The main stages of an IVF cycle

Assessment and planning

The clinician reviews your history and reports, discusses treatment choices and explains monitoring and medication. Confirm which stages can be completed locally and which require attendance.

Stimulation and monitoring

Use medication only as prescribed and attend the requested ultrasound or blood tests. Monitoring results may change the timing of later appointments.

Retrieval, fertilisation and culture

The medical team arranges egg retrieval and laboratory fertilisation. Conventional IVF and ICSI are different fertilisation methods; ask why a particular method is proposed and when results are communicated.

Transfer or freezing

A fresh transfer, embryo freezing or later frozen transfer depends on the individual plan and results. Not every cycle produces embryos suitable for transfer.

Follow-up and timing

Obtain a medication schedule, test dates, treatment summary and contact details. A general 3–6 week cycle estimate is not a universal travel or pregnancy timetable.

Source and further reading

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IVF — in vitro fertilisation

Eggs and sperm are combined outside the body, and an embryo may later be transferred into the uterus. A clinician considers the cause of infertility, previous treatment and examination results.

IVF fees and budget planning

Separate retrieval and culture, medication, laboratory procedures, transfer, storage and travel costs before comparing quotations.

Your IVF consultation and care journey

Prepare for consultation, assessment, a written plan, treatment and follow-up, one stage at a time.

Plan your consultation

Information checked: 19 October 2026. Individual treatment, availability and fees require confirmation by the care provider.