IVF Timeline: What to Expect at Every Stage of the Journey

Embarking on IVF can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s unclear how long the process will take or what each stage involves. While every individual’s journey is different, having a clear overview of the IVF timeline, from initial consultation to pregnancy test, can help you feel more prepared and confident.

This guide reflects the most up-to-date practices at Fertility North, including confirmed information about medications, costs, emotional support, and clinical process from official clinic resources and Australian fertility standards.

Note: This guide outlines a general IVF protocol, such as the antagonist cycle. There are several types of IVF protocols, and depending on your personal circumstances, your treatment plan may involve different medications, schedules, or lengths of time tailored specifically to you.

Stage 0: Initial Consultation and Pre-Treatment Planning

Before your IVF cycle begins, you’ll meet with a fertility specialist to review your medical history, undergo fertility testing, and plan the most appropriate treatment for you. Not every consultation leads to IVF – your doctor will only recommend it if it’s suitable for your individual circumstances. You’ll also have a nurse consultation where your individual treatment plan will be explained, you’ll learn how to administer medications, and your consent paperwork will be reviewed and signed with you.

Common pre-cycle tests include:

• Hormone assessments (AMH, FSH, LH, E2, TSH)
• Infectious disease screening (annual screening requirement for all treatment)
• Semen analysis
• Detailed pelvic morphology

Some people may be advised to take oral contraceptives or hormone suppressants to prepare for their treatment cycle. Your doctor will advise you if this is required.

 

Stage 1: Ovarian Stimulation (Approx. 10–14 days)

Some cycles begin in the month prior to ovarian stimulation, with medications scheduled according to your treatment plan and your doctor’s recommendations. At your planning appointment, the nurses will let you know if you need to begin any medications or have blood tests before starting your stimulation medications.

Ovarian stimulation begins on day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle. Each day, you self-administer FSH-based medication to encourage the development of multiple follicles. At Fertility North, this stage typically lasts between 10 and 14 days, with regular blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor progress (source).

Medications & Costs

• Medication costs at Fertility North are typically $200–$300 per cycle for younger patients and may be higher for those requiring increased doses. Fertility drugs are partially covered under the PBS, requiring standard co-payments (~$30–$40 per script).

What is the goal of stimulation?

Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH) is designed to produce multiple eggs, improving your chances of retrieving mature eggs that can be fertilised. Clinics personalise dosage based on hormone levels, age, and ovarian reserve.

Monitoring and side effects

Regular monitoring ensures your ovaries are responding appropriately. In a small percentage of cases (3-5%), overstimulation can lead to Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), in which case a freeze-all cycle may be recommended. Under-response may require cycle cancellation.

 

Stage 2: Trigger Shot and Egg Retrieval (Day ~12–14)

When your follicles reach the optimal size, you’ll be advised to administer your trigger injection to finalise egg maturation. Egg collection is performed approximately 38 hours later either under light anaesthesia in a hospital setting as a day procedure, or under local anaesthetic in the clinic rooms. Your doctor and nurses will discuss which option is appropriate for you in the treatment planning stage of your cycle.

A fine ultrasound-guided needle is used to aspirate each follicle. The procedure takes about 20 minutes, and most people recover within a few hours.

Costs

• Joondalup Day Surgery charges approximately $1,500 (separate from clinic fees). Anaesthetist fees may be up to $550. Private health insurance can often cover part or all of these costs.

 

Stage 3: Fertilisation and Embryo Culture (Days 0–5/6)

Following collection, mature eggs are fertilised in the lab using IVF or ICSI. Fertility North offers both standard and advanced lab options, including EmbryoScope time-lapse incubators for continuous monitoring.

Over the next 3–6 days, the fertilised embryos are cultured, aiming to reach the blastocyst stage by Day 5 or 6. Embryo quality is assessed daily.

Optional extras

• ICSI is available at an additional $690.
• Embryo freezing costs $320 per embryo plus $350 for 12 months of storage.
• PGT-A testing is available for around $950 per embryo (including biopsy and analysis). While not routine, it may be recommended in cases of recurrent miscarriage, advanced age, or chromosomal concerns.

 

Stage 4: Embryo Transfer (Fresh or Frozen)

Embryo transfer occurs either in the same cycle (fresh) or in a subsequent cycle (frozen). The day of embryo transfer varies from Day 1 to Day 5, depending on embryo development and clinical recommendation.

Fertility North follows best-practice guidelines and prefers single embryo transfer (eSET) to reduce the risk of multiples.

The transfer procedure is similar to a Pap smear and involves inserting a catheter to place the embryo into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. No anaesthetic is required, and your partner/support person may attend the procedure.

 

Stage 5: The Two-Week Wait and Pregnancy Test

After your embryo transfer, you’ll continue progesterone support via pessaries or injections. A serum beta-hCG blood test is performed approximately 11–14 days later to determine if implantation was successful.

This is often the most emotionally challenging part of the cycle. Fertility North provides one complimentary counselling session per IVF cycle, and additional support is available on request.

 

Emotional Support Throughout IVF

Fertility North offers:

• Access to accredited fertility counsellors
• One free counselling session per IVF cycle
• Additional support after failed cycles or treatment pauses
• Wellness blog content and external mental health resources covering mindfulness and coping strategies

Support is available at any stage, and patients are encouraged to reach out before treatment even begins.

IVF Timeline Summary

Stage	Timing	Key Details
Consultations & Testing	Weeks -4 to 0	Planning, education, consent, pre-treatment testing   Some cycle types may require starting blood tests and/or medications the month prior to ovarian stimulation
Ovarian Stimulation	Days 1–14	FSH injections, monitoring via bloods and ultrasound
Trigger & Egg Collection	Days 13–16	Trigger injection, egg retrieval under anaesthetic
Fertilisation & Culture	Days 0–6 post-retrieval	IVF or ICSI, monitored in lab until Day 5/6
Embryo Transfer	Day 3 or 5 (fresh)	Ultrasound-guided transfer of embryo(s)
Pregnancy Test	Day 14 post-transfer	Blood test for beta-hCG

IVF Costs at Fertility North

Item	Approx. Cost (AUD)
Comprehensive IVF Cycle (10 or more eggs retrieved)	$9,420 (before Medicare rebates)
ICSI	+$690
Medications	$200–$300+ per cycle
Embryo freezing + 1yr storage	$670 per embryo
PGT-A testing	~$950 per embryo
Hospital admission + Anaesthetic	$1,500–$2,000

Medicare rebates apply to many services; private health insurance may cover hospital-related fees.

 

Begin Your IVF Journey With Fertility North Today

At Fertility North, we understand that IVF is more than just a medical procedure. It’s a deeply emotional and personal journey. With transparent pricing, clinical excellence, and tailored support, our team is here to help you navigate your treatment with confidence.

Explore our IVF fees or contact us today to begin your fertility journey.