Preparing for IVF: What to Expect & Helpful Tips
Your Step-by-Step Guide to the IVF Process
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most advanced and effective fertility treatments available today. For many patients, IVF offers the highest chance of conception, with live birth rates approaching 60% for women under 35. While highly individualized, understanding what to expect during the IVF can help patients feel confident, prepared, and informed.
At the Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine (SCCRM), we provide expert, evidence-based care throughout every stage of your IVF journey. Continue reading for your guide: IVF What to Expect.
The IVF Process
Step 1: Diagnostic work-up and consultation
Before beginning the IVF procedure, a comprehensive fertility evaluation is performed for both partners, if applicable. This allows your care team to identify the most appropriate treatment options and tailor your IVF protocol to your unique reproductive health.
Female evaluation:
Day 3 bloodwork & ultrasound: Measures hormone levels and follicle count
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test: Assesses ovarian reserve
Office Hyseroscopy: Gold standard for evaluating the uterine cavity prior to embryo tansfer
Male evaluation:
Semen analysis: Reviews sperm count, motility, morphology, and volume
This initial phase is critical for identifying issues such as diminished ovarian reserve, tubal disease, ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, or male factor infertility.
Step 2: Ovarian stimulation and monitoring
IVF begins with controlled ovarian stimulation, during which injectable hormone medications (FSH and LH analogs) stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single egg released during a typical cycle.
Medications are typically administered for 10-16 days
Frequent monitoring (bloodwork and transvaginal ultrasound) tracks follicle growth and hormone levels
A trigger injection of hCG or Lupron initiates final egg maturation prior to retrieval
This stage is carefully timed. Your care team will provide detailed guidance to ensure optimal follicle development and accurate scheduling of the next steps.
Step 3: Egg retrieval and fertilization
Egg retrieval is performed under light sedation and takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Using ultrasound guidance, the physician collects the eggs from the ovaries using a thin needle. Patients are discharged the same day with minimal recovery time.
In the lab, fertilization occurs through one of two methods:
Conventional insemination: Sperm are incubated with the eggs
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): A single sperm is directly injected into each mature egg
Step 4: Embryo development and genetic testing
Fertilized eggs (now embryos) are cultured in the lab for 5-7days. During this period:
Embryos are monitored for cell division and quality
Embryos ideally reach the blastocyst stage 5-7 days after egg retrieval
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may be performed to identify chromosomal abnormalities
PGT is particularly helpful for patients of advanced maternal age, those with a history of miscarriage, or prior unsuccessful IVF cycles. Normal embryos are frozen until transfer, allowing time for chromosome analysis and uterine preparation.
Step 5: Embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is a quick, non-surgical procedure that takes about 5 minutes. It is typically performed in the clinic without anesthesia.
The physician select the highest quality embryo for transfer
The embryo is loaded into a catheter and transferred into the uterus under transvaginal ultrasound guidance
Patients rest briefly afterward and are then given post-transfer instructions
At SCCRM, we prioritize elective single embryo transfer (eSET) when appropriate to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies and improve health outcomes.
Step 6: The pregnancy test
Approximately 10 days after embryo transfer, a blood test (beta hCG) is performed to determine pregnancy.
Financial Planning and IVF Affordability
While IVF is a significant financial investment, most patients have insurance coverage for initial consultations, diagnostic testing, or portions of treatment. SCCRM offers:
Individualized financial counseling
Guidance navigating insurance benefits
Access to multi-cycle programs
Discounts offered for teachers, first responders, law enforcement and current/former members of the armed services.
Final Thoughts & Tips for Success: IVF What to Expect
Preparing for IVF what to expect, and what comes next requires emotional, physical, and logistical readiness. Here are some key IVF success tips:
Follow your medication schedule precisely
Maintain a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, moderate exercise, adequate sleep)
Minimize stress through support groups, counseling, or mindfulness practices
Communicate openly with your care team
Understand the science and process to feel empowered, not overwhelmed
At SCCRM, we are honored to walk alongside you on your path to parenthood. Whether this is your first IVF cycle or you’re seeking a second opinion, our team is here to deliver the expertise, compassion, and advanced fertility care you deserve.
Schedule your IVF consultation today to take the first step toward building your family. Call 949-642-8727 or use the form in the link below to contact us about a new patient appointment.
Medical contributions by
Robert E. Anderson, M.D.
Double board-certified
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
With over 30 years experience in the field of Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Robert Anderson has developed a highly successful approach to the treatment of every type of fertility problem. He has been practicing in Orange County longer than any other Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist.
Don Royster, M.D.
Double board-certified
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
With over 15 years of experience as an OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) specialist, Dr. Don Royster joined SCCRM after serving on active duty in the United States Air Force for over 20 years, retiring at the rank of Colonel. He has performed over 6,000 surgeries and delivered over 1,000 babies with deployments and humanitarian missions across the globe.