Table of Contents
IVF Cycle Simplified: Tips on Monitoring and Injections
Understanding IVF Cycle
What is an IVF Cycle?
An in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle refers to one complete round of IVF treatment, which typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks to complete. The process involves several key steps which are summarized in the table below. Learn more about IVF
| Phase/Step | Approximate Duration/Timing | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation & Assessment | 3–4 Weeks | Medical history, fertility testing, personalized plan |
| Ovarian Stimulation | 8–15 Days | Hormone injections to grow multiple follicles |
| Cycle Monitoring (during stimulation) | Every 2–3 Days (4–6 visits) | Ultrasounds, blood tests to track follicle growth & hormone levels |
| Trigger Injection | Single shot | Induces final egg maturation, 36 hours before retrieval |
| Egg Retrieval | 15–30 Minutes | Outpatient procedure under sedation to collect eggs |
| Sperm Collection & Fertilization | Same Day as Egg Retrieval | Eggs fertilized with sperm in lab |
| Embryo Culture | 2–7 Days | Embryos grow in lab to blastocyst stage |
| Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) (Optional) | 3–4 Weeks (results) | Biopsy of embryos for genetic screening |
| Uterine Preparation (for FET) | 3–4 Weeks | Hormone treatments (estrogen, progesterone) to prepare uterus |
| Embryo Transfer | 15–30 Minutes |
Fresh: 3–5 days post-fertilization; Frozen: 4th–6th day of progesterone |
| "Two-Week Wait" | 10–14 Days | Period between transfer and pregnancy test |
| Pregnancy Test | — | Measures hCG levels to confirm pregnancy via a urine pregnancy test |
| Overall Cycle Duration |
1–2 Months (Fresh) |
2+ Months (Frozen/PGT) |
1. Why Regular Monitoring Matters?
You’ll visit the clinic around 3–4 times between Day 2 and Day 12 of your cycle—usually every other morning—for blood tests and ultrasounds. These appointments let your team:
- Track hormone levels and follicle growth
- Fine-tune your medication doses
- Choose the best day for egg retrieval
Pro tips: stay hydrated before blood draws, wear comfy clothes for ultrasounds, and jot down any questions since your schedule can shift on short notice.
2. Self-Injecting Your Medications
Most IVF hormones are given under the skin (subcutaneous). Here’s a simple step-by-step:
- Set Up
- Pick a calm spot, lay out: medication (vial or pre-filled pen), syringe/needles, alcohol swabs, and a sharps container.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Prep the Medication
- Vial and syringe: Wipe the vial top with alcohol. Draw air into the syringe equal to your dose, inject that air into a vial, then flip it and pull out the medicine—watch for air bubbles!
- Pre-filled pen: Dial the exact dose as instructed.
- Choose and Clean Your Site
- Best spots: lower tummy (about two inches from your belly button, alternating sides) or upper outer thighs.
- Swab the skin in a circular motion; let it air-dry.
- Inject
- Pinch a bit of skin to make a “firm tent.”
- Quickly insert the needle straight in at 90° (a fast, confident “dart” motion helps).
- Push the plunger slowly until the full dose is delivered. Count to three or five before pulling out.
- Aftercare
- Gently press the spot with gauze.
- Dispose of needle/syringe right away in your sharps container.
Extras for Comfort:
- Rotate injection sites daily to avoid soreness or bruising.
- Pop an ice pack on the spot for 30 seconds before injecting to numb it.
- Distract yourself: music, a podcast, or deep breathing can help calm nerves.
3. IVF Side Effects
Feeling bloated, crampy, or a little tired? That’s normal. To feel better:
- Alternate rest with gentle walks or stretching
- Drink plenty of water and choose small, low-salt, high-fiber snacks
- Take Paracetamol for pain relief (if needed)
Know when to call your clinic: severe pain, rapid weight gain, fever, trouble breathing, or heavy bleeding.
Once your embryos are in place:
- Keep moving lightly—short walks and showers are fine; skip heavy lifting and hot tubs
- Watch for symptoms like mild spotting or breast tenderness, but remember, only a blood hCG test (10–14 days later) truly confirms pregnancy.
We’re Here to Help
We know the IVF journey can be both challenging and emotional, and that you’re doing so much every step of the way. That’s why these measures are carefully designed to keep you safe and moving forward with confidence. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Metro IVF team anytime for guidance, support, or answers to your questions.
Start Your Journey Today
Take the first step towards parenthood with confidence. Contact Metro IVF to schedule a consultation and explore our fertility testing options tailored to your needs.
An RTAC-Accredited Fertility Centre