IVF Timeline Calculator
Visualize your IVF journey with a personalized timeline of key milestones
Medical Disclaimer
This timeline is a general guide based on typical IVF protocols. Your actual timeline will be personalized by your fertility clinic based on your specific medical needs, response to medications, and clinic protocols. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions, which may differ from this general timeline.
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Understanding IVF Protocols
Antagonist (Short) Protocol
Most common protocol, typically 10-12 days of stimulation. GnRH antagonist prevents premature ovulation. Lower risk of OHSS, fewer injections than long protocol.
Best for: Normal responders, first IVF cycles, PCOS patients
Long Lupron Protocol
Starts with 2-3 weeks of down-regulation before stimulation. More control over cycle timing. May produce more eggs but higher OHSS risk.
Best for: Younger patients, those with regular cycles, endometriosis
Flare/Microdose Protocol
Uses small doses of Lupron to "flare" natural hormones. Designed for poor responders. Aims to maximize egg production with lower medication doses.
Best for: Poor responders, advanced maternal age, low AMH
Medical Sources & References
- • Practice Committee of ASRM. (2021). "Comparison of pregnancy rates for poor responders." Fertility and Sterility
- • Sunkara et al. (2011). "Association between response to ovarian stimulation and miscarriage." Human Reproduction
- • La Marca & Sunkara. (2014). "Individualization of controlled ovarian stimulation." Human Reproduction Update
- • CDC ART Success Rates Report. Available at: cdc.gov/art/reports
- • ESHRE Guideline Group. (2020). "Ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI." Human Reproduction Open
- • Bosch et al. (2020). "ESHRE guideline: ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI." Human Reproduction Open
Note: This timeline calculator provides estimates based on typical IVF protocols. Individual experiences vary significantly. Factors such as age, diagnosis, ovarian reserve, and clinic protocols will affect your actual timeline. This tool is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical consultation. Always follow your fertility specialist's specific treatment plan.
Understanding IVF Treatment Timelines
In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves a carefully orchestrated series of medical procedures that typically span 4-6 weeks. Understanding the timeline helps patients prepare mentally, physically, and logistically for their treatment cycle. Each protocol is designed to optimize egg production while maintaining precise control over ovulation timing to maximize success rates.
IVF protocols vary based on individual patient factors including age, ovarian reserve, previous response to medications, and specific fertility diagnoses. The three main protocols—long agonist, short agonist, and antagonist—each have distinct advantages and are selected based on your reproductive endocrinologist's assessment of your unique situation.
Modern IVF treatment achieves success rates of 30-50% per cycle depending on age and other factors, with many patients requiring multiple cycles. Understanding the process timeline helps set realistic expectations and enables better treatment planning with your medical team.
IVF Protocol Comparison
Long Agonist Protocol
- • Duration: 6-8 weeks total
- • Suppression: 2-3 weeks with GnRH agonist
- • Stimulation: 10-14 days
- • Best for: Young patients, high ovarian reserve
Short Agonist Protocol
- • Duration: 4-5 weeks total
- • Suppression: Minimal
- • Stimulation: 10-12 days
- • Best for: Poor responders, older patients
Antagonist Protocol
- • Duration: 3-4 weeks total
- • Suppression: None initially
- • Stimulation: 8-12 days
- • Best for: Most patients, PCOS, convenience
IVF Medication Guide
Ovarian Stimulation Medications
FSH Medications
- • Gonal-F (follitropin alfa): Recombinant FSH
- • Follistim (follitropin beta): Recombinant FSH
- • Bravelle (urofollitropin): Purified FSH
- • Typical dose: 150-450 IU daily
Combination Medications
- • Menopur (menotropins): FSH + LH activity
- • Repronex (menotropins): FSH + LH activity
- • Use: Often combined with FSH-only meds
- • Typical dose: 75-150 IU daily
Ovulation Prevention
GnRH Agonists
- • Lupron (leuprolide): Most common
- • Timing: Started 1-3 weeks before stims
- • Effect: Complete pituitary suppression
- • Side effects: Hot flashes, mood changes
GnRH Antagonists
- • Cetrotide (cetrorelix): Daily injection
- • Ganirelix: Daily injection
- • Timing: Started mid-stimulation
- • Advantage: Fewer side effects
Trigger and Support Medications
Ovulation Triggers
- • hCG (Pregnyl, Novarel): Traditional trigger
- • Lupron: For high OHSS risk
- • Dual trigger: Both hCG and Lupron
- • Timing: 35-36 hours before retrieval
Luteal Phase Support
- • Progesterone: Vaginal suppositories/gel
- • Estrace (estradiol): Support lining
- • Duration: Until 10-12 weeks if pregnant
- • Monitoring: Regular blood levels
Monitoring Schedule and What to Expect
Baseline Monitoring (Day 1-3)
Ultrasound Assessment
- • Antral follicle count (AFC)
- • Check for ovarian cysts
- • Measure endometrial thickness
- • Assess ovarian size and position
Hormone Levels
- • FSH (should be <10-12 IU/L)
- • LH (baseline levels)
- • Estradiol (<50 pg/mL if suppressed)
- • Progesterone (<1.5 ng/mL)
Stimulation Monitoring (Days 5-11)
Day 5-6 Check
- • Early follicle response
- • Medication adjustment
- • Side effect assessment
Day 7-8 Check
- • Follicle growth progression
- • Start antagonist if needed
- • Endometrial development
Day 9-11 Check
- • Final maturation assessment
- • Trigger timing decision
- • Retrieval scheduling
Optimal Trigger Criteria
- • Lead follicles: 2-3 follicles ≥18mm diameter
- • Supporting follicles: Multiple follicles 16-17mm
- • Estradiol levels: 200-300 pg/mL per mature follicle
- • Endometrial lining: ≥7mm thickness, trilaminar pattern
- • Timing consideration: Balance maturity vs. over-maturation
Egg Retrieval Process
Before the Procedure
- • Fasting: No food/drink after midnight
- • Medications: Take prescribed pre-medications
- • Arrival: Usually 1-2 hours before procedure
- • Support person: Bring someone to drive you home
- • Comfort items: Loose clothing, socks
During the Procedure
- • Duration: 20-30 minutes typically
- • Anesthesia: IV conscious sedation
- • Technique: Transvaginal ultrasound-guided
- • Process: Needle aspiration of follicles
- • Monitoring: Vital signs throughout
Recovery and Results
Immediate Recovery
- • 30-60 minutes monitoring
- • Gradual awakening from sedation
- • Light refreshments offered
- • Initial egg count provided
Going Home
- • Must have a driver
- • Rest recommended for 24 hours
- • Normal activities next day
- • Watch for warning signs
Follow-up
- • Fertilization report next day
- • Daily embryo updates
- • Transfer scheduling
- • Medication adjustments
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an IVF cycle take from start to finish?
A complete IVF cycle typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on the protocol used. Antagonist protocols are shortest at 3-4 weeks, while long agonist protocols can take 6-8 weeks including the suppression phase. Fresh transfers occur 3-5 days after egg retrieval, while frozen transfers may be scheduled weeks or months later.
What if my cycle gets cancelled?
Cycle cancellation occurs in 5-20% of IVF cycles due to poor response, over-response, or other medical factors. Cancellation before egg retrieval allows medication adjustments for future cycles. While disappointing, cancelled cycles provide valuable information for optimizing future treatment protocols.
How painful are the injections?
Most IVF injections use very thin needles similar to insulin injections. Subcutaneous injections (like Gonal-F, Follistim) cause minimal discomfort. Intramuscular progesterone injections are more uncomfortable but manageable. Your clinic will provide training and tips to minimize discomfort.
Can I work during IVF treatment?
Most patients can work normally during IVF with some schedule flexibility for monitoring appointments. You may need time off for egg retrieval (1-2 days) and transfer day. Some prefer lighter schedules during stimulation due to fatigue, bloating, or emotional stress.
What are the success rates for different age groups?
Success rates vary significantly by age: under 35 (40-50% per cycle), 35-37 (35-40%), 38-40 (25-35%), 41-42 (15-25%), over 42 (5-15%). These rates include fresh and frozen embryo transfers. Individual factors like ovarian reserve, diagnosis, and clinic expertise also impact success rates.
Should I do genetic testing on embryos?
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can identify chromosomally normal embryos, potentially improving success rates and reducing miscarriage risk. It's often recommended for patients over 35, those with recurrent pregnancy loss, or known genetic conditions. However, it adds time and cost to treatment.
Related IVF Resources
IVF Cost Calculator
Estimate total IVF treatment costs including medications and procedures.
IVF Success Predictor
Calculate personalized IVF success rates based on your specific factors.
AMH Level Interpreter
Understand your AMH test results and ovarian reserve status.
IVF Medication Guide
Learn about IVF medications, dosing, and side effects.
Embryo Grading Guide
Understand embryo quality grades and selection criteria.
Beta hCG Calculator
Track and interpret beta hCG levels after embryo transfer.