The IVF cycle itself takes around four weeks, which is the length of a regular ovulation cycle. However, this only happens after initial fertility testing is completed.
Fertility testing often comprises evaluating the ovarian reserve or egg quality, uterine cavity assessment, and semen analysis.
 
During IVF, mature eggs are collected/retrieved from ovaries and inseminated by sperm in a laboratory; then the fertilized egg/embryo or eggs/embryos are transferred to the woman’s uterus. One full round of IVF takes about three to four weeks. Although, sometimes these steps are fragmented into different parts and then the process can take longer.

There are generally 4 stages of in vitro-fertilization (IVF)
Once diagnostic testing has been completed, the IVF phase begins.
 
Stage 1: Oral Contraceptives/Birth Control
Although it may seem counterintuitive, IVF patients must take oral contraceptives for approximately 2 weeks before starting fertility medications. Studies have shown that oral contraceptives when taken before ovarian stimulation, can increase the number of eggs available for retrieval.
 
Stage 2: Fertility Medication
After the 2 weeks of oral contraceptives, IVF patients begin shots of fertility medication for roughly 9-11 days. These fertility medications comprise of naturally occurring hormones that help progress and mature your follicles where the eggs are housed.
 
The number and size of follicles determine how many mature eggs will be obtainable for retrieval.
 
Stage 3: Egg Retrieval
Egg retrieval denotes a one-day method where the eggs are extricated from the ovarian follicles and are sent to an IVF lab to impregnate and divide. They are carefully monitored in the lab to make sure they multiply and divide as the eggs mature.
 
Stage 4: Embryo Transfer
After fertilization, the embryo will be transmitted back to the uterus on the fifth day after the egg retrieval. The embryo transfer is also a one-day procedure that only takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
 
This is a painless procedure and doesn’t require anesthesia. Then comes the waiting period to see if the embryo implants in the uterus. This typically takes 9-10 days contingent on the maturity of the embryo at the time of transfer.

In many IVF studies, there isn’t a set amount that is required. However, the more eggs there are to work with, there is a greater chance that IVF will be successful.
 
As women age, their ovarian reserve, egg quality and fertility do decline. Women are born with a certain amount of eggs and do not make more eggs during their lifetime.
 
Studies have found that the age of the woman is an indicator of how many eggs will be required.

– Women under 35 have the highest success rates doing best with more than 10 eggs.
– Women under 38 have acceptable live birth rates even with only 3 – 6 eggs, do better with more than 6 eggs, and do best with 10 eggs.
– Women between 38 and 42 years old have low live birth rates with low egg numbers. Success rates are much higher when relatively high egg quantities are obtained.
– The older the woman, the more eggs will be needed to be able to make IVF work because of the lower quality of the eggs.

There is a list of things that you can do before you start your IVF process:

– Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
– Start taking prenatal vitamins.
– Maintain a healthy weight
– Exercise both your body and mind
– Reduce caffeine intake
 
The IVF professionals at The New Hope Center for Reproductive Medicine in Virginia Beach, are here to answer any questions. We serve patients from Virginia Beach VA, Rudee Heights VA, Lynnhaven VA, Linkhorn Estates VA and Dam Neck VA.