For many couples beginning their fertility journey, a common question is: "When does IVF actually start?" The answer is simple yet vital: the IVF process is a carefully timed sequence of events that begins with the start of your menstrual period. It’s not just one event but a series of synchronized steps designed to maximize your chances of success.

Here is a typical timeline, starting from the first day of your period.

Day 1: The Starting Point

The first day of your menstrual period is considered "Day 1" of your IVF cycle. This is the signal for your fertility clinic to begin monitoring and preparing your body for the process. At this point, your doctor may perform baseline blood tests and an ultrasound to check your hormone levels and ovarian health.

Days 2-10: Ovarian Stimulation

This phase is dedicated to stimulating your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Your doctor will prescribe daily injections of fertility hormones. During this time, you will have frequent check-ups, including ultrasounds and blood tests, to monitor the growth of your follicles and adjust medication dosages as needed. This meticulous monitoring is key to preventing complications and ensuring a good yield of eggs.

Around Day 12-14: Egg Retrieval

Once your follicles have reached an optimal size (typically after 10-12 days of stimulation), a "trigger shot" is administered. This final injection helps the eggs mature. Egg retrieval is scheduled approximately 36 hours later. This minor surgical procedure, performed under light sedation, involves using an ultrasound-guided needle to collect the eggs from your ovaries. On the same day, your partner's sperm sample is collected for fertilization.

Days 15-20: Fertilization & Embryo Transfer

After retrieval, the eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then cultured for a few days. The embryo transfer, a painless procedure similar to a pap smear, is typically performed on Day 3 or Day 5 after retrieval. The best-quality embryo is carefully transferred into your uterus, with the hope that it will implant and lead to a pregnancy.

Why Expert Timing is Crucial

The success of an IVF cycle hinges entirely on precise timing. Every step, from the start of your period to the timing of the egg retrieval and embryo transfer, must be perfectly synchronized. This is where the expertise of your medical team makes all the difference. A skilled doctor knows how to customize the timeline for your unique hormonal profile and body's response.

When looking for the right clinic, you need a team that understands this intricate process. This is why many couples in the region trust Best IVF Center in Jaipur, Ritu IVF. The clinic's state-of-the-art facilities and experienced staff ensure every stage of your IVF cycle is handled with the utmost precision.

Led by Dr. Ritu Agarwal, widely known as the best fertility doctor in the city, the team at Ritu IVF provides personalized protocols to ensure your treatment is both safe and effective. From managing medication dosages to scheduling procedures, their meticulous approach is designed to give you the highest possible chance of success.

If you are beginning your fertility journey and have questions about the IVF timeline or any other aspect of treatment, consulting with a trusted expert is the best next step.