IVF SCHEDULE

29 June 20243′ read9 sections

CONTENTS

Initial Assessment and Preparation (2-4 Weeks)
Ovarian Stimulation (10-14 Days)
Egg Collection (1 Day)
Fertilisation and Embryo Culture (3-5 Days)
Embryo Transfer (1 Day)
The Wait and the Pregnancy Test (2 Weeks)
If the Pregnancy Is Successful
If the Pregnancy Is Not Successful
Conclusion

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a complex, multi-stage process that helps many couples have a child. It is important for couples considering this method to understand the timeline and the different phases of the process. The course of IVF from start to finish is described below.

Initial Assessment and Preparation (2-4 Weeks)

Medical Assessment

- First meeting with the specialist: discussion of the medical history and planning of the necessary tests.

- Blood tests and ultrasound scans: assessment of ovarian function and of the sperm.

Preparation and Counselling

- Diet and healthy habits: advice on nutrition and lifestyle.

- Counselling support: psychological support to prepare the couple.

Ovarian Stimulation (10-14 Days)

Hormone Administration

- Hormone therapy: gonadotrophin injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

- Monitoring with ultrasound scans and blood tests: tracking the growth of the follicles.

Timing of Ovulation

- Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) injection: the injection is given when the follicles are ready, to bring about final maturation of the eggs.

Egg Collection (1 Day)

Collection Procedure

- Egg retrieval: the procedure is performed under sedation and the eggs are collected from the ovaries under ultrasound guidance.

Retrieval and Assessment

- Egg retrieval: the eggs are collected and assessed for their quality.

- Sperm collection: the man's sperm is collected on the same day.

Fertilisation and Embryo Culture (3-5 Days)

Fertilisation of the Eggs

- Conventional IVF or ICSI: the sperm is placed with the eggs (IVF) or injected directly into the eggs (ICSI).

Embryo Culture

- Embryo development: the fertilised eggs are cultured in the laboratory for 3-5 days until they reach the blastocyst stage.

Embryo Transfer (1 Day)

Transfer of the Embryos

- Selection of the best embryos: the embryos are assessed and the best are selected for transfer to the uterus.

- Embryo transfer: the procedure is painless and takes a few minutes, without anaesthesia.

The Wait and the Pregnancy Test (2 Weeks)

Waiting Period

- A waiting period of 12-14 days: the couple waits to see whether the embryo has implanted in the uterus.

Pregnancy Test

- Pregnancy check: a blood test is carried out to confirm the pregnancy.

If the Pregnancy Is Successful

Monitoring

- Ongoing monitoring: the doctor follows the pregnancy with regular ultrasound scans and blood tests.

If the Pregnancy Is Not Successful

- Review and planning: a discussion with the doctor about the next steps and possible improvements to the process.

Conclusion

The IVF process is complex and requires patience and care at every step. From the initial assessment and preparation to the embryo transfer and the wait for the pregnancy test, every phase is critical to the success of the attempt. For more information and personalised advice, please do not hesitate to contact our practice. We are here to support you at every step of the process and to help you achieve your dream of becoming parents.

TAGS#IVF journeyIVFIVF GreeceIVF pregnancyreproductive medicine centrein vitro fertilizationIVF AthensIn vitro fertilization ThessalonikiIVF centersIVF centers in Thessaloniki

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

All articles

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

Initial Assessment and Preparation (2-4 Weeks)

Ovarian Stimulation (10-14 Days)

Egg Collection (1 Day)

Fertilisation and Embryo Culture (3-5 Days)

Embryo Transfer (1 Day)

The Wait and the Pregnancy Test (2 Weeks)

If the Pregnancy Is Successful

If the Pregnancy Is Not Successful

Conclusion

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?