Fertility Process: What Happens During IVF and How to Improve Your Chances

When people talk about the fertility process, the series of medical steps taken to help people conceive when natural methods don’t work. Also known as assisted reproductive technology, it includes everything from hormone treatments to embryo transfer. It’s not just about popping pills or getting an injection—it’s a full cycle of monitoring, timing, and sometimes, emotional heavy lifting.

The IVF cycles, the repeated attempts at in vitro fertilization to achieve pregnancy are the most common path in the fertility process. Most people need more than one try. Studies show that under 35, about 40% get pregnant after the first cycle. But after three cycles, that number jumps to nearly 70%. Age matters. So does ovarian reserve, sperm quality, and whether the uterus is ready to hold an embryo. It’s not magic. It’s biology—plus precision.

The infertility treatment, any medical intervention aimed at helping someone conceive doesn’t stop at IVF. Some people start with simpler options like ovulation tracking or IUI. Others jump straight to IVF because of blocked tubes, low sperm count, or unexplained infertility. What works for one person might not work for another. That’s why doctors don’t give one-size-fits-all plans. They look at your hormones, your history, your lifestyle—and then build a plan.

And yes, IVF success rate, the percentage of IVF cycles that lead to a live birth gets thrown around a lot. But what’s rarely said is that success isn’t just about the embryo sticking. It’s about whether the body can carry it to term. Stress, weight, sleep, even how much caffeine you drink can nudge those odds. One study from Indian clinics found that women who maintained a healthy BMI and reduced stress had 20% higher implantation rates—even with the same number of embryos transferred.

There’s a lot of noise out there—miracle diets, unproven supplements, expensive acupuncture packages. But the real levers? Timing the trigger shot right, avoiding smoking, managing blood sugar if you’re insulin resistant, and giving your body enough rest between cycles. These aren’t secrets. They’re science. And they’re the same things doctors in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore are telling their patients.

What you’ll find below are real stories and facts from people who’ve walked this path. From how many IVF cycles are typical to what actually happens inside the lab during embryo development. You’ll see what works, what doesn’t, and what no one tells you until you’re deep into the process. No fluff. No promises. Just what you need to know before you walk into that clinic.