Planning for a baby through IVF is an emotional and life-changing journey. If you’re considering IVF, one of the most common questions you might have is: “When should I start an IVF cycle in my menstrual calendar?” Understanding the connection between your menstrual cycle and IVF timeline can help you feel more prepared and in control during the process.
In this blog, we’ll explain the ideal time to begin your IVF cycle, break down the process in IVF, and offer insights into factors like success rates.
What should you need to understand about the menstrual cycle?
Your menstrual cycle is a natural monthly process, generally lasting 28 to 32 days. It is divided into several phases:
Menstrual Phase (Day 1 to 5): This is the first day of your period, which also marks the beginning of your IVF cycle.
Follicular Phase (Day 1 to 13): Hormones like FSH help your body mature eggs during this time.
Ovulation (Day 14): An egg is released from your ovary.
Luteal Phase (Day 15 to 28): The uterus prepares for a possible pregnancy.
The start of your IVF cycle is typically synced with Day 2 or Day 3 of your menstrual cycle. This timing helps your fertility doctor stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are crucial for IVF success. Consult the best fertility doctor in Coimbatore if you are looking for IVF treatment.
When Should You Start an IVF Cycle?
Most fertility doctors begin the IVF process between Day 2 and Day 3 of your period. This allows them to administer hormone injections to stimulate the growth of multiple follicles. The aim is to collect more eggs than the single egg your body naturally produces each month.
However, depending on your health and your fertility history, the timing may vary slightly. Some patients might start birth control pills or other medications before the actual stimulation phase begins, to regulate the cycle.
Here’s a breakdown:
Day 1: Period begins (this is your baseline).
Day 2–3: Fertility injections start to stimulate ovaries.
Day 8–12: Regular monitoring via ultrasound and blood tests.
Day 12–14: Egg retrieval is planned.
Day 15–20: Fertilization and embryo transfer.
Your fertility specialist will decide the exact timeline after reviewing your hormone levels and other test results.
What is the step-by-step IVF procedure?
Understanding the process in IVF can make the journey less overwhelming. Here’s how it typically unfolds:
1. Ovarian Stimulation
Starting around Day 2 or 3, hormone injections are given to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
2. Monitoring
Regular ultrasounds and blood tests track the growth of your follicles. Your doctor will adjust medications as needed.
3. Trigger Shot
When your follicles are ready, a hormone injection called a trigger shot is given to prepare the eggs for retrieval.
4. Egg Retrieval
This is a short procedure done under anesthesia. The eggs are collected from the ovaries.
5. Fertilization
The eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab. This results in embryos.
6. Embryo Transfer
Healthy embryos are selected and placed in your uterus. This can happen either in the same cycle or a frozen cycle.
7. Pregnancy Test
After about 10–14 days, a blood test is done to check if IVF pregnancy has occurred.
What should you expect in an IVF pregnancy?
IVF pregnancy is similar to natural pregnancy in terms of how the embryo grows in the uterus. However, IVF pregnancies may require more monitoring in the early weeks to ensure everything is progressing well.
If successful, your IVF pregnancy will be confirmed with rising hormone levels (hCG) and a follow-up scan to check for the heartbeat around 6 to 7 weeks.
Why Timing Matters in IVF?
Starting the IVF cycle at the right time in your menstrual calendar ensures that:
- The eggs retrieved are mature and ready for fertilization.
- The uterus gets ready to receive the embryo, and your hormone levels are in the right range to support a healthy pregnancy.
- Delaying the start or miscalculating the cycle can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. That’s why working closely with your fertility doctor and reporting the first day of your period (Day 1) accurately is so important.
Final Thoughts
Your menstrual calendar is more than just a monthly cycle—it’s the foundation for planning your IVF journey. Knowing when to start an IVF cycle can increase your chances of success and make the process smoother.
With a clear understanding of the process in IVF, a realistic idea of IVF treatment cost, and access to the best IVF treatment in Coimbatore, you can step into this journey with more confidence and clarity.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore fertility options or have been trying for a while, don’t hesitate to connect with the best fertility doctor in Coimbatore. They can guide you through every phase—from tracking your cycle to hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time.
