Your IVF process – from first contact to baby
Explore the key steps involved in an IVF/ICSI treatment process and learn how we guide and support you at each stage.
- Scheduling and completing an online consultation with our fertility coordinator.
- Preparing for treatment.
- Online (or in-person) medical consultation with our fertility doctor.
- Beginning the treatment process.
- Egg retrieval.
- Embryo transfer.
- Result of treatment.
Booking your consultation
The first step in the IVF process is the initial consultation.
Choose a time that suits you best in our online calendar, complete a brief fertility questionnaire, and book your first, no-obligation consultation.
After booking, you’ll receive a link for the online consultation.
Book your appointment here
Preparing for treatment
- When we have received the signed contract, we will provide you with detailed information about your chosen treatment. This includes an overview of required tests and preliminary examinations.
- You will receive a step-by-step guide outlining the next stages of the process.
- You will gain access to our secure email system for direct communication with our medical team.
- Arrange for the required tests and examinations. These can be performed at our clinic or at a test laboratory/scanning clinic near your location. We can help get the tests/scans in the UK. Send the test results to us securely via our encrypted email system.
- If you are using a sperm donor, this is the time to select a donor. If you choose a donor from one of the sperm banks we collaborate with, we will handle both the ordering and delivery for you. Alternatively, you can choose from a selection of donors available directly through our clinic.
- For egg donation treatment, you will need to select an egg donor. We will send you a code to access our egg donor catalog, where you can choose your favorite donors. If you need assistance with finding a donor, our team is happy to help.
Medical consultation
- Once all tests and preliminary scans have been performed and the results received, we will schedule a consultation where the fertility doctor will thoroughly review your medical records and explain all medical aspects of the treatment.
- The consultation can take place either in the clinic or online, depending on your preference.
- You will then receive prescriptions and your personalised treatment plan.
Starting treatment
- Treatment can begin with your next cycle start.
- If you live far away, the first two-thirds of your treatment – including hormone stimulation and scans – can be done locally with the support of the treatment plan.
- We send your prescription directly to our UK pharmacy partner, who delivers your medication securely to your home.
- Ultrasound scans can take place in a local scanning clinic. Sirkka can help you book in London. Ultrasound reports should be sent to our clinic for review by our treatment team.
- The third and final ultrasound will take place at our clinic two days before the egg retrieval (if you are using your own eggs).
- During this visit, you will also receive instructions on how to use the ovulation trigger injection, ensuring you are fully prepared for the egg retrieval day.
Egg retrieval
- If you are undergoing treatment with your own eggs, the egg retrieval will take place at our clinic.
- You will receive local anesthesia, supplemented with additional pain relief to ensure your comfort.
- All eggs will be retrieved and then fertilised in our laboratory, after which they develop for 5-6 days.
- Most patients do not experience pain during the egg retrieval, though some may feel discomfort during and after the procedure.
Transfer of the first embryo
- The first embryo transfer will either be a fresh transfer, performed after fertilisation and 5–6 days of development to the blastocyst stage in the laboratory, or a frozen embryo transfer, using thawed embryos.
- If more than one blastocyst develops, the remaining blastocysts will be frozen for future attempts or sibling treatments.
- You may opt for acupuncture treatment following the embryo transfer if desired.
Treatment outcome
- Ten days after the egg transfer, it’s finally time for your HCG test, where we measure whether pregnancy is on its way.
We understand that this last step in the IVF process can be filled with excitement and perhaps a bit of nervousness. But rest assured that we will take good care of you. - When the result is ready, we will let you know promptly and guide you on the next steps – whatever the outcome. We are here every step of the way.
- If the HCG test is positive, we will issue a pregnancy document confirming the pregnancy.
- About three weeks later, we will invite you for a heartbeat ultrasound.
Do you have questions about IVF or ICSI treatment?
Send us a message – or contact us here