The Complete IVF Journey: From Consultation to Transfer

Struggling with infertility can be an emotional and overwhelming experience, but you are not alone. Thanks to modern reproductive technology, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has become a beacon of hope for millions of couples trying to conceive.
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

Starting your IVF journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right information and expert care, it becomes a clear, structured path toward your dream of parenthood. At Isha Women’s Hospital, under the care of Dr. Chinmay Pataki, we ensure that every couple feels informed, supported, and prepared from the very beginning.
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?

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) where a woman’s eggs are retrieved, fertilized with sperm in a specialized lab, and then transferred into her uterus with the goal of achieving pregnancy.
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.

IVF is commonly used for couples facing:

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

The IVF process begins with a detailed initial consultation with your fertility specialist. This step lays the foundation for the rest of your treatment and helps us understand your specific needs.
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.

Fertility Testing

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.

IVF Suitability Discussion
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.

Personalized IVF Plan
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

Before beginning the actual IVF treatment, a series of pre-IVF evaluations is essential to ensure your body is prepared and to fine-tune the treatment plan.

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.

These tests help us understand the root causes of infertility and design a treatment that gives you the best possible chance of success.

IVF Treatment Timeline & Key Steps

After all preliminary consultations and tests are completed, you officially enter the treatment phase of IVF. This is where science, timing, and expertise come together to help you take one step closer to parenthood.
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.

Monitoring Your Progress:

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.

The Goal: To safely develop multiple mature follicles that can be retrieved and fertilized in the next step.
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.

Post-Retrieval Care:

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.

3. Fertilization & Embryo Development: Once the eggs are retrieved, they are taken directly to our IVF laboratory, where the magic of science continues.
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.

4. Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs (now called embryos) are cultured in specialized incubators that mimic the conditions of the human uterus.

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.

5. Embryo Freezing: Any remaining healthy embryos that are not transferred can be cryopreserved (frozen) for future use, saving time, cost, and medications in case additional IVF cycles are needed.

Embryo Transfer & Aftercare

After the rigorous days of injections, egg retrieval, and lab-based embryo development, it’s finally time for the most anticipated step in your IVF journey – the embryo transfer. While this step is simple from a medical perspective, it’s often the most emotionally significant for patients.
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.

Post-Transfer Care:

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

Perhaps the most emotionally charged phase of the IVF journey is the waiting period after the transfer, often referred to as the “two-week wait.”
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.

We understand how emotionally overwhelming this wait can be. At Isha Women’s Hospital the best IVF centre of Dombivali, our expert team is always available to support you, whether it’s answering questions or simply offering reassurance.

Success Rates, Next Steps & What If It Fails?

IVF doesn’t guarantee a pregnancy in the first attempt – and that’s okay. The process is scientific, but also sensitive to various individual factors.
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.

If It Doesn’t Work This Time:

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.

Emotional Support Matters:

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

Every patient’s IVF experience is different, shaped by their health, history, hopes, and dreams.

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.

At Isha Women’s Hospital, under the expert care of Dr. Chinmay Pataki, recognised as the best IVF & Fertility expert, you’ll receive not only the best fertility treatment but also compassionate guidance and unwavering support from your first consultation to your final pregnancy test.
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)

1. Is IVF painful?
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.