Unsure About IVF? Here’s How the Process Works and What Hope Looks Like

Maya and Rick sat quietly in the doctor’s office as the word IVF came up for the first time. 

It was a lot to process, and the idea of needing medical help to conceive felt heavy, almost unfair. 

Over time, though, as they began to understand what IVF involved, they’re perspective shifted. They realized it was not the end of their hope, but a new path toward it.

If you, too, are exploring IVF or have recently learned it may be part of your fertility plan, we at King Square Fertility are here to help. 

What is IVF?

IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. It’s a treatment that helps sperm and eggs meet outside the body, in a carefully monitored lab environment. 

Once fertilization happens, one or more embryos are gently placed into your uterus, giving them the best chance to grow into a pregnancy.

You might consider IVF if you have blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation issues, low sperm count, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility. 

It’s also a common option for single parents and same-sex couples who want to grow their families. 

IVF Process Overview

The IVF process unfolds over several stages, each one bringing you closer to understanding your body and your chances of success.

Here’s what to expect: 

1. Ovarian Stimulation: You’ll take medication to help your ovaries produce multiple eggs while your doctor monitors your follicle growth through ultrasounds and blood tests.
2. Egg Retrieval: Once your follicles are ready, your eggs are collected in a short, outpatient procedure. It’s typically quick, with only mild discomfort for most people.
3. Fertilization: Your eggs are then combined with sperm in the lab, where fertilization takes place under careful observation.
4. Embryo Development: Over the next few days, the fertilized eggs grow into embryos. Your fertility team will identify the healthiest embryos for transfer.
5. Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are placed into your uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. 
6. Pregnancy Testing & Support: About two weeks after the embryo transfer, a blood test confirms whether pregnancy has occurred. 

The procedure is simple and usually painless. From there, you wait and hope and are supported at every step by your care team.

Success Rates and Factors

The success of IVF depends on several key factors, including your age, egg and sperm quality, overall health, and any underlying fertility conditions. For people under 35, the chances of success are higher, but every case is unique.

A recent report shows that over 28,000 patients received IVF treatment in Canada in 2023, leading to 10,318 ongoing pregnancies. 

These numbers represent thousands of people who, like you, turned to IVF in hope and found real possibilities for parenthood.

Your specialist will tailor your treatment, adjusting timing and medication to give you the best chance. 

And if your first cycle doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Each round provides valuable insight that can make the next one even more effective.

Your IVF Success Starts with Compassionate, Culturally Sensitive Care

At King Square Fertility, your hopes and goals are at the center of everything we do. 

Our high success rates in performing IVFs are supported by advanced lab technologies and a dedicated team focused on achieving the best outcomes for you. 

You’ll find care that feels personal and inclusive, guided by a warm, multilingual team that values emotional and cultural sensitivity. 

With in-house genetic screening options, we can further personalize treatment and help optimize results.

Talk to your doctor about a referral to our clinic, and reach out to start a plan that feels right for you.