What a typical IVF cycle involves
A specialist first reviews medical history, fertility investigations and possible alternatives. If IVF is considered appropriate, medication may stimulate the ovaries while scans and sometimes blood tests monitor the response. Egg collection follows. In the laboratory, eggs and sperm are brought together; a clinician may discuss conventional IVF or ICSI based on the circumstances. Embryos are observed before a possible transfer or freezing.
Not every cycle produces eggs, fertilisation, suitable embryos or a pregnancy. Ask your clinic what may happen if a planned step cannot proceed.
IVF is not ICSI
ICSI injects one sperm into an egg and may be considered for particular fertilisation problems. Routine ICSI is not automatically better than conventional IVF. Read the ICSI guide.
For patients travelling to Spain
Ask which consultations and monitoring may happen before travel, who supplies medication, how long you may need in Spain, whether a fresh or frozen transfer is proposed and who will support you after you return. Get a dated quote that separates tests, medication, laboratory work, freezing, storage and further cycles.
Questions to take to a clinic
- Why is IVF proposed for my situation, and what alternatives should I consider?
- How are your outcomes defined for a group comparable to me?
- What are the risks, including ovarian hyperstimulation and multiple pregnancy?
- Who provides urgent advice during and after treatment?
Take these questions to a qualified clinician.
Your medical history, risks and treatment suitability require an individual assessment.
Understand the tests ↗