation

The IVF process officially starts with ovarian stimulation, where medications (gonadotropins) are used to boost egg production. Instead of one egg, the aim is to develop multiple mature eggs for retrieval.

During this phase:

  • You’ll take daily hormone injections for 8–14 days

  • The clinic monitors your progress with frequent blood tests and ultrasounds

  • Once follicles reach the right size, a trigger shot (HCG injection) is given to prepare for egg collection

4. Egg Retrieval Procedure

Approximately 36 hours after the trigger shot, you’ll undergo egg retrieval. This is a minor surgical procedure performed under sedation:

  • A thin needle guided by ultrasound is used to collect eggs from the ovaries

  • The procedure takes about 20–30 minutes

  • Recovery is usually quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within a day or two

5. Sperm Collection and Fertilization

While eggs are retrieved, the male partner provides a sperm sample. If necessary, sperm may be retrieved surgically or through donor sperm.

In the lab:

  • Eggs are fertilized with sperm either through traditional IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

  • Embryos are monitored closely for development over the next 3–5 days

6. Embryo Transfer

Once embryos reach the blastocyst stage (typically Day 5), one or more are selected for transfer to the uterus.

  • The embryo transfer is a painless, outpatient procedure

  • It’s done using a thin catheter inserted through the cervix

  • You may be advised to rest briefly afterward before resuming normal activities

Remaining good-quality embryos may be frozen for future use.

7. The Two-Week Wait and Pregnancy Test

After the transfer, you’ll begin a two-week waiting period before taking a blood test to confirm pregnancy.

During this time:

  • You may be prescribed progesterone to support the uterine lining

  • Emotional support is vital—this phase is often the most stressful

  • Avoid taking early home pregnancy tests, as they can give false results

The blood test, known as a beta hCG test, will determine whether implantation has occurred.

8. Follow-Up Appointments and Support

If the IVF cycle is successful, your fertility clinic will:

  • Continue to monitor you for early pregnancy development

  • Refer you to an obstetrician for ongoing care

  • Offer support for complications or early pregnancy issues

If the cycle is not successful, your doctor may suggest reviewing the outcome and discussing next steps such as trying again, using frozen embryos, or exploring alternative treatments.

What Makes a Great Fertility Clinic?

Choosing the right clinic can make a big difference in your IVF experience. Look for:

  • Board-certified infertility specialist

  • An experienced lab team with high success rates

  • Transparent communication and emotional support

  • Access to advanced techniques like ICSI, PGT, and embryo freezing

The best fertility clinics provide not just treatment—but partnership, empathy, and personalized care.

Final Thoughts

Undergoing IVF is a significant journey, both emotionally and physically. Understanding the step-by-step process of what happens at a fertility clinic helps remove uncertainty and empowers you to take control of your fertility.

Location: 116, Babar Block Barkat Market, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan

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