The core stages
IVF is a series of carefully timed steps. Medicines are used to help multiple eggs mature, the ovaries are monitored with scans and blood tests, and the eggs are collected through a short procedure.
The collected eggs are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. Embryologists observe embryo development, and a selected embryo is transferred into the uterus. Extra suitable embryos may be frozen for future use.
Why monitoring is important
Every person responds differently to ovarian stimulation. Monitoring helps the doctor adjust medicines, plan the trigger injection, and decide the best timing for egg retrieval.
The goal is to balance egg number, egg maturity, safety, and embryo quality. A cycle may be modified if the body responds too strongly or too slowly.
After embryo transfer
The wait after transfer can feel emotional. Most clinics advise continuing prescribed medicines and returning for a pregnancy blood test on the planned date rather than testing too early at home.