What is the first step in the IVF procedure?

The first step in the IVF procedure is ovarian stimulation, also known as controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). During this phase, the woman undergoes hormonal treatment to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. This typically involves daily injections of fertility medications, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and sometimes luteinizing hormone (LH), over a period of 8 to 14 days. Throughout this process, the woman’s response to the medications is closely monitored through blood tests and transvaginal ultrasound scans to assess follicle growth and hormone levels. Once the follicles reach an appropriate size, a trigger injection is administered to induce final egg maturation. The timing of the trigger shot is crucial, as it determines when the eggs will be retrieved during a minor surgical procedure called oocyte retrieval. The ovarian stimulation phase sets the stage for the subsequent steps in the IVF process, including egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer.