How IVF Really Works — A Clear And Easy Breakdown By An Expert

In-vitro fertilisation, or IVF, is often seen as an overwhelming process. But when broken down step by step, it's a carefully orchestrated journey filled with precision, care, and hope. What really happens inside an IVF clinic, and how does science help create life step by step?

Let's break it down into simple and understandable stages with expert inputs from Dr. Abha Majumdar, Director, Center of IVF, IVF and Human Reproduction, Sir Gangaram Hospital, Delhi.

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Who Needs IVF?

IVF isn't the last resort. It's just a medical solution that's used in a variety of cases.

“Women who have blocked fallopian tubes, severe pelvic endometriosis, or men with very low sperm count are typical candidates. We also see couples with unexplained infertility—where everything looks normal, but pregnancy doesn’t happen despite years of trying,” says Dr. Abha Majumdar.

Understanding this first step can help remove the stigma and encourage couples to seek support early.

Health Check Up Before IVF Procedure

Once the couple is identified for IVF, the process begins with thorough medical checks. This step ensures that the body is ready and will accept the treatment.

“A few basic tests are done for both partners to assess systems such as the kidneys, liver, hematologic system, metabolic functions, blood sugar, thyroid, etc. If anything is abnormal, we correct it with medication before proceeding.,” explains Dr. Majumdar.

This stage is essential to ensure safety and boost chances of a successful outcome.

IVF Officially Begins

When the woman's menstrual cycle starts, IVF steps into action.

"The couple is asked to visit the IVF clinic on Day 2 or Day 3 of the woman’s menstrual cycle. On this day, some blood tests and an ultrasound are done. Based on the results, we start injectable medications, daily subcutaneous injections, similar to insulin pens used by diabetics. These can easily be self-administered into the lower abdomen or thighs," Dr. Majumdar shares.

This is a hormone therapy that helps stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

Egg Maturation And Monitoring

Over the next 10 days, the woman receives hormone shots while doctors track progress closely.

"On the sixth day of injections, another round of blood tests and ultrasound is done to check progress. Based on the findings, the dose may be modified or continued. It generally takes around 10 days for the ovarian follicles (which contain the eggs) to reach maturity. Once a good number of mature follicles are seen, a trigger injection is given, and egg retrieval is scheduled 36 hours later," says Dr. Majumdar.

This careful monitoring ensures the eggs are ready for the next stage.

Egg Retrieval And Fertilisation

One of the most misunderstood steps of IVF is egg retrieval, but it's actually a quick and minimally invasive procedure.

While talking about this stage, Dr. Abha Majumdar mentions, "Egg retrieval is done vaginally using an ultrasound-guided probe. There's no cut or stitch involved. The woman is sedated well and does not feel the needle prick that goes through the vaginal wall into the ovary."

After this stage, inside the lab, the magic begins.

Once the eggs are collected, they are handed over to the embryologist, who prepares them for fertilisation in the lab.

“We place the eggs in an incubator and collect a semen sample from the male partner,” shares Dr. Abha Majumdar. “If the sperm count is low, we perform ICSI, where a single sperm is directly injected into each egg. If the count is normal, we allow the sperm and eggs to fertilise naturally.”

By the next day, fertilisation is confirmed.

Embryo Growth And Embryo Transfer

After fertilisation, the embryos are carefully cultured in the lab to support their early development. “We can culture embryos in the lab for up to six days. By Day 5, usually, one embryo is transferred into the uterus,” says Dr. Majumdar. Any remaining healthy embryos are frozen for future use. Once an embryo is ready, it’s gently transferred into the uterus in a painless procedure. “Some labs may do the transfer earlier, on Day 2 or 3, depending on lab conditions. But typically, it’s Day 5. Only one embryo is transferred at a time for safety,” she adds. With the transfer done, the hopeful waiting period begins as the embryo settles in and the possibility of pregnancy unfolds.

The Science Of Hope

IVF is more than a clinical process. It’s a deeply personal journey built on medical expertise, timing, and unwavering hope. For many couples, it marks the first real step toward the dream of becoming parents.

“Life begins one step at a time, carefully supported in the lab and gently nurtured within the mother,” says Dr. Abha Majumdar, reflecting on the delicate beauty of the IVF process.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

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