Undergoing IVF in the United States is a highly precise and personalized medical process. From the initial evaluation to embryo transfer, each step plays a vital role in the success of your treatment. This guide walks you through the complete IVF journey in the U.S., helping you understand what to expect and how to prepare.
Step 1: Pre-Cycle Evaluation & Treatment Planning
Time: 1–2 days (in person or virtual)
- For women: Hormone tests (AMH, FSH/LH, Estradiol), pelvic ultrasound
- For men: Semen analysis (motility, morphology, concentration)
- The fertility doctor creates a personalized stimulation protocol based on your test results, age, and medical history
- If there is a family history of genetic disorders, PGT may be recommended
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation
Time: About 10–14 days
- Hormonal injections (FSH, HMG, etc.) are used to stimulate multiple follicles
- Ultrasound and blood tests every 2–3 days to monitor follicle growth
- When follicles are mature, a “trigger shot” (hCG or Lupron) is administered to prepare for egg retrieval
Step 3: Egg Retrieval & Sperm Collection
Time: 1 day + 1–2 days recovery
- The woman undergoes a short, painless egg retrieval procedure under anesthesia (10–20 minutes)
- The male partner provides a semen sample or frozen sperm is used
- Fertilization is performed via standard IVF or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
Step 4: Embryo Culture
Time: 5–6 days (blastocyst stage)
- Fertilized eggs are cultured in the lab for 5–6 days to reach the blastocyst stage
- Embryos are graded and monitored for development quality
- The best-quality embryos are selected for genetic testing or freezing
Step 5: PGT-A Genetic Screening (Optional)
Time: 7–10 days
- Trophectoderm biopsy is performed on healthy blastocysts
- Embryos are tested for chromosomal abnormalities
- Normal embryos are frozen for later transfer
Step 6: Endometrial Preparation (Prior to Embryo Transfer)
Time: 10–14 days
- Hormone therapy (oral or injection) is used to prepare the uterine lining
- Ultrasound confirms the lining is at optimal thickness (typically 8mm or more)
- Transfer timing is coordinated based on lining receptivity
Step 7: Embryo Transfer
Time: 1 day (15-minute painless procedure)
- One or more healthy embryos are transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter
- No anesthesia is needed, and patients can go home shortly after
- Single embryo transfer (SET) is recommended to reduce risks
Step 8: Luteal Support & Pregnancy Test
Time: 10–14 days after transfer
- Progesterone supplementation continues to support implantation
- A blood test (beta hCG) is performed 10–14 days post-transfer
- If positive, a follow-up ultrasound is done ~2 weeks later to confirm fetal heartbeat
Optional Add-Ons (For Certain Patients)
- ERA Test (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis) for those with repeated implantation failure
- Long-term embryo storage planning
- Gender selection (where legal and ethical)
IVF Timeline Overview
| Stage | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Pre-cycle Evaluation | 1–3 days |
| Stimulation + Egg Retrieval | ~2 weeks |
| Embryo Culture + PGT | ~2 weeks |
| Uterine Prep + Transfer | ~2 weeks |
| Pregnancy Test + Follow-up | ~2 weeks |
| Total Cycle Time | Approx. 6–8 weeks |
Final Thoughts: Every Step Matters
While the U.S. IVF process is thorough and can take several weeks, this level of precision contributes to its high global success rates. Understanding and following each step carefully can significantly increase your chances of success.