Step 1: Fertility Testing and Assessment
Your journey begins with a consultation to discuss your medical history and fertility goals. On the third day of your menstrual cycle, blood tests will be conducted to check your hormone levels and assess your ovarian reserve. A vaginal ultrasound will also help identify structural issues and estimate how many eggs can be retrieved. Using this information, your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan.
- Time Commitment: 1-2 clinic visits over a few days.
Your journey begins with a meeting with your fertility doctor, where you’ll discuss your medical history and what you hope to achieve. On the third day of your period, you’ll have some blood tests to check your hormone levels. These tests help determine your current fertility status, also known as your “ovarian reserve.” A vaginal ultrasound will also be done to check for any structural issues and to estimate how many eggs can be retrieved. With this information, your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation
During this phase, hormone injections are administered over 10–14 days to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Your doctor will monitor progress through regular ultrasounds and blood tests, adjusting medication as needed. Once the eggs are ready, a “trigger shot” is given to prepare them for retrieval.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoid vigorous exercise, limit alcohol and caffeine, and follow your doctor’s guidance to ensure optimal results.
- Symptoms: You may experience mild fatigue, bloating, cramping, or mood swings—similar to a regular menstrual cycle.
- Time Commitment: 4-6 monitoring visits over two weeks.
Step 3: Egg Retrieval
Approximately 35 hours after the trigger shot, the eggs are retrieved in a minor outpatient procedure. Under anesthesia, a fine needle guided by ultrasound is used to collect the eggs from your ovaries. The procedure takes about 3-4 hours at the clinic, including preparation and recovery.
- Recovery: You’ll need someone to drive you home, and most people return to work within 24-48 hours. It’s normal to feel mild cramping or bloating for a few days.
- Time Commitment: 1 day.
Step 4: Egg Freezing
The retrieved eggs are immediately frozen using vitrification, a rapid cooling process that preserves their quality. The embryologist will update you on how many mature, healthy eggs have been stored safely for future use.