Supporting someone through IVF: What to expect

There are different types of IVF made up of different phases

This site is based on research with patients undergoing four types of IVF cycle. Fresh transfer, Preimplantation genetic testing, Freeze All and Frozen embryo transfer.

Fresh transfer

In a Fresh transfer cycle, the phases are:

1. Day 1 - The cycle begins on the first day of menstrual bleeding.

2. Stimulation - During the stimulation phase patients take hormone injections to encourage multiple follicles to grow. During this phase blood tests and ultrasound scans are used to track follicle growth and hormone levels.

3. Egg collection - Mature eggs are collected from the ovaries via a surgical procedure guided by ultrasound. This is either performed under sedation or general anaesthetic. This step is sometimes called egg collection or oocyte retrieval.

4. Fertilisation and development - Depending on the type of treatment, eggs are either mixed with sperm (standard insemination or IVF) or injected with a single sperm (ICSI). Fertilised eggs (embryos) develop in the lab for several days (usually between 3 to 6 days).

5. Transfer - One (or very occasionally two) embryos are placed into the uterus. Any additional viable embryos are frozen at this stage in case they are needed later.

6. Waiting - After transfer there is a waiting period of 10–14 days during which the patient continues to take progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for embryo implantation.

7. Pregnancy test - After the waiting period a pregnancy test reveals whether the embryo implanted successfully.

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)

A PGT cycle follows the same phases as a fresh transfer cycle, but at the transfer stage, embryos are tested for genetic conditions before transfer to help select the best embryo for transfer.

Freeze-All cycle

All embryos are frozen after fertilisation, with no immediate transfer; embryos will be used in future frozen embryo cycles.

Frozen embryo transfer (FET)

A previously frozen embryo is thawed and transferred into the uterus.

Sometimes there are unplanned exits or plans change

IVF does not always follow a straight path and not all cycles go to plan. A cycle may be cancelled (stopped) for many medical reasons, for example, because no eggs or embryos develop, or because the transfer was not possible. Sometimes patients start with one type of cycle but then change to another type of cycle because of medical reasons. For example a fresh transfer becomes a freeze all cycle.

These outcomes can be unexpected and emotionally difficult, and patients may reach out for support.

cycles-change_plan.png

Not every type of IVF results in a pregnancy test

Some IVF treatments are used to prepare the body or gather information rather than to try for a pregnancy, and these cycles do not involve an embryo transfer. For example:

PGT cycle: Embryos are created and tested first, but only healthy embryos are kept for a future transfer.

Freeze all cycles: Eggs are collected, and embryos are made, but they are all frozen to use in a later cycle instead of being transferred straight away.

Therefore, IVF is rarely a “one and done” process, and many people go through more than one cycle before achieving a successful outcome. For those supporting someone through treatment, it can help to understand that outcomes vary across cycles.

In Australia, live birth rates in 2023 was 25% for fresh cycles and 33% for frozen embryo cycles that reached embryo transfer.

Success also builds over time rather than a single attempt. Around 4 in 10 women achieve a live birth from their first complete IVF cycle, and this increases to about 6 in 10 by the sixth cycle. When looking at longer term outcomes, up to around 8 in 10 women may eventually have a live birth after multiple cycles.

Most IVF births come from frozen embryo transfers, and single embryo transfer is now the most common approach to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.

IVF success rates

For a cycle that does involve an embryo transfer the chance of a live birth on that cycle is 25% for a fresh cycle and 33% for a frozen embryo cycle. These are the average chance of live birth and some people may have a higher or lower chance depending on their medical and fertility history.

Multiple cycles may be needed

As noted, it is common for people to go through more than one cycle. Success is not guaranteed on the first attempt. Repeated cycles can be physically, emotionally and financially demanding. However, because people are starting more cycles, the success rate is higher. For those who do the chance of live birth is 45 to 57% for three complete cycles. These are the average chance of live birth and some people may have a higher or lower chance depending on their medical and fertility history.

IVF is often described as an ‘emotional rollercoaster’

Speech Bubble Graph v2.png

People experience a mix of positive and negative emotions, sometimes even on the same day. Feelings can change rapidly between worry, hope, disappointment, and relief. Hormonal medications used during the cycle can also influence people's emotions.

Remember: Reactions may not match what you expect or what others report, and emotional reactions can change from day to day or even hour to hour.

There are four main ways you can offer support throughout the IVF process

Tangible support

Tangible support means helping with practical things, and not just those related to treatment. While it might mean driving someone to their appointments it could also be picking up some groceries for them.

“Be there for practical things as well.”

“Take things off their plate where you can.”

Informational Support

You don't need to be an expert in IVF, but it can be good to do some homework to help you understand what's involved. If you're reading this, you're already doing great!

“I didn't really know much about IVF before this.”

“Have a good understanding of what the steps are.”

Positive social interactions

Positive social interactions don't need to be focussed on treatment either. Sometimes just having someone to spend time with relaxing can offer a break from the stresses of treatment.

“Treating her just like a normal person, she's not different or there's not something wrong with her.”

Emotional support

Emotional support doesn't have to be about solving problems or ‘making someone feel better’. It's about listening well and affirming that someone's feelings are valid.

“I tried to make sure she knew she wasn't alone.”

“The worst thing you can do is not say anything.”

It can be hard knowing how to talk to someone going through IVF treatment. You want them to know you care, but you may be worried about saying the wrong thing.