Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation

Fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This improves the chances of retrieving healthy eggs for fertilization.

Step 2: Egg Retrieval

The mature eggs are collected via transvaginal ultrasound aspiration, a minor surgical procedure using a needle to access the ovaries through the vaginal wall.

Step 3: Sperm Collection

A sperm sample is obtained from a partner or donor, processed in a lab to isolate the healthiest sperm for use in fertilization.

Step 4: Fertilization

The eggs and sperm are combined in a lab dish. In some cases, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used to inject a single sperm into an egg.

Step 5: Embryo Culture

The fertilized eggs (embryos) are monitored for several days. The best quality embryos are selected for transfer.

Step 6: Embryo Transfer

One or more embryos are transferred into the uterus using a catheter. This step is usually painless and doesn’t require anesthesia.

Step 7: Pregnancy Test

Approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer, a blood test determines whether implantation has occurred and pregnancy has begun.