What an IVF cycle actually looks like, week by week
A calm, day-by-day walk-through of a typical cycle.
Week 1 — Cycle prep (often the cycle before)
Many protocols start with 2–4 weeks of birth control pills to suppress your natural cycle and time the start of stimulation. Baseline ultrasound and bloodwork (estradiol, FSH, LH, AMH) confirm your ovaries are quiet and ready to start.
Week 2 — Stimulation begins
Daily injections of FSH (Gonal-F, Follistim) and often LH (Menopur) start in the evening. Monitoring visits every 2–3 days: transvaginal ultrasound to count and measure follicles, blood draw for estradiol. Doses adjust based on response. Antagonist (Cetrotide, Ganirelix) is added around day 5–6 of stims to prevent premature ovulation.
Week 3 — Trigger and retrieval
When lead follicles reach ~17–20mm and estradiol is in target range, the trigger shot (hCG or Lupron) is given at a precise time. Retrieval happens 34–36 hours later under IV sedation; you'll be home that day with light cramping and bloating. Sperm sample is provided same day. Embryos are watched in the lab.
Week 4 — Embryo development
Day 1: fertilization checked. Day 3: cleavage-stage assessment. Day 5–6: blastocyst grading. Embryos are either transferred fresh or frozen ('freeze-all'). Most modern cycles freeze all and transfer in a later, gentler cycle.
Weeks 5–8 — Frozen transfer cycle (if applicable)
Estrogen (oral or patches) builds up the uterine lining over 2–3 weeks. Once lining is ready, progesterone (injections, suppositories, or oral) starts. Embryo transfer is a 5–10 minute procedure with no anesthesia. Pregnancy test 9–12 days later.
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- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
- SART — Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology
- FertilityIQ — IVF & IUI cost data
Cited figures (cycle counts, dollar ranges, mandate lists) reflect publicly available data as of early 2026. Always confirm specific numbers against the linked sources before relying on them — pricing, protocols, and laws change.
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