The Complete IVF Journey: From Consultation to Transfer

Dr. Chinmay Pataki’s Isha Women’s Hospital believes that every patient deserves a clear understanding of what to expect during their IVF journey. From your very first consultation to the moment of embryo transfer—and everything in between—our dedicated team is by your side, ensuring care that is both compassionate and cutting-edge.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the entire IVF process step-by-step. Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or preparing for an upcoming cycle, this guide is designed to
Before the IVF Procedure Begins
In this part of our comprehensive IVF guide, we walk you through the essential steps that take place before the actual IVF procedure begins.
What is IVF and How IVF Works?
How IVF Works:
- Egg Collection: After stimulating the ovaries with hormones, mature eggs are collected using a minor procedure.
- Lab Fertilization: The eggs are fertilized with sperm in a lab using IVF or ICSI
- Embryo Transfer: Once fertilization is successful, the healthiest embryos are transferred back into the uterus.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – where irregular ovulation reduces the chances of natural conception.
- Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes – preventing the egg and sperm from meeting naturally.
- Male Infertility Issues – such as low sperm count or poor motility.
- Endometriosis – where tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside the uterus and affects fertility.
- Unexplained Infertility – when the cause of infertility isn’t identified despite testing.
First Step: The Initial Consultation
What to Expect:
Full Medical and Fertility History
- A comprehensive discussion about both partners’ reproductive and medical background.
- Includes past pregnancies, menstrual history, lifestyle habits, previous fertility treatments, or surgeries.
- Hormonal Blood Tests: To check key hormone levels like AMH, FSH, LH, prolactin, TSH, and estradiol.
- Pelvic Ultrasound: To examine the uterus, ovaries, and antral follicle count.
- Semen Analysis: To evaluate sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.
Based on the test results and medical history, your doctor will:
- Confirm whether IVF is the right treatment option.
- Discuss success rates based on your age and fertility profile.
- Address any concerns or emotional questions you may have.
No two IVF journeys are the same. You will receive a customized treatment plan that outlines:
- Medication protocols
- Timeline of each IVF step
- Any add-on services (like ICSI, embryo freezing, or genetic testing) based on your case
Pre-IVF Tests & Evaluations
- AMH Levels (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) - Measures ovarian reserve — the quantity of eggs remaining in the ovaries.
- Transvaginal Ultrasound - Evaluates ovarian follicles, checks for cysts, and assesses the shape and lining of the uterus.
- Semen Analysis - Determines the quality of the male partner’s sperm, crucial for planning fertilization method (IVF or ICSI).
- HSG (Hysterosalpingography) or SIS (Saline Infusion Sonography) - Checks whether the fallopian tubes are open and examines the uterine cavity for fibroids or polyps.
IVF Treatment Timeline & Key Steps
Here’s what to expect during the active IVF cycle at Isha Women’s Hospital, under the expert care of Dr. Chinmay Pataki, one of Thane’s most trusted IVF and fertility specialists.
1. Ovarian Stimulation Phase: The first step in your IVF treatment cycle is ovarian stimulation. In a natural cycle, a woman typically matures only one egg per month. IVF aims to develop multiple eggs to increase the chances of success.
How It Works:
- You’ll receive daily hormone injections (gonadotropins) which stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.
- In some protocols, an antagonist injection may be added midway to prevent premature ovulation.
- Throughout this phase, frequent blood tests (to track estrogen levels) and transvaginal ultrasounds (to monitor follicle growth) will be conducted.
- This phase typically lasts 10–14 days, depending on how your body responds.
At Isha Women’s Hospital, Dr Chinmay Pataki’s protocols are personalized to ensure optimal egg quality while minimising side effects or risks like OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome).
2. Egg Retrieval Procedure: Once your follicles are ready and reach the appropriate size, a trigger injection (usually hCG) is given to mature the eggs for collection.
The Procedure:
- Scheduled 36 hours after the trigger injection.
- Performed under mild sedation or anaesthesia in our operating theatre.
- A thin needle is guided through the vaginal wall using ultrasound to gently aspirate the fluid from each follicle — which contains the eggs.
- The procedure lasts about 20–30 minutes and is completely outpatient.
- You’ll rest for a few hours at the hospital and can go home the same day.
- Mild cramping and spotting may occur.
- We recommend resting for at least 24 hours post-procedure.
Fertilization Process: The retrieved eggs are fertilized using one of two techniques:
- Conventional IVF – Eggs and sperm are combined in a petri dish, and fertilization occurs naturally.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) – A single healthy sperm is injected directly into each egg. This is commonly used when there is male factor infertility or past fertilization failure.
- Embryo development is closely monitored for 3 to 5 days.
- On Day 3 or Day 5 (blastocyst stage), the best-quality embryo(s) are selected for transfer.
Embryo Transfer & Aftercare
Embryo Transfer Day
Embryo transfer is a quick and painless procedure, were the selected healthy embryo is transferred to the uterus of the female patient
What to Expect:
- You do not need anaesthesia for this procedure
- A thin, flexible catheter is carefully inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
- One or two carefully selected healthy embryos are gently placed into the uterine lining under ultrasound guidance.
- The process usually takes 10–15 minutes, and you’ll rest for a short while afterwards.
- You may be advised to rest for a few hours at the hospital.
- Light daily activities can be resumed from the next day.
The Two-Week Wait: What to Expect
Tips to Navigate This Period:
- Continue taking prescribed medications, especially progesterone or hormone supplements, as instructed. These support implantation and early pregnancy.
- It’s natural to feel anxious, but try not to overanalyse symptoms – cramping, spotting, bloating, or even no symptoms can all be normal.
- Resist the urge to take early home pregnancy tests – they may give false results.
- A blood test (beta-hCG) is scheduled about 14 days post-transfer to confirm pregnancy with accuracy.
Success Rates, Next Steps & What If It Fails?
IVF Success Rates:
- Depends on age, the cause of infertility, embryo quality, and uterine health.
- On average, women under 35 have higher success rates, but many older women also achieve successful pregnancies with the right protocols.
- A failed IVF cycle does not mean the end of the road.
- You may opt for a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) using any extra embryos stored from your previous cycle, saving time and effort.
- We’ll re-evaluate your case and suggest adjustments for the next cycle, if needed.
- IVF is physically demanding, but also emotionally intense.
- Isha Women’s Hospital, offers fertility counselling and emotional support for individuals and couples coping with disappointment, anxiety, or stress.
- We are here to walk with you, not just medically but emotionally, every step of the way.
Your IVF Journey is Unique
- IVF is more than just a medical treatment – it’s a deeply personal journey.
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions, express concerns, or seek emotional support.
- Stay informed and be kind to yourself throughout the process.
Let us help you take the next step toward parenthood with science, sincerity, and support.
Visit us at Isha Women’s Hospital, Dombivali
Book a consultation with Dr. Chinmay Pataki – the best IVF and fertility specialist in Thane district
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans - Most steps are mildly uncomfortable; egg retrieval is done under sedation.
2. How long does a full IVF cycle take?
Ans - About 4–6 weeks from the start of stimulation to a pregnancy test.
3. Can I return to work after embryo transfer?
Ans - Yes—you can easily resume your day-to day activities
4. What affects IVF success?
Ans - Age, embryo quality, lifestyle, and underlying fertility issues.
5. Are there risks with IVF?
Ans - Like any procedure: OHSS, multiple births, emotional stress—but risks are low with careful care.