What is IVF done with?

Gonadotrophins may stimulate the ovaries to develop several follicles. The eggs are collected with a guided procedure, then placed with sperm in a laboratory so fertilisation can occur. Resulting embryos are observed as they develop, and a clinician transfers a selected embryo into the uterus using a thin catheter. Some centres offer [Time-Lapse Embryo Imaging](/technology/time-lapse-embryo-imaging/) or [AI Embryo Selection](/technology/ai-embryo-selection/) as additional laboratory tools; your clinic can explain whether either is suitable.

Your clinic will give a medication calendar, monitoring appointments, and instructions for the egg collection and transfer. Keep the team updated about medicines, allergies, medical conditions, and changes in your health. Ask how injections are stored and used, what happens if a dose is late, and which activities are appropriate after procedures. The [IVF](/treatments/fertility-and-assisted-reproduction/ivf/) page gives a wider overview of the process.

Contact your fertility team promptly for increasing abdominal swelling or pain, repeated vomiting, sudden weight change, reduced urination, or breathlessness after ovarian stimulation. Seek urgent care for severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. After egg collection or embryo transfer, fever or feeling acutely unwell should also be reported.

Which medicines will I use and why? How are eggs and embryos assessed? Which optional laboratory technologies are available? What should I do if I develop pain or miss a dose?