Choosing in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a significant and hopeful step toward growing your family. At Wellnest Fertility, we understand the unknown can feel overwhelming, so we’ve created this detailed guide to walk you through the IVF process timeline—what happens, when it happens, and what you can expect at each stage.
Our goal is to provide clarity, comfort, and confidence as you take this journey.
IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps individuals and couples conceive. It involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body and transferring the resulting embryo to the uterus.
IVF is a common path for those experiencing infertility, LGBTQ+ family building, and individuals pursuing parenthood on their own. While every journey is unique, the IVF timeline generally follows several predictable stages.
1. Initial Consultation and Fertility Workup (Weeks 1–3)
Your journey starts with an in-depth consultation at Wellnest Fertility. We’ll review your medical history, perform an ultrasound, order hormonal blood tests, and, if applicable, request a semen analysis. This foundational workup helps us understand your fertility picture and develop a personalized treatment plan.
This is also the time when insurance coverage and financial assistance options are discussed. We want you to feel informed about your care—both medically and financially.
2. Ovarian Stimulation & Monitoring (Weeks 4–6)
Once your cycle begins, you’ll start taking hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This phase typically lasts 8–12 days and requires:
Most people continue their regular activities during this time, though some prefer to reduce stress and prioritize rest.
3. Trigger Shot & Egg Retrieval (Week 6)
When your follicles are mature, you’ll receive a “trigger shot” (usually hCG or Lupron) to prepare the eggs for collection. Exactly 36 hours later, the egg retrieval procedure takes place.
Simultaneously, a sperm sample is collected (or thawed if using donor or frozen sperm).
4. Fertilization & Embryo Development (Week 6–7)
In our state-of-the-art laboratory, the retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm via conventional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Our embryologists closely monitor the developing embryos for 3 to 5 days, sometimes up to 7.
During this time:
5. Embryo Transfer (Week 7–8)
The embryo transfer is a quick and gentle procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia. A healthy embryo is selected and placed into the uterus using a thin catheter. You’ll be advised to rest afterward, though it’s not medically necessary to be on strict bed rest. Some individuals return to normal activities, while others opt for a few days of downtime.
If you’re pursuing a frozen embryo transfer (FET), the transfer is scheduled during a future cycle, typically 4–6 weeks later, after preparing the uterine lining with medication.
6. The Two-Week Wait & Pregnancy Test (Week 9–10)
After your embryo transfer, you’ll begin the “two-week wait.” This is a time of emotional ups and downs—hope, excitement, and anxiety all rolled into one.
If the test is positive, we’ll continue monitoring and support during the early weeks of pregnancy until it’s time to transition to your OB-GYN.
From start to finish, a typical IVF cycle may take 6–8 weeks, though the entire journey—from consultation to a confirmed pregnancy—can span 2–3 months or more, especially if a frozen embryo transfer is part of the plan.
We know the IVF process can feel like a rollercoaster—physically, emotionally, and financially. At Wellnest Fertility, you’ll find a team committed to supporting you at every turn, with personalized care, clear communication, and a whole lot of heart.
If you're ready to take the next step or want to explore whether IVF is right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation. You don’t have to figure this out on your own—we’re here to guide you with compassion and clarity.
Discover compassionate, comprehensive fertility care in Ogden, Utah. Schedule your first consultation or give us a call to learn more about the ways we support your journey to parenthood.