What Is IVF and How Does It Work?
Infertility can be an emotionally challenging journey for couples dreaming of parenthood. But with medical science evolving rapidly, assisted reproductive technologies like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) have brought new hope to millions of families worldwide.
At Keshvi IVF & Women Care Hospital, we understand how personal and sensitive this journey is. Our goal is to not only provide advanced fertility treatment but also to educate and empower couples to make informed decisions. If you’ve ever wondered what IVF is and how it works, this detailed guide will walk you through every step — simply and clearly.
Understanding IVF: The Science of Hope
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a fertility treatment in which an egg and sperm are combined outside the body in a controlled laboratory environment. Once fertilization occurs and an embryo forms, it is carefully placed into the woman’s uterus to achieve pregnancy.
The term “in vitro” means “in glass,” referring to the process of fertilizing the egg in a lab dish rather than inside the body. IVF is one of the most successful and widely used assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and is recommended when other fertility treatments such as medications or intrauterine insemination (IUI) have not worked.
When Is IVF Recommended?
Doctors may suggest IVF treatment in the following situations:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes – making natural fertilization difficult.
- Male infertility – low sperm count or poor sperm motility.
- Ovulation disorders – irregular or absent ovulation.
- Endometriosis – tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
- Unexplained infertility – when no clear cause is found after several tests.
- Age-related infertility – as egg quality declines with age, especially after 35.
- Genetic conditions – couples can undergo preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) during IVF.
At Keshvi IVF & Women Care Hospital, our fertility specialists carefully evaluate each patient’s unique condition before recommending IVF, ensuring the treatment plan is fully personalized.
Step-by-Step Process: How IVF Works
The IVF journey usually takes 4–6 weeks from the start of ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer. Here’s a breakdown of each stage:
- Initial Consultation and Fertility Assessment
Your IVF journey begins with a thorough evaluation by a fertility specialist. This includes:
- Blood tests to assess hormone levels and ovarian reserve.
- Ultrasound scans to examine the ovaries and uterus.
- Semen analysis for the male partner.
The doctors at Keshvi IVF & Women Care Hospital provide personalized counseling at this stage, helping couples understand what to expect during the process.
- Ovarian Stimulation
Normally, a woman’s body releases one egg per cycle. In IVF, fertility medications (gonadotropins) are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. This increases the chances of successful fertilization.
Throughout this period, you’ll undergo regular ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor follicle growth and hormone levels. The dose and duration of medications are carefully adjusted by the medical team to achieve optimal results.
- Egg Retrieval (Ovum Pick-Up)
Once the eggs are mature, a trigger injection is given to prepare them for collection. Around 34–36 hours later, a minor surgical procedure is performed under light sedation to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries using a thin needle.
The procedure takes about 20–30 minutes and causes minimal discomfort. After retrieval, the eggs are immediately transferred to the IVF lab for fertilization.
- Sperm Collection and Fertilization
On the same day as egg retrieval, a semen sample is collected from the male partner. In some cases, sperm may be extracted surgically if necessary.
The sperm and eggs are combined in a controlled environment. Fertilization may occur naturally, or through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) — a technique where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to enhance success rates.
Within 3–5 days, fertilized eggs develop into embryos under close monitoring by embryologists.
- Embryo Transfer
After a few days of observation, the healthiest embryo(s) are selected for transfer. Using a soft catheter, the embryo is gently placed inside the uterus. This procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia.
The remaining high-quality embryos, if any, can be frozen (cryopreserved) for future use.
- The Two-Week Wait and Pregnancy Test
After embryo transfer, patients go through a waiting period of about two weeks. During this time, medications are prescribed to support implantation and early pregnancy.
A blood test is performed after 14 days to check for pregnancy. This stage can be emotionally intense, and the compassionate team at Keshvi IVF & Women Care Hospital provides continuous support and reassurance throughout.
Why Choose Keshvi IVF & Women Care Hospital?
- State-of-the-art IVF laboratory and advanced reproductive technologies
- Experienced fertility specialists and embryologists.
- Transparent treatment plans with personalized care.
- High success rates and ethical practices.
- Holistic approach with emotional and psychological support.
When you choose Keshvi IVF & Women Care Hospital, you’re not just getting a treatment — you’re gaining a dedicated partner on your path to parenthood.
Conclusion
IVF has transformed the lives of countless couples struggling with infertility. It’s not just a medical process — it’s a journey of hope, resilience, and trust. Understanding how IVF works helps couples feel more confident and prepared as they take this important step.
At Keshvi IVF & Women Care Hospital, we combine medical excellence with compassion to make your dream of parenthood a reality.
FAQs About IVF Treatment
- Is IVF painful?
IVF is not painful. Some mild discomfort or bloating may occur during egg retrieval or hormone injections, but it’s generally well-tolerated. - How many IVF cycles are usually needed for success?
Many couples achieve pregnancy within 1–3 IVF cycles, but success depends on age, fertility health, and other factors. - Can IVF guarantee pregnancy?
While IVF increases your chances, it doesn’t guarantee pregnancy. Success rates vary, but with advanced techniques, results are improving every year. - Is IVF safe for both mother and baby?
Yes. IVF is a safe and established procedure. Babies conceived through IVF are as healthy as those conceived naturally. - What should I do before starting IVF?
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, and consult your fertility specialist for personalized guidance.