What to Expect During Your First IVF Cycle: Step-by-Step Guide

Stepping into the world of IVF is not just a medical journey—it's an emotional one too. For many couples, it comes after months or even years of heartbreak, endless tests, dashed hopes, and sleepless nights filled with “what ifs.” So, when you finally decide to begin your first IVF cycle, it can feel like a mix of nervous excitement, quiet fear, and a fragile spark of hope.

You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed. The acronyms, the appointments, the injections, and the constant waiting—it’s a lot. But knowing what lies ahead can offer you some much-needed peace of mind. This blog isn’t just a step-by-step guide to IVF—it’s a hand to hold, a voice that understands, and a reminder that you're stronger than you think.

Let’s walk through the IVF journey together—from the very first consultation to the final pregnancy test—with care, clarity, and a little heart.

1. Your First Step: The Initial Consultation

As Dr. Neeru Thakral shares:
“For many couples, walking into a fertility clinic for the first time is a moment they never forget. I’ve seen the mixture of hope and hesitation in their eyes—the silent questions, the unspoken fears, and most importantly, the quiet strength they carry.”

Your first consultation isn’t just a medical appointment—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. During this visit, we sit down and talk. Not just about reports and symptoms, but about your journey. Whether you're trying for the first time or have faced multiple disappointments, this is a space where you're truly heard.

We usually begin by reviewing your medical history, menstrual patterns, previous treatments (if any), lifestyle habits, and emotional well-being. If you're visiting as a couple, we involve both partners equally, because fertility is something that affects both of you, emotionally and physically.

You'll also be advised to undergo a few initial fertility assessments, like hormone blood tests or pelvic ultrasounds. For male partners, a semen analysis is often recommended. These tests are important not just for diagnosis, but to help us design the treatment plan that best suits your body, your timeline, and your emotional comfort.

💬 “I always remind my patients—this is your safe space. It’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to cry. And it’s absolutely okay to feel a bit lost. We’re here to walk this journey with you, every step of the way.” – Dr. Neeru Thakral

By the end of your first visit, you may still feel overwhelmed, but most patients also feel a bit more grounded. That’s the power of having a compassionate team that listens, explains, and gives you direction.

2. Fertility Tests & Assessments

When answers begin to take shape

This stage is all about understanding your body in greater depth. Blood tests are done to check hormone levels like FSH, LH, AMH, and thyroid function. Ultrasounds help us assess your ovaries and uterus. These insights are not just numbers—they tell the story of your fertility.

For your partner, a semen analysis will check sperm count, motility, and morphology. In some cases, additional tests like genetic screening or infectious disease testing may be recommended.

Every test brings you closer to clarity. Sometimes results are reassuring, sometimes they bring surprises. Either way, this step helps your doctor personalize your IVF plan to give you the best possible chance of success.

3. Starting Ovarian Stimulation

Daily injections, changing hormones, and silent strength

This is where the real IVF cycle begins. You will be prescribed hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs (instead of the single egg your body usually releases).

The thought of daily injections can feel scary. But you're stronger than you think. Most women get used to them within a few days. These medications are typically taken for 8 to 14 days, and during this period, you'll be monitored closely through blood tests and ultrasounds.

💬 "It’s okay to feel emotional or moody during this phase. Hormones are powerful, and so are you. Lean on your support system. You don't have to do this alone." – Dr. Neeru Thakral

4. Monitoring & Adjustments

Ultrasounds, blood tests, and the art of patience

Your body will be monitored every few days to track how your follicles (which contain the eggs) are growing. Based on your progress, the dosage of medications may be adjusted.

This stage requires a bit of patience. Appointments may be frequent, and emotions can run high. But each visit brings you closer to the goal.

5. The Trigger Shot

A crucial shot—and a moment full of anticipation

Once your follicles are ready, you will be given a "trigger shot" (usually hCG) to help your eggs mature. This injection is time-sensitive and is given around 36 hours before egg retrieval.

This moment feels big—because it is. It signals that your body is ready, and that the retrieval process is just around the corner.

6. Egg Retrieval

Mixed emotions, sedation, and tiny beginnings

Egg retrieval is a short, outpatient procedure done under light sedation. You won’t feel any pain during the process.

Using ultrasound guidance, your doctor will gently collect the mature eggs from your ovaries. After the procedure, you may feel mild cramping or bloating, which usually fades in a day or two.

💬 "For many, this moment is emotional. The eggs retrieved are more than just cells—they're possibilities. They're hope." – Dr. Neeru Thakral

7. Fertilization & Embryo Development

Where science meets the miracle of life

The collected eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab. This is where embryos begin to form. Not all eggs will fertilize, and not all will develop into embryos—and that's okay.

Our embryology team keeps you updated on the progress. The embryos are monitored for a few days (usually 3 to 5) before we decide which one(s) to transfer.

 8. Embryo Transfer

A gentle procedure, a powerful moment

The embryo transfer is a simple, painless procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia. One or more embryos are placed into your uterus using a thin catheter.

This is a deeply emotional moment. Many women describe it as the beginning of new life, regardless of the outcome.

After the transfer, you may be prescribed medications like progesterone to support implantation.

9. The Two-Week Wait

Hope, anxiety, and learning to breathe through it

This is often the hardest phase emotionally. For two weeks, you wait to find out if the embryo has implanted. You may feel every twinge, overthink every symptom.

Dr. Neeru Thakral advises:

💬 "Distract yourself, be gentle with your thoughts, and avoid the temptation to test too early. Your body is working quietly. Trust it."

10. Taking the Pregnancy Test

One result that carries a world of emotions

A blood test will confirm if you're pregnant. If it’s positive, we celebrate cautiously and continue monitoring.

If it's negative, it hurts deeply. But remember, this is not the end of your story. Many women need more than one cycle to achieve pregnancy.

11. What If It Doesn’t Work the First Time?

Handling heartbreak and holding onto hope

IVF success rates vary. Sometimes, despite everything going right, implantation doesn't happen.

We take time to understand what happened, adjust the plan, and when you're ready—we try again. You're never just a number in our clinic. You're someone with a dream that matters deeply.

2. Staying Emotionally Strong During IVF

Because your heart matters just as much as your body

Talk to someone. Join a support group. Lean on your partner. Cry if you need to. Laugh when you can. IVF is not easy, but neither are you.

Read More: The IVF Journey Explained: Guidance from a Leading Gurgaon Fertility Expert

Final Words from Dr. Neeru Thakral

Every IVF journey is unique. It can test your patience, your emotions, and your strength—but it can also lead you to a joy unlike anything else.

At our clinic, we walk this road with you, not just as doctors, but as companions who genuinely care. From your first consultation to your final pregnancy test, we are here to guide, support, and lift you up.

If you're ready to take the next step, we invite you to connect with Dr. Neeru Thakral, a Best IVF Doctor in Gurgaon. Your dream matters. Let’s make it a reality—together.