IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
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- September 5, 2026
- 4 MINS READ
Patient Procedures
Understanding IVF
The journey to parenthood is not always easy, but you do not have to walk it alone. At St. Stephen’s Hospital, our fertility specialists provide cutting-edge IVF treatments with care and compassion. We combine advanced reproductive technology with highly personalized care to give you the highest possible chances of welcoming a baby into your family.
What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a series of procedures by which the conception of a child is achieved. “In vitro” means “in glass” (in a laboratory). During IVF, mature eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilized by the husband’s sperm in a specialized lab. The resulting embryos are then closely monitored before the best are transferred directly into the uterus.
When and Why is it Needed?
IVF is a primary treatment for infertility when other methods (like fertility drugs or intrauterine insemination) have failed, or as a first-line treatment for specific conditions. It is highly recommended if you or your partner face:
- Blocked, damaged, or previously removed fallopian tubes.
- Severe male factor infertility (low sperm count or poor motility).
- Endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
- Ovulation disorders or premature ovarian failure.
- Unexplained infertility or age-related fertility decline.
- To screen embryos for genetic disorders, if indicated.
How Does the Procedure Work?
A single cycle of IVF involves several meticulous steps and takes about 3 to 4 weeks to complete.
- Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation: You will take injectable fertility medications for 8 to 14 days to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, rather than the single egg normally produced each month.
- Step 2: Egg Retrieval: Under light sedation, a doctor uses ultrasound guidance to pass a fine needle through the vaginal wall to retrieve the eggs from the follicles.
- Step 3: Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are combined with sperm in the lab. In cases of male infertility, a single sperm may be injected directly into each egg (ICSI).
- Step 4: Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs (embryos) grow in an incubator for 3 to 5 days.
- Step 5: Embryo Transfer: A thin catheter is used to place a healthy embryo directly into your uterus. This is a quick, painless procedure similar to a pap smear.
Risks and Complications
IVF involves physical and emotional demands. Risks include Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in some patients, where the ovaries become swollen and painful from the medications. There is also a higher risk of multiple pregnancies (twins or more) if more than one embryo is transferred, which carries higher risks for both mother and babies.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Post-Retrieval: You may experience mild cramping, bloating, and spotting for a day or two after the egg retrieval.
- The "Two-Week Wait": After the embryo transfer, you will resume normal (but low-impact) activities. Approximately 13 to 15 days later, a blood test will be performed to determine if the embryo has successfully implanted and you are pregnant.
Emotional Care and Support
We understand that IVF can be an emotional rollercoaster. The process requires patience, time, and emotional resilience. St. Stephen’s Hospital offers dedicated fertility counselors and support groups to ensure your mental and emotional well-being is cared for just as closely as your physical health throughout the entire cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The IVF process involves physical discomfort, but severe pain is uncommon. The daily hormone injections cause a minor pinch or temporary stinging. Egg retrieval is performed under light anesthesia, so you will not feel it (though mild cramping follows). The embryo transfer is virtually painless and similar to a standard pelvic exam.
IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization. "In vitro" is Latin for "in glass," referring to the laboratory environment. It is an advanced reproductive technology where eggs are manually combined with sperm outside the body in a lab, and the resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus.
The process involves four main steps: 1) Taking fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. 2) Surgically retrieving the eggs under sedation. 3) Combining the eggs with sperm in a lab to create embryos. 4) Transferring the healthiest embryo directly into the uterus.
IVF works by bypassing common causes of infertility (like blocked fallopian tubes or low sperm count) by mirroring the body's natural reproductive process in a controlled laboratory setting, significantly increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
The exact number varies by patient, but generally, you will take 1 to 2 injections per day for roughly 11 to 14 days during the ovarian stimulation phase. Your clinical team will provide detailed training so you feel confident administering them at home.