In vitro fertilization is an important treatment for infertility. With the development of science and technology and the increase in the success rate of IVF, this treatment is not the last straw for infertility patients, but a positive option. So do you need IVF? Does it affect your work life? Many patients have these questions. Six steps to IVF Step 1: IVF prep, including laboratory tests, screening for abnormalities, reviewing documents, building medical records As some tests are related to the menstrual cycle (e.g. endocrine, hysteroscopy, tubal imaging), some tests also require preoperative tests (e.g. hysteroscopy), and some tests take longer to produce results (e.g. chromosomes), this process takes 1-2 months. If the patient has the results of the examination at an outside hospital or has the report of the current year’s unit examination, it is better to bring it, as some test results can be shared. For some special examination and treatment data, it is better to prepare them in advance (operation records, tubal imaging films). Once the tests are completed, a medical record can be created (both spouses come together) – and a plan can be made. The time to come to the hospital can be 2-4 days of menstruation (endocrine tests of sex hormones can be done) or non-menstrual period (all other tests can be done). The male partner can come to the clinic to abstain from sex for 3-7 days beforehand for semen examination (must have our labs). Step 2: Develop a protocol to enter the treatment cycle and ovulation promotion (controlled ovulation promotion) The first step to enter the IVF treatment cycle is ovulation promotion, the purpose of which is to make more follicles grow and develop at the same time, increase the number of eggs retrieved in a single egg retrieval cycle, obtain more quality embryos and improve the IVF success rate. The time required for this process varies depending on the protocol chosen by the doctor and takes about one month for a protocol cycle, for example. During this month, you may need to come to the clinic once or twice in the first half of the month and several times in the second half of the month, with an interval of about 5-3-2-1 (days), during which you need to arrange your work and life. If you have trouble getting to and from the hospital, you will need to stay close to the hospital (no hospitalization). Step 3: Vaginal egg retrieval under anesthesia and male partner masturbation for sperm retrieval. In vitro fertilization in the laboratory and embryo culture As shown above, before egg retrieval, we have a focused education session to explain the egg retrieval process to the patient and the couple, including diet and rest, to ease the patient’s nervousness. Most patients choose to have their eggs retrieved under anesthesia, which is a painless procedure, and they can walk out of the operating room after the procedure. As to whether you can drive yourself home, you will need to consult with our anesthesiologist. It is best to keep your cell phone open during the time between egg retrieval and embryo transfer so that you can communicate in time if there are any differences. Step 4: Select high quality embryos for transfer and freeze and preserve the remaining unused high quality embryos Most patients are scheduled for embryo transfer on the third day after egg retrieval (individualized depending on the patient’s situation). Embryo transfer is a delicate procedure and is mostly uncomfortable. Some patients may not start to “feel” the transfer before the procedure is over. Some patients may not be transferred that month, or the embryos may continue to be cultured until the 5th day of transfer, as advised by the doctor. If you have any doubts, communicate with your doctor. After the transfer, there are not only verbal explanations but also written instructions (doctor’s orders) about the precautions to be taken after the transfer (including the use of medication to “preserve the pregnancy”). At this point, the patient can go home. However, do not forget to take the medication on time and follow the doctor’s orders for follow-up. Step 5: Luteal Support Due to the effects of ovulation drugs and the operation process, patients undergoing IVF cannot produce enough progesterone to support the embryo’s implantation and growth, so they need to use progesterone drugs to preserve the fetus. The medication can be administered at home as prescribed by the doctor. During this period, patients can consult and communicate with the known consultation platform, online telephone, online clinic and other channels in a timely manner if there are any discrepancies or problems. Step 6: Pregnancy test About 2 weeks after embryo transfer, the woman will have her blood tested for HCG (chorionic gland hormone) to see if she is pregnant. If pregnant, follow the doctor’s instructions to continue the medication and review it regularly. If you are not pregnant, stop the medication and wait for your period to come. Then communicate with your doctor about the option of transferring frozen embryos (if any) after 2-3 normal periods or starting a new cycle. (It is better to come to the clinic.) The above procedures are only approximate and are entry-level education. If you want to progress, it is recommended to visit the clinic in person to have zero contact with the doctor, face-to-face consultation and in-depth communication. Warm Tips From the first step, the whole cycle takes about 3 months. Currently, most of the fertility centers do IVF without waiting in line for an appointment. The scheduling of treatment is based on the patient’s wishes and decided after mutual communication.